Who is Thomas W. Jones, II?

Thomas W. Jones, II is an award-winning director, playwright, performer, choreographer, producer, and educator whose career in American theatre spans more than four decades.

Born in Queens, New York, Jones has built an expansive body of work as a multidisciplinary theatre artist, directing, writing, developing, and performing in more than 150 productions throughout his career. His work is distinguished by a deep commitment to storytelling, cultural legacy, music, movement, and the complexity of the Black American experience.

In 1978, Jones helped establish Jomandi Productions, which grew to become one of the nation’s significant African American theatre companies. As a founding Producing Director and artistic leader, he helped develop and champion work by Black artists while creating a platform for stories that were too often absent from the American stage.

Jones later continued that mission through VIA Theatrical and VIA International Artists, serving as a Producing Artistic Director and Executive Producer while developing, directing, and producing work for stages across the country.

His extensive body of work includes productions such as Three Sistahs, Bessie’s Blues, Two Queens, One Castle, Cool Papa’s Party, Sheddin’, Blackberry Daze, Ladies Swing the Blues, The Wizard of Hip, Every Tongue Confess, Black Pearl Sings!, Alabama Story, How Black Mothers Say I Love You, and For Peace I Rise, among many others.

Throughout his career, Jones’s work has received significant recognition, including numerous Helen Hayes Award nominations and wins, as well as honors and recognition from organizations including the NAACP and AUDELCO.

Education has remained an essential part of his artistic practice. Jones has taught, mentored, and led workshops for emerging theatre artists at universities, schools, festivals, and professional programs, sharing the creative discipline and theatrical knowledge developed throughout his career. His academic affiliations have included George Washington University, George Mason University, North Carolina State University, and the National Black Theatre Festival.

A graduate of Amherst College, where he earned his B.A. in Theatre, Jones continues to expand his work as both an artist and educator through advanced study in directing at The University of Alabama.

Whether developing a new work, reimagining an established text, working with actors in the rehearsal room, or mentoring the next generation of theatre artists, Thomas W. Jones II approaches theatre as both an artistic craft and a vehicle for cultural memory, human connection, and transformation.

Beyond the stage and rehearsal room, Thomas shares his life and love of the arts with his wife, set designer Raquel M Jackson-Jones. Together, they have built a life centered around family, creativity, storytelling, and a shared passion for theatre—each bringing their own artistic voice to the work they love.