Wayne M. Smith

Wayne M. Smith is a native of Memphis, TN. He is a dance and theatre artist, specialist & professor with expertise in improvisation, choreography and performance. Wayne is also a professional ensemble member of Playback Memphis where he performs, sometimes conducts or facilitates workshops throughout the Memphis community. As an independent professional dance artist & educator, he works under the auspices of his company SmithWorks, as well as teaching as a professor at the University of Memphis. He also works extensively as a dance teaching artist & choreographer with Memphis’ Company d, a dance organization for dancers with different abilities including Downs Syndrome. Plus, Wayne works regularly with the annual conference Texas Dance Improvisation Festival (TDIF) held at various institutions throughout the state of Texas. Smith holds an MFA in Dance from The Ohio State University, and a BFA in Theatre/Dance (minor Mathematics) from the University of Memphis. – Playback Memphis was founded in Memphis, TN over 10 years ago by Virginia Reed Murphy. Since it’s inception the organization has blossomed into a strong, vibrant multifaceted community based outreach & social justice company promoting healing, transformation, & joy. Playback Memphis brings many disparate communities together to share, feel, laugh, learn & listen. Playback Memphis brings true stories to life through the rich practice of Playback theatre.