(Columbia, SC) — Downtown Columbia is preparing to take center stage as WOW Studio One launches the inaugural WOW Studio One Theatre & Film Festival (WSOTFF), a three-day celebration of storytelling, performance, and industry access taking place April 30 – May 2, 2026, across multiple downtown venues, including Segra Park, the South Carolina State Museum, and the Columbia Music Festival Association (CMFA). Passes for ticketed events and registration for free experiences as well as additional details regarding all events and locations are now available at wsofestival.com.
Designed to spotlight emerging and established creatives, the festival will bring actors, filmmakers, playwrights, producers, entertainment executives and patrons together for a dynamic weekend of screenings, live theatre, workshops, and career-advancing opportunities.
Produced by WOW Studio One and supported in part by The City of Columbia, Experience Columbia SC, and the South Carolina Arts Commission, the festival aims to position Columbia as a growing hub for theatre and independent film in the Southeast.
“This festival is about access,” says Tangie Brickhouse-Beaty, Founder of WOW Studio One and Executive Producer of WSOTFF.
“We’re creating a space where talent meets opportunity — where artists are not only seen, but connected to the people who can help move their careers forward.”
Festival Highlights
WSOTFF will feature a range of events designed to connect artists directly with industry leaders, including:
- Curated film screenings of short films and features (Free to the public, but registration is required)
- Staged readings and theatre showcases of original works (Free to the public, but registration is required)
- Shoot Your Shot Competitions where creators present projects or their acting skills in front of respected industry professionals for feedback and cash prizes
- Audition and casting opportunities with real-time feedback
- Masterclasses and Lunch & Learn conversations
- WSOTFF Honors Ceremony – A Red Carpet Awards Ceremony celebrating excellence in theatre and film
Industry Leaders Participating
Festival attendees will have direct access to an impressive lineup of entertainment professionals including:
- Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, award-winning actor and director
- Tressa Smallwood, NAACP Award-nominated producer and CEO of Megamind Media
- Phaedra Harris, Hollywood casting director and producer
- Javon Johnson, actor, playwright, and series regular on Tyler Perry’s The Oval
- Arischa Conner, actress featured in Emmy-nominated television series
- Scott DuPont, film producer and financing strategist
- Vanessa Lynn, bestselling writer and producer
- Natarsha Garcia, elite talent manager and acting coach
- Jalene Mack, entertainment attorney and producer
- John Ewing, veteran film and theatre producer
- Comedian Akintunde, nationally touring comedian and TV writer
- Wade Sellers, award-winning documentary filmmaker
- Amy Brower, South Carolina casting professional
