Inside The Black Box with Joe Morton & Tracey Moore

Joe Morton and Tracey Moore are putting people in the shoes of people of color who are in the entertainment industry with their new sixty minute hour long show Inside the Black Box. The show takes audience members and viewers on an emotional, mental, and spiritual journey. People leave with not only an appreciation for what others have gone through but a new pair of eyes on what the human experience is for these actors of color.

This was ten years in the making when Tracey had this idea to further the conversations being held on how race places a huge part in the industry. “ Because we do have a different journey. We don’t have the same playing field, we don’t have the same salaries nor the same budgets,” said Moore. Topics like these served as a reason for her wanting to create a platform where they can be explored and dissected more of what is happening within the community so that the world can be made aware so a shift can happen. The goal of the program is for change to be made on so many levels. Joe said, “ there is a commonality of humanity we all share and that we have to keep in mind.”

Joe and Tracey make the most dynamic duo for this television show because they come with decades of experience in acting, directing, writing, and producing. Tracey said it was a blessing to have Joey as her co-host because his acting journey crosses all genres. “As casting director, Joe is seen in the entertainment business as an actor and as a person of color. That’s really important because we don’t look at Joe as a black actor, we look at him as an actor, which allows him to be anything,” said Moore.

The statement Tracey made regarding Joe intrigued me to where I wanted to further explore how he is able to do so. “ If I’m going to audition as a lawyer I’m coming in being one and talking like one,” said Morton when I asked about a previous audition and role he mentioned. For aspiring actors of color he wants them to understand to come in as the role so you have to do the homework and be it and not your race and ethnicity. Too often are actors of color boxed into certain roles or even boxed out. Joe said, “ the director said Joe you’re talking to me like a lawyer and I said well that’s why I’m here. 

The experience above from Joe and countless other gems you will hear from guests are exactly what today’s aspiring actors of color need to hear. The conversations held also help them understand how to navigate the business where their skill and crafter are undeniable. 

“Your going to hear a multitude of experiences that could be applied to almost any vocation, job, or aspiration, but on this particular stage it has to do with artists of color”

“Without them we don’t have jobs,” said Moore. Most of the time actors show up for auditions hoping for their big break and are grateful for the opportunity to audition, but both Tracey and Joe want to remind them that they have the power. It is the actors regardless of color who are the key components for any type of film regarding big budget to indie. Tracey said when she teaches her classes she is empowering actors to know they have the power. Joe said, “ you have to advocate and not allow the business, any particular director or producer tell you what blackness means because that’s who you are.” This came up when Joe spoke about a time where he had to be assertive with a director who mentioned how black actors need to be in a certain film. Regardless of the opportunities when you know something is right, stand up for it but you have to also be able to “back it up” as Joe says like anything in life. 

The conversation which you just read is only a taste of what you will get when you watch each episode. There are also great exercises and performances so the aspiring actors can shine and show their craft. This is definitely a project that is long overdue and is really taking a fresh take on how we can have more meaningful and impactful conversations and shared moments.