In 2011, the late Frederick Fitch found BTAAV and this page in its very beginning. He acknowledged and applauded my mission to write about Black theatre/entertainment history and told me with love and pride about his young son. Adding that I must add his name even at a very young age. He was right! I remember hearing the pride this man had in his young son, Frederick and I then put it together, and this profile of Niles was originally published in early 2013.
“From early on, Frederick Fitch kept his son focused.”
*{ I still writing updating about your young man, Frederick… our conversations and emails were just the beginning of what has become a fantastic career.
You did a fantastic job! ~ Dad* ~ Rest in peace, Frederick Fitch ***** } *
This Is Us star reflects on father’s guidance
“He sacrificed all that, why should I stop.”
~ THE FITCH FAMILY ~
Niles Fitch came back to his hometown of Atlanta for a reason that mirrors his role on TV. A reason that hits home for anyone who’s experienced a sudden loss.
This Is Us star Niles Fitch reflects on father in Atlanta
ARCHIVIST, EDUCATOR, HISTORIAN, and ARTiST
Dale Shields is a professor of theatre, director, and actor (Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, and Regional).
Research Accomplishments:
The 2017 winner of The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award®, 2017 and 2015 Tony® award nominee for the Excellence in Theatre Education Award, and the winner of the 2017 AUDELCO/"VIV" Special Achievement Award. In 2020 He was also awarded The Actors Fund / Encore Award
On the web, he is the archivist and historian of Iforcolor.org and Black Theatre/African American Voices [Facebook] (theatre, music, and art). He has taught classes and workshops at SUNY Potsdam, Susquehanna University, Denison University, Randolph-Macon College, Macalester College, The College of Wooster, Ohio University, Wayne State University, and the Joseph Papp Public Theatre (New York Shakespeare Festival).
Education
B.F.A. and M.F.A. degrees from Ohio University.
