Contributor

Curtis Shaw Child

Nashville - based filmmaker, writer and father of "Two: The Story of Roman and Nyro." Husband of Desmond Child

Born in Columbia, Missouri, the 2nd of four boys (and the daughter his mother always wanted), Curtis enjoyed a traditional, mostly happy childhood in the Midwest. Early highlights include winning first place in a local Optimist Club Oratorical contest in 1975, and placing 2nd place in the same contest the following year (because, his father noted, he had not chosen to wear a tie). In high school, Curtis developed into an accomplished musician and by his senior year transformed himself into a leading man on stage in the musicals PIPPIN and BRIGADOON. Attending the University of Missouri-Columbia on a full voice and clarinet scholarship, Curtis performed in a variety of plays and musicals, graduating in 1984 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Music Education. Shortly after graduation he earned his Equity (AEA) union card in 1985 by winning roles and performing in 'SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM' and 'A CHRISTMAS CAROL' with the Missouri Repertory Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri; a year later moving to New York City to pursue his dreams of being an Actor. After 3 1/2 years of studying voice and acting and working survival jobs, Curtis met his husband, Desmond Child in the Spring of 1989 while managing the Upper Westside Manhattan eatery, Coastal. Having celebrated 28 years together, Curtis and Desmond have brought their family story to life on screen in the documentary film, "TWO: The Story of Roman and Nyro" which chronicles the extraordinary way they met and connect with Angela Whittaker, the woman who would carry their twin sons, Roman and Nyro into the world. "TWO" is a testament to the universal power and ultimate triumph of love - that it is love that makes a family, affirming that modern families may be modern in their making, but timelessly human at their core. Between April 2013 and January of 2014, "TWO" has been screened in 15 film festivals across the USA, in Havana, Cuba - Nassau, Bahamas and Toronto, Canada, and, other than raising his twin sons Roman and Nyro over the last 15 years, "TWO" has been a creative high-point, having served as co-writer and co-producer of the film alongside director Heather Winters. www.twothedocumentary.com

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