Meet Shajuan ‘Desean’ Newson | Actor, Director, Writer, Song Writer, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shajuan ‘Desean’ Newson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shajuan ‘Desean’, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Dallas, Texas — a city that’s as raw and vibrant as it is tough and unrelenting. Growing up there, I wasn’t just surrounded by stories, I lived them. I saw ambition collide with struggle, dreams spark in the middle of real-life turbulence, and I learned early that you can’t just want something — you have to fight for it.

My upbringing shaped me in two ways: first, it gave me grit. I know what it feels like to work for something when the odds are stacked high, and I’m not afraid to start from scratch and build my vision piece by piece. Second, it gave me purpose. From inspiring kids in a middle school classroom to creating my own shows like Turbulent Ties and Uprise, my drive comes from knowing that my voice — my perspective — has weight.

I’m not in entertainment just to be seen. I’m here to tell stories that hit the soul, stories that pull people into the laughter, pain, and resilience I’ve known my whole life. Dallas gave me that fire — and I’m bringing it everywhere I go.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is storytelling — raw, layered, and unapologetically human. I create worlds that reflect real life, with all its chaos, humor, heartbreak, and beauty. Whether it’s Turbulent Ties or my latest project Uprise, my work blends authentic dialogue, complex characters, and emotional depth with visuals that make you feel the scene, not just watch it. I’m not interested in hollow entertainment — I want stories that stay with you after the credits roll.

What sets me apart is my approach: I don’t just write scripts, I build living, breathing environments where the actors can improvise, where the humor comes from real human quirks, and where the emotional beats hit with truth. I study the craft, but I also trust instinct — something I’ve developed through years of acting, creating skits, directing music videos, and learning hands-on from industry veterans.

I’m most proud of the fact that my projects are born from persistence, not privilege. It hasn’t been easy — far from it. I’ve faced funding challenges, projects that fell through, and countless “no’s” before a single “yes.” But I’ve learned to pivot, to keep creating with what I have, and to find people who believe in the vision enough to contribute their talent, time, and creativity.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned? Consistency beats perfection. Your vision has value even when others can’t see it yet. And the right people will show up when you keep showing up for yourself.

I want the world to know that my brand is about connection and truth. Every frame, every scene, every line is crafted to make you feel something — to reflect parts of yourself or your community that you might not often see on screen. I’m here to tell stories that matter, to give underrepresented voices space, and to prove that passion, grit, and authenticity can stand toe-to-toe with big-budget spectacle.

This isn’t just my career — it’s my purpose. And I’m only getting started.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Alright, if my best friend came to town for a week, they’d better have comfortable shoes, a good appetite, and maybe a little space in their schedule for a nap or two — because I’m not doing that “sit in the hotel and chill” kind of visit.

Day 1: We’d kick things off with some good Texas barbecue — the kind where you smell like smoked meat for the rest of the day and you’re not even mad about it. After that, we’d hit Deep Ellum for live music and a little people-watching, because Deep Ellum will always give you at least one “Did you see that?!” moment.

Day 2: Breakfast tacos. Always. Then maybe head to Klyde Warren Park for some sun and food trucks. If we’re feeling adventurous, I’d take them to an escape room so we can test the friendship early in the trip. If they crack under pressure, I know not to share my Netflix password later.

Day 3-4: We’d mix it up — maybe the Dallas Museum of Art for a bit of culture (and so we can pretend we’re fancier than we are), then swing by Bishop Arts District for shopping and some seriously good dessert. Nights would probably involve a comedy show or karaoke — because nothing bonds people like hearing me ruin a 90s R&B classic.

Day 5: We’d drive out to a nearby lake or nature trail for a little peace and balance… but not too much, because by the evening we’d be back downtown for rooftop drinks and skyline views.

Day 6: Hit up a sports game if it’s the season — Mavs, Cowboys, Stars, whoever’s playing. Even if they’re not a fan, Dallas sports energy is an experience.

Day 7: We’d wrap it up with a laid-back brunch, swap stories about the week, and plan the next trip… because if we did it right, they’ll already be trying to come back.

Dallas is full of character — it’s a mix of big-city hustle, southern comfort, and the kind of people who’ll start a conversation with you in line for coffee and somehow know your cousin by the end. That’s the vibe I’d want them to leave with — real, unfiltered, and unforgettable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Uprise is more than a project — it’s a testament to what happens when vision meets unstoppable talent. This show wouldn’t exist without a powerhouse team of creatives, thinkers, and doers who left their mark on every frame.

Tarik “Epicc” Ricketts. Kendrick “Kenny” Robison. Francois Nedd aka Fran Chize. Ronnie Lane “Professor Marlene.” Adrianna “Dri” Baldwin. Danny Del Val. D’Maric Moore. D’aron Hill. Lauren Graves. Bubba Winkelspecht. Robert “Dr. Bob” Honigsfeld. Shirley (Xuelin) Wang. Jacob Clark. Vasilis Daniilidis aka Billy D. Greco.

These aren’t just names — they’re forces of creativity. Each one brought their own fire, their own genius, and their own dedication to Uprise. Look them up. Remember them. Support them. Because when you see the heart and soul they put into this show, you’ll understand why Uprise feels alive.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desean_newson?igsh=MXdub3hqeHpqa3RvdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19YL4oAGa3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dop3ryent864

Image Credits
Special shoutout to Vasilis Daniilidis, a.k.a. Billy D. Greco — a man of many hats and even more talent. On Uprise, he wasn’t just the Sound Recording master and Boom Mic Operator; he stepped in as Key Grip, Camera Assistant, on-set Acting Coach, and even the stealthiest behind-the-scenes photographer you’ll ever meet.

Billy’s the kind of creative you want in your corner — the one who hears what others miss, sees what others overlook, and adds value to every moment on set. Those behind-the-scenes shots he snuck in? They didn’t just capture the work — they captured the heart of this project.

Billy, your dedication, versatility, and eye for the unseen didn’t just help make Uprise possible… you helped make it unforgettable.