Che Ayende is a graduate of the prestigious SUNY Purchase Acting Conservatory.

Having spent 35 years as a professional actor with a focus primarily on the classics. He has performed Shakespeare on and off Broadway alongside Glenda Jackson, John Douglass Thompson, Richard Thomas and Daniel Craig to name a few.

Early in his career he spent several summers as an invited artist at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center. An organization devoted to the development of new plays.

This opportunity allowed him to learn from great artists such as the late Lloyd Richard’s and August Wilson. “ Thank God for the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center! That organization made me realize I am more than just an actor. I’m an artist.”

Che believes the artist must create what he has coined as “ Real time Theatre.”

“Art must be a reflection of the times we are living in. Its like driving a car. If you look into the rear view mirror too long (The past.)you will crash. One must remain present in order to continue moving forwards. Art is innately radical. It forces us to look deeper; and should provoke positive change. The entirety of oneself must be invited to the dining table. To be fully present is the greatest feat an artist can aspire to.”

The year 2001 was a pivotal moment in Ayende’s development as an artist. That is the year he began his journey as an artist/activist. He co-starred in the radical film “As an Act of Protest”. Directed by the visionary director Dennis Leroy Kangalee. This film was a head-on response to the killing of Black people by the NYPD, namely Amadou Diallo in 1999.

This film had a tremendous impact on audiences nationwide.

It was then that Che realized that artists should never separate their politics, religion, gender identity or point of view from creating. In fact, it is mandatory to imbue all you create with every facet of your being; and use your creativity for the betterment of society.