Thomas Meloncon is a nationally known Playwright and Poet, who lives in Houston, Texas with his wife and daughters. Thomas was born and raised in Houston’s 5th Ward; where he attended Atherton Elementary, E.O. Smith and graduated from Kashmere Gardens High School. He writes extensively about social problems affecting society. He is the author of over 30 plays and a book of poetry and is known by audiences for his hard-hitting, yet witty prose. Mr. Meloncon is often commissioned by agencies and organizations to craft a play for their specific needs. He has been an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Communications, and recently taught in the Fine Arts Department of Texas Southern University. Mr. Meloncon has also been Resident Playwright at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts from 1989 through 2002.

“The Diary of Black Men”, one of his most successful plays, appeared Off-Broadway in 1982. The success of this dynamic drama, which is still touring, drew the attention of talk show host, Phil Donahue. Thomas Meloncon, along with the cast, appeared on the Phil Donahue show December 14, 1989. “Diary” has continued its national tour, setting record attendance numbers in the United States and London, England.

Alabama State University Theater Department, under the direction of famed actress, Dr. Tonea Stewart, who recently appeared in The Rosa Parks Story on CBS, directed and produced two of Meloncon’s play; The Drums of Sweetwater in April of 2002 in Montgomery, Alabama and The Diary of Black Men at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D. C. in the spring of 2000 as part of the American College Theater Festival XXXII.

Express Children’s Theater has produced three of his children’s plays; “The Tree That Grew Human”, “Young Mandela” and “The Rainbow Celebration”.

“Whatever Happened to Black Love”, a family courtroom drama by Mr. Meloncon toured from 1998 through 1999, starring Bernadette Stannis from Good Times and Ernest Thomas from What’s Happening, TV sit coms. This play recently began a second tour in February 2003. Starring Along with Ms. Stanis, and Mr. Thomas are the lovely Ms. Freda Payne, Mr. Tommy Ford of the Martin Lawrence Show and Ms. Terry Vaughn of the Steve Harvey Show.

Main Street Theater produced in September 2002, a world premier of his most recent play “The Laws of Storms”. This dramatic piece looks into the life of one family during the aftermath of the Galveston Storm of 1900.

Among other plays written by Thomas Meloncon: “Let Yesterday Go”, “A Matter of Manhood”, “Where Were You in 65’, “Ain’t Nothing Wrong with A gizzard Sandwich”, “Before Time Runs Out”, “Our Feet Can Tell A Story”, “Johnny B. Goode”, “The Colored Section” and “The Tobacco Road”. Thomas Meloncon received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and His Master of Arts Degree in Communications from Texas Southern University. He has received numerous awards for his creativity and works on social issues including: “Outstanding Texan Award” (Field of Arts, Texas Legislative Black Caucus); “Creative Writing Award” (Houston Chapter National Association of Black Journalist); “Achievement Award” (Texas Southern University Program Council); “Bronze Medallion” (The City of Houston – for Off-Broadway Debut of “The Diary of Black Men”); “Man of the 90’s Award” (Rho Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.); “The Eagle Lifetime Commitment to Excellence Award” (Southwest Community Youth Outreach).

In addition to his plays, Mr. Meloncon has published a book of poems titled Poetry In E Minor. Another book of prose, poetry and commentary, titled Recollections is slated for publication in 2003. Some of his poetry is also featured on the new CD, Another Concept, by Calvin Owens (former trumpet soloist and musical director for B.B. King), as Meloncon raps about life and love to the music of Owen’s wailing horn. However, this is not the first time Meloncon’s poetry has been performed to jazz; for more than 25 years he has worked with Bubbha Thomas’ Jazz and Poetry Program, performing in the Houston Independent School District and just recently with Horace Alexander Young of Washington State University, in their production of Mr. Meloncon’s play Johnny B. Goode.