The Breakfast Club: "More Than an Actor: Marcus Callender on Writing, Producing & Being a True Creative" | Part 2

Date: November 27, 2025
Host: Lauren LaRosa
Guest: Marcus Callender

Episode Overview

This episode of "The Breakfast Club" (guest-hosted by Lauren LaRosa for “The Latest with Lauren LaRosa”) continues the conversation with multi-hyphenate creative, Marcus Callender. Known for his roles on "Power" and "Ghost Power Book 2," Marcus discusses his evolution from actor to writer, director, producer, and playwright, focusing on his passion project: the play "Spades." The discussion dives into the inspiration, process, and mission behind "Spades," navigating the industry without traditional representation, and the importance of authentic Black storytelling in contemporary theater.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Turning Setbacks into Opportunities (03:45–07:51)

• Losing Representation During the Writer’s Strike

  • Marcus shares how his agent dropped him due to the 2024 writer's strike.
  • He reflects on how the setback forced him to focus entirely on writing and developing "Spades."
  • Notable quote:

    “It was a blessing in disguise... now I don’t have any reps... so I have no choice but to focus on this.” (05:46 – Marcus Callender)

• Industry Changes and DIY Approach

  • Discussion about the shift in the entertainment industry, with Lauren noting that building a strong, small team (manager, lawyer) can sometimes be more effective than traditional agency routes.

2. The Creative Genesis of "Spades" (07:52–09:46)

• Why Write a Play About Spades?

  • Marcus describes the inspiration: the drama, community, and “watching the game is more interesting than the game” itself.
  • He saw untapped storytelling richness in the game’s cultural role within the Black community.
  • Notable quote:

    “I feel like watching the game is more interesting than the game... There's so much drama.” (07:52 – Marcus Callender)

• Plot Overview

  • The play centers on a group of friends gathering to play Spades in Harlem, with new dynamics introduced by a newcomer to the table.
  • Characters are drawn from real people in Marcus’s life.

3. Authenticity & Representation in Theater (11:09–13:27)

• Commitment to Theater and Black Stories

  • Marcus laments the decline of theater as a Black art form, emphasizing live performance’s irreplaceable energy.
  • Notable quote:

    “Theater is becoming a lost art form in our community... let's take it back to the purest form.” (11:17 – Marcus Callender)

• Creating an Experiential Space

  • Audience engagement is key: “The audience is right there... when they toast, when they cheers, it feels like a family get together.” (13:05–13:27)

4. Character Creation: Grounded in Real Life (17:16–23:54)

• Basing Characters on Real People

  • Each character in "Spades" is inspired by someone Marcus knows—friends, ex-partners, even himself.
  • The lead character, Gil, is an openly gay Black man, something intentionally written to broaden perspectives.
  • Memorable exchange:

    Lauren: “A gay male as the lead of the play... that instantly drew me in...” (18:12)
    Marcus: “He is gay but... he doesn’t consider himself that. To him, he just likes what he likes.” (19:31)

• Challenging Audience Comfort Zones

  • Marcus aims to make theatergoers feel something—even discomfort—believing that’s part of the theatrical experience.
  • “His character may make some people uncomfortable... but that’s what we want when we go to the theater. We want to feel something.” (21:39)

5. The Play’s Cultural Touchstones (25:49–27:32)

• Authenticity in Details (Hennessy, Taylor Port)
  • Discussion on choosing culturally relevant drinks as part of the Spades night atmosphere.
  • "When you pull that Henny out, you know what time it is." (26:14 – Marcus Callender)

6. Community-Building, Legacy & Expansion (27:33–43:09)

• Legacy of Black Theater and Self-Starting

  • Marcus wants "Spades" to give people the experience that made off-Broadway and underground theater magical.
  • He calls for more Black artists to create their own work:

    "We don't have to wait on them... We can make the shit ourselves based off things we do all day long in real life.” (29:05)

• Plans for Touring and Community Engagement

  • Marcus envisions “Spades” in Black cultural hubs across the U.S. (Atlanta, Chicago, New Orleans).
  • Each city’s version would be customized, e.g., with local food, music, and social events.

• How to Support “Spades”

  • Attending in-person, spreading the word, and contributing via donations (with info via Instagram @spadestheplay and Posh app).

7. Perseverance and Defining Success (44:09–45:39)

• The Long Game in Creative Careers
  • Marcus shares his gratitude for resilience and following his calling beyond acting.
  • Notable quote:

    “Sometimes you have to put yourself out on front street... You have to bet on yourself because no one’s gonna want it more than you.” (44:56 – Marcus Callender)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Losing His Agent:

  “I knew that had to be cleared away... in order for me to really dive in.” (05:14 – Marcus Callender)

• On the Essence of Theater:

  “Remember when people were excited to see the actor spit on stage?... For me, I want to bring that essence back.” (12:46 – Marcus Callender)

• On Representation:

  “I want people to realize... we don't have to wait on them to make stuff. We can make the shit ourselves.” (29:05 – Marcus Callender)

• On Character Inspiration:

  “The character Corey is based off of an ex of mine, a couple of exes kind of in one.” (23:34 – Marcus Callender)

• On Audience Participation:

  “You get your smoke on, you get your drinks... Everything that you need to have a good time is provided.” (41:32)

• On Perseverance:

  "It's that resilience to keep going no matter what… The test is, can you make it? Are you gonna let so-and-so stop you from making it happen?” (44:21 – Marcus Callender)

Important Timestamps

• Agent Dropping & Blessing in Disguise: 04:09–07:51
• "Spades" Inspiration and Plot: 07:52–09:46
• Theatrical Experience & Audience Proximity: 11:09–13:27
• Character Nuance and Real-Life Parallels: 17:16–23:54
• Cultural Specificity (Drinks, Setting): 25:49–27:32
• Vision for Black Theater & Self-Production: 27:33–29:05
• Bringing "Spades" to Other Cities: 37:51–39:50
• How to Support (Ticket Info & Community): 40:05–43:09
• Resilience & Finding Purpose: 44:09–45:39

How to See/Support "Spades"

• Instagram: @spadestheplay (All common spelling, ticket link in bio)
• Tickets: Available via Posh app, search “Spades the Play”
• Community Call: Come see the play in NYC, spread the word, donate, and help build the movement for authentic Black theater.

Episode Tone & Final Thoughts

The conversation is open, insightful, and authentic, mirroring the energy Marcus seeks to bring back to Black theater—both joyful and unafraid to challenge. There’s palpable pride in the act of self-creation, and an inspiring call for listeners to support independent Black art, bet on themselves, and revive the communal tradition of live theater.

“If you know you have more to offer the world, you have to bet on yourself—no one's gonna want it more than you.” (44:56 – Marcus Callender)

For more: Follow Lauren LaRosa (@laurenlarosa), check out “Spades the Play” on Instagram, and don’t miss the next episode of "The Latest with Lauren LaRosa."