Ed “Tiger’’ Verdin is probably one of the loudest voices for the Arts and Arts Education in South Louisiana. He can be seen and heard promoting the Arts on television, radio and newsprint from New Orleans to Lafayette, Louisiana and everywhere South of I-10. Having served on numerous Arts Boards and Committees for many Arts groups around Acadiana (South Louisiana). Tiger, as he is lovingly called, is a veteran of the stage with over 25 years of acting and directing experience throughout Acadiana. His resume has many performances but a few notable performances are Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Brick) opposite of our own Ladaisha Bowles Webber as Maggie the Cat, November (President Charles Smith), The Odd Couple (Felix), God’s Favorite (Joe Benjamin), Misery (Paul Sheldon), To Kill a Mockingbird (Bob Ewell), Driving Miss Daisy (Boolie) and many, many more. He was recently inducted as a member into the Dramatist Guild of America in New York City and is also a member of the Playwright’s Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the Gulf Coast Playwrights in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has written, produced and starred in his first self-written play 9/11: Undying Love which competed in the Samuel French, Inc. Off Off Broadway Festival in New York and currently working with a team to further this production. His many other works include Deception, Prodigal, Club Fed, and new musical The Quarters. He also has written numerous monologues, skit comedies and poetry including co-writing and performing the annual tableau for the Krewe of Guhmboh with his best friend, Todd Buteaux. Tiger is the Executive Director of Soulful Productions, Inc and along with its Board of Directors have over 100 years of combined theatrical experience. With a mantra of "Diversity in Theatre" are ensuring that ALL have a voice and spotlight on the stage and in the community. Soulful Productions, Inc. is a non-profit traveling theatrical troupe with a focus on “Diversity in Theatre” and closing the disparity of Art in impoverished neighborhoods. Soulful Productions, Inc. began its inaugural season with Single Black Female by spotlighting female faces of color with a diverse pre-show launch celebration of the Arts. Further, they produced a Red Carpet movie premier of the New Orleans based indie film “A Quiet Storm”. While still traveling Single Black Female to sold out performances Soulful Productions recently performed a fundraising production of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues and donated 90% of its proceeds to the Chez Hope Family Violence Center. Monies raised from this production helped to buy playground equipment for children that are in domestic violence households and currently reside at the shelter. In 2017, Tiger was commissioned by the Iberia African American Historical Society to write the autobiographical play on Dr. Emma Wakefield-Palliet entitled THE FORGOTTEN HEALER. Dr. Wakefield-Palliet has just recently been given the honor as Louisiana’s first African American female physician. Dr. Wakefield-Palliet’s history was covered up/erased during Reconstruction of the Deep South. The production was performed on November 3, 2018 in New Iberia, Louisiana immediately after the dedication of the State of Louisiana’s historical marker in Dr. Wakefield-Palliet’s honor. In 2021, Tiger was an Acadiana Center for the Arts ArtSpark recipient for his new musical, THE QUARTERS MUSICAL, which aimed to tell the whole history of Slavery in the Deep South with a focus on the contributions of the enslaved from food, music, dance and clothing. THE QUARTERS MUSICAL received 10 nominations for the 2022 Broadway World Regional Awards. Best Musical, Best Ensemble Performance, Best Direction, Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Choreography, Best Costume Design, Best Music Director or Orchestration, Best Performance in a Musical, Best Supporting Performance in a Musical. Tiger currently serves on the following Boards and Committees: Tiger was just recently nominated by Mr. Clay Schexnayder, Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives and appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to the Louisiana State Arts Council Board of Directors. He is also a Board member of the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts (18 years), Co-President for Fit, Fun & Fabulous (Louisiana's First Health & Wellness Festival), St. Mary Parish Council on Aging, St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary Parish Tourist Commission. Tiger currently works in the Entertainment Division of the New Orleans Saints (5 Years) and recently promoted and is 2 years into his position as Public Relations Director for the City of Franklin and Mayor Eugene Foulcard. "I couldn't do any of what I do without the total and unselfish support of my beautiful wife, Stacey, and amazing children - Tyler, Connor, Ethan & Ryleigh! His love of mentoring children in the theatre he always tell them, "Never let anyone steal your spotlight but ALWAYS be willing to share it!" #SupportTheArts #SupportArtsEducation!