I’m a poet and performer creating a one-man show about survival, faith, and the courage to dream again, but need help staying the course in LA and seeing it through.

Always Never Dead is a one man show idea I’ve been working on, tracing my journey from child preacher to poet, actor to activist, and from silence to voice. In one act, I blend sermon, poetry, song, and protest into a bold personal narrative of survival and becoming.

After nearly three years in Los Angeles, I realized I had lost sight of my creative dreams. Recently, I made the tough decision to quit my job and fully pursue my passion, returning to the dreams and belief that defined my younger self. This is my testimony—a leap of faith, choosing my dreams over comfort and stability for the first time since childhood.

I am planning a workshop run of "Always Never Dead" for November 15 and 16. While the venue is still being finalized, I am self-funding every aspect of this production, including venue rental, set design, and production labor. I created all of the graphics and every piece of the show so far but know that I can't do everything alone.

At the same time, I need support to cover essential monthly bills—rent, utilities, and groceries—while I focus on bringing this vision to life and securing a new job. Anything is appreciated as this will help me stay in LA, share my story, and actually bring this project to life for the first time.

Website alwaysneverdeadplay.com.

About Me

I’m Durmerrick Ross, a nationally recognized poet and performer whose work blends sermon, poetry, and storytelling to explore Blackness, queerness, faith, and survival. A Texas Southern University graduate and four-time international debate champion, I’ve been featured at LACMA, DaPoetryLounge, and with the NAACP. Most recently, I worked at United Talent Agency, supporting talent whose stories shape the world.