Alabama State University’s Tullibody Fine Arts Center will come alive with talent and inspiration as Verse-Villa takes center stage April 25 in the Leila Barlow Theater.
The platform, dedicated to “celebrating and putting a spotlight on local and regional talent while fostering artistic growth daily,” is set to be a transformative event for both performers and the community.
Founded by university sophomores Jalen Jones, Justin Morris and Christian Johnson, each majoring in theater arts, Verse-Villa aims to be more than just a talent showcase. It serves as a movement to uplift aspiring artists, create new opportunities, and bridge the gap between education and entertainment.
What began as a small talent showcase called “Bars” has evolved into something much greater. Jones recalls how it all started when Assistant Professor and Chair of the department of Theatre and Dance Brian Martin encouraged a student to rap during a theater event, creating a space for untapped talent to shine.
“We originally thought it was an open talent show for local artists, but it was actually for students,” Jones said. “When we arrived, Mr. Martin challenged the audience, saying, ‘Is anyone going to get onstage?’ Since no one stepped up, I jumped onstage myself—and that’s how Verse-Villa started.”
Since then, the event has expanded beyond campus, welcoming talented individuals regardless of their college enrollment status. Auditions for this year’s showcase were held Jan. 24, and out of a large pool of hopefuls, only 12 performers made the final cut.
Verse-Villa is not just about performance, it is about changing lives. The event offers participants a chance to earn scholarships and gain college admission based on their artistic abilities.
“Over time, we expanded the event so that performers didn’t necessarily have to be enrolled in college,” Morris explained. “As long as they met the requirements and took the opportunity seriously, they could participate.”
To be eligible, participants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. But beyond qualifications, the founders emphasize the importance of dedication and vision.
“This isn’t just a game; this is about building a future,” Johnson said. “We want students to understand that getting a scholarship through this program isn’t just about performing, it’s about growing and continuing their education.”
What sets Verse-Villa apart is its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The platform welcomes all forms of talent, from rap and gospel to spoken word and dance.
“The showcase embraces all forms of talent,” Jones said. “It’s not just for rappers; you can be a singer, a gospel artist—whatever your talent is, as long as it’s real and taken seriously.”
Beyond entertainment, Verse-Villa aims to tackle important societal issues that often go unaddressed. Johnson highlighted the event’s deeper purpose.
“The show will also address issues like self-esteem, abusive relationships, self-love, mental health, respect and perseverance,” he said. “We want to remind students that their voices matter and that when we come together, we can create real change.”
With its impact growing each year, Verse-Villa is poised to become a historic milestone for the university and the entire HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities) community.
“This event is going to be huge,” Morris said. “It’s going to be something people talk about for years to come.”