Damson Chola Jr. (D.J.) is from a small town called Cleburne, Texas. He is a proud African-American, a first generation immigrant, and a prideful son of Zambia, Africa.

D.J. was not, at first, sold on the idea of acting and theatre and thought it to be “weird”. He thought, “Why would I want to play dress up and pretend in front of people?” When he decided to give theatre a try he realized that he loved it. He loved so much, he began to dream.

D.J. had trouble fitting in different clubs. He tried athletics, band, and choir, but didn’t feel a true “click” with his peers. It was not until his mother (Marjory Chola) urged him to try theatre.

One night, his father (Damson Chola Sr.) and he were watching “Remember the Titans” starring Denzel Washington. After getting through about half of the movie, his Dad paused it, and told him “Son, I see you doing this one day. The acting you are doing at school is training you to do the same. I see you acting like this man.” he pointed at Denzel Washington on the screen.  “Just keep working and keep going.” he said to me.

Later on, Plaza Academy (directed by Tina Barrus and Tabitha Ibarra) helped D.J. hone his craft and turn him into a performer. He has been given many opportunities to perform in various shows because of them.

During his final year of junior high, D.J.’s soon to be high school theatre director (Keli Price) told him of a place called Plaza Theatre. She not even being his teacher yet, but recognizing his love for the art, urged him to audition from their Plaza Academy.

After 4 years of intense training, D.J. finally understood why he loves theatre so much. Because of its healing properties.

D.J.’s younger brother (Preference Chola) was very sick between the ages 1-11 and in out of the hospital. When Preference was not in pain, D.J. would play a game his little brother called “pretend”. Anytime they would play pretend, the genuine smile and the laughter on Preference’s face would make D.J. feel warm and happy. Playing pretend seemed to have healed his little brother for a moment.

D.J. has that feeling every time he performs in front of an audience and this memory replays in his head whenever he starts to think “Why am I doing this”