Dedrick Weathersby of Vallejo on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dedrick Weathersby. Check out our conversation below.

Dedrick, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
“That’s a fantastic question! As the founder of Super Bad Theater Company, I’d have to say the most surprising, and truly heartwarming, thing I’ve learned about our customers and patrons is the profound depth of their desire for genuine connection and meaningful impact through art.

When I started SBTC in 2017, it was out of a necessity to tell overlooked stories and create opportunities for artists who just needed a chance. I believed there was an audience for these narratives, but the sheer enthusiasm and the way our patrons embrace productions that ‘make an impact and evoke real change’ has been incredible. They don’t just want entertainment; they crave stories that reflect life, challenge perspectives, and spark conversations long after the curtain falls.

It’s been truly surprising, in the best possible way, to see how deeply they appreciate our commitment to authenticity and to giving emerging talent a platform. That ‘yes’ we offer to artists resonates with them, because they, too, are invested in seeing diverse voices and compelling new interpretations on stage. Their engagement goes beyond ticket sales; it’s a testament to the fact that when you put purpose and passion at the forefront, audiences will respond with an equally powerful passion for impactful storytelling. It reinforces our belief that art truly imitates life, and our patrons are actively seeking that truth.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Dedrick Weathersby, an award-winning actor, producer, and author. For me, the world of theatre and storytelling is a powerful extension of my life’s work thus far. It’s all about conveying emotion and sharing stories that resonate with people on a deep, human level. I’m a firm believer that the most impactful art is the most honest art.

As a producer, I’m currently focused on “Tutti Frutti The Musical,” a full-length stage production that I had the privilege of creating and am now taking on tour. This musical tells the incredible life story of the Architect of Rock and Roll, Little Richard. We explore his journey from being discovered by Sister Rosetta Tharpe to his struggles with a divided music industry and racial barriers, all the way to his personal journey of self-discovery. This show is more than a concert; it’s a theatrical experience that uses a live band to bring the passion of Little Richard’s music to life, while also celebrating a message of freedom, artistic exploration, and the courage to be authentically yourself.

In addition to my work in music and theater, I’m the author of “How I See Myself: Short Vignettes for African American Kids.” This book is a project that is incredibly close to my heart. It’s an inspirational collection of stories designed to empower young readers to embrace their identity and love themselves. I believe it’s essential for children to see themselves reflected in positive and uplifting stories, and this book aims to wage war on the emotional battles that can come with growing up Black in America, reinforcing their ability to love themselves and to dream big. It’s a privilege to be able to use my voice not just on stage, but also through my writing, to help guide the next generation.

I’m currently immersed in a few exciting projects. I’ve just started rehearsals in a powerful new production of “Othello,” as Othello, a collaboration between Theatre Rhino and Salesforce. This project is particularly close to my heart because it allows me to explore a timeless story through a fresh, modern lens. Bringing a classic Shakespearean tragedy to life in a way that resonates with today’s audience is a challenge I’m truly passionate about.

In addition to my performance work, I’m thrilled to announce my new collaboration with Modern Tone Studios and Ensemble Schools. Through this partnership, I’m offering vocal and stage performance lessons to help aspiring artists hone their craft. It’s an incredible opportunity to work directly with students and share the techniques and insights I’ve gained throughout my career.

My commitment to youth education through Theatre extends to my Youth Creative Ethics Workshop, which is now running in three different school districts throughout Northern California. In these workshops, I guide young people to use their creativity to explore ethical questions and develop their own moral compass. It’s a privilege to help them find their voice and build the confidence to use it, both on and off the stage.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
You know, that’s a great question, and I’d have to say it was a combination of two incredible people. First, my mother, who consistently worked two jobs to make ends meet for our family. Just watching her dedication and resilience taught me the meaning of perseverance.

But when it comes to the most impactful lessons about work, that would be my late Uncle Dennis Wayne Hutchinson. He was a major male figure in my life, and I spent my summers working with him at his carpet cleaning business. It was a great way to earn money for school clothes, but what really blew my mind was seeing how his service was the most sought after in the entire Ark-La-Tex area. He wasn’t just a business owner; he was a craftsman whose work spoke for itself. He had a reputation for quality and honesty, and people trusted him completely.

I’ll never forget what he told me. He used to say, “Never be scared of hard work, Ded.” He called me “Ded.” He taught me so much more than just the business, though. He taught me how to drive, how to ride four-wheelers and horses—skills that I still use today as a 35-year-old man and a father. He taught me the value of being a man of your word, and that true success isn’t just about money; it’s about the respect you earn through the quality of your work and the character you show. Those lessons are at the core of everything I do, whether I’m on a stage, in a recording studio, or mentoring young people.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wound of my life has been dealing with the misconceptions and the noise that comes from people who don’t truly know me. In the public eye, you’re often labeled an “enigma” or a mystery because you choose to keep a tight circle. For me, that’s not about being exclusive; it’s about being strategic. Information is currency, and in the wrong hands, it can be a dangerous tool used to create misinformation and flat-out lies that can damage a career and a reputation.

I’ve had to learn to build a thick skin and trust my own path. I heal this wound by living by the personal motto: “To know me is to know it.” This isn’t about arrogance; it’s about living a life so consistently aligned with my purpose that the truth of who I am becomes undeniable to those who matter. I don’t feel the need to argue with those on the sidelines. Instead, I choose joy, grace, and peace. I know why God placed me on this earth, and I focus on that purpose.

My daily affirmations from my book, “How I See Myself,” play a crucial role in this process. By actively reinforcing a positive self-image, I can filter out the negative perceptions and focus on what’s real. My intentions are clear: to be a man of integrity, to create art that will impact my community, and to create jobs for many artists and collaborators. When you’re focused on that mission, the outside noise becomes just that—noise. The healing comes from knowing your worth, staying true to your values, and letting your actions speak for themselves.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
That’s an insightful question. I would say the public version of me is a part of the real me, but not the complete picture. The part you see—my artivism and my work to keep Black stories alive on stage—is a genuine reflection of my heart and purpose. My philanthropic efforts are directly connected to my past. I’m a giver by nature because I remember what it was like for my family and me to stand in food pantry lines and rental assistance queues. Those experiences shaped my perspective, and they’re why I donate my time and resources to various organizations and kid drives today. That part of me is completely real and transparent.

However, I don’t feel the need to give everything to the public. I’m a firm believer in keeping certain things for myself. I have nothing to prove. My happiness isn’t dependent on public validation; it comes from what I see daily in my own life. If I’m not happy, I put in the work, using tools from therapy to address what’s going on internally. So, while my public persona reflects my artistic and humanitarian missions, the full me, the man who prioritizes his family, peace and happiness away from the spotlight-remains private.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people tell a story about a man who was unafraid to be himself and who used his life as a platform for service. I want them to say that I was a man of integrity—someone whose actions were always aligned with his values.

I hope they remember that I was an artist who wasn’t just in it for the fame or accolades, but for the purpose of telling stories that needed to be heard, especially Black stories that have been overlooked. Whether through music, acting, or my writing, I wanted to create art that had a real impact on the community.

Most importantly, I hope they say I was a man who never forgot where he came from. The memories of my family and I standing in those pantry lines are a part of my story, and they’re what fuel my drive to give back. I want people to remember me as a person who turned his own struggles into a source of strength and who used his resources to create jobs and opportunities for others. I hope they tell a story of a man who chose joy, grace, and peace, and whose legacy is one of compassion and empowerment for the next generation.

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