Dr. Cathy L. Howard: Championing Diversity in Entertainment

Atlanta Wire Staff

Dr. Cathy L. Howard, founder of aCHANGE Universe Studios, embodies the belief that ordinary people often possess extraordinary talents waiting to be discovered. From her early years in East St. Louis, Illinois, where she encountered legends like Tina Turner, to her present-day work in Atlanta, Dr. Cathy has lived a life steeped in the arts. Her journey speaks to resilience, faith, and a commitment to nurturing untapped talent across the entertainment industry. Today, aCHANGE Universe Studios stands as a reputable entertainment empire, offering a platform for dreamers of all backgrounds to bring their talents to television, stage, and beyond.

Building a Vision from Personal Experience

Dr. Cathy’s early life is marked by close connections to the entertainment industry, fostering her own dream of acting. Growing up in a neighborhood alive with musical and cultural legends, including gospel singer Brother Joe May and the iconic Tina Turner, she was surrounded by creative energy. Her mother’s role as a local hairstylist, often working with Turner, brought Dr. Cathy face-to-face with greatness, fueling her own aspirations in the arts. Later, she would cross paths with filmmaker Reginald Hudlin, whose successes in Hollywood only strengthened her desire to build her own path in entertainment. These connections profoundly influenced her, sparking a vision to one day cultivate the talents of others in a meaningful way.

As a young adult, Dr. Cathy pursued acting but quickly recognized that her dreams would be limited without the right education and support. She persisted, completing her high school diploma at twenty, a milestone that affirmed her belief that “All Things Are Possible.” This motto would carry her through personal trials, from overcoming setbacks to raising her son with the values of the performing arts, which later inspired her to work with local youth through theater. Her stage plays, such as All I Need and Issues addressed real-life challenges and drew the attention of community organizations, establishing her as a force for change in her community.

Dr. Cathy L. Howard: Championing Diversity in Entertainment

aCHANGE Universe Studios: A Platform for Unheard Talents

Dr. Cathy’s life took a transformative turn in 2011 when she moved to Atlanta, inspired by the booming entertainment scene in Georgia, including Tyler Perry Studios. There, she noticed many aspiring actors’ challenges due to limited training opportunities. Determined to bridge this gap, Dr. Cathy launched aCHANGE Universe Studios. The studio’s name reflects her commitment to fostering meaningful change in the entertainment world by discovering and uplifting “ordinary people with extraordinary talents.” At aCHANGE Universe Studios, Dr. Cathy is focused on providing opportunities to individuals who may otherwise remain unheard, offering rigorous training and development to help them succeed on stage and screen.

The studio quickly expanded into a multifaceted powerhouse encompassing motion pictures, music labels, television production, and digital TV networks. Among its prominent platforms are TACTV, POCKO Channel, and the aCHANGE Broadcast Network. These channels serve as gateways for emerging talents, bringing them into the spotlight. Beyond television, aCHANGE Universe Studios includes entities like Autumn Tytus Arts & Production Studios, PCAS University, TM Star Entertainment, and Open Door Entertainment Studios. Each provides essential resources, from casting and production to talent training and distribution, creating an inclusive environment where creativity can thrive.

At the heart of CHANGE Universe Studios is PCAS University, a Character Development University. The university offers comprehensive training programs in acting, singing, dancing, and more. The university’s unique curriculum includes the Character Development Kit, designed to empower students in every facet of performing arts. Through this innovative educational initiative, Dr. Cathy’s mission to build future leaders in the entertainment industry takes on a concrete form, giving students the skills and confidence needed to transform their passions into successful careers.

Embracing the Power of Resilience and Community

Dr. Cathy’s journey has not been without challenges. At one point, with only $50 to her name, she turned to faith for guidance, ultimately developing an acting curriculum that she describes as a “military-style boot camp.” This intense training program, known as “Pressure Cooker with Ms. Cathy,” pushes aspiring actors to refine their craft through discipline and dedication. Her approach began humbly, with just one student in her small apartment, but her vision remained grand: she saw millions of people fulfilling their dreams through her teachings.

The COVID-19 pandemic became a pivotal moment for Dr. Cathy. Reflecting on the many unfulfilled dreams she had witnessed, she committed herself anew to helping talents achieve their aspirations. Through aCHANGE Universe Studios, she supports dreamers and contributes to social change, offering programs that empower youth, strengthen families, and revitalize communities.

aCHANGE Universe Studios is more than a studio; it is a movement that prioritizes diversity, innovation, and inclusion in the arts. Dr. Cathy envisions her studio as a platform for unheard voices, providing Apostolic leaders with opportunities to preach through dramatic interpretation and storytelling. This commitment to diversity is central to her work, as she continually seeks to uplift and celebrate talents from all walks of life.

Upcoming projects like the Race to Stardom competition series and the Pressure Cooker with Dr. Cathy television show exemplify Dr. Cathy’s dedication to discovering and nurturing talent. Additionally, the studio is preparing for the release of aCHANGE World, a film written, directed, and produced by Dr. Cathy herself, which will further spotlight the extraordinary talents she is so passionate about.

Creating a Legacy of Opportunity

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Cathy L. Howard

Through aCHANGE Universe Studios, Dr. Cathy L. Howard has created a legacy that inspires others to reach for their dreams. Her own life story is a testament to the “Power of Not Letting Go,” showing how perseverance, faith, and a commitment to one’s vision can lead to extraordinary outcomes. By nurturing talent and promoting diversity, aCHANGE Universe Studios is transforming the entertainment industry and providing a stage for ordinary people with extraordinary gifts.

As Dr. Cathy continues leading this visionary studio, she offers hope and empowerment to dreamers everywhere. For those who have longed for a chance to shine, aCHANGE Universe Studios stands as a symbol of possibility, ready to guide them on their journey to greatness.

For more information, visit:

www.acunistudios.com