Leslie "Ezra" Smith is a professional spoken word artist, actor, director, event coordinator and host. Ezra has performed for various theater companies such as Kuntu Repertory Theater, New Horizon Theater, and Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater Company. In 2008, he won the best lead actor award by The African American Council of the Arts for his performance in New Horizon Theater's production of "Freeman". His first full length solo show, "The Book of Ezra" was produced at The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater Company as the opening show for it's 2014-2015 season. In 2016, he portrayed “Red Carter" as a part of the historic production of August Wilson’s “Seven Guitars”, which was produced at the late playwright’s childhood home. He was awarded the Poet of the Year award in 2010 by the Pgh. Hip Hop Awards. Mr. Smith was a member of the 2003 Pittsburgh Steel City Slam Team and competed in the National Poetry Slam. He has been a popular open mic host and coordinator of several events. Some of the venues include The August Wilson Center for African American Culture, The Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, and The Shadow Lounge. In 2010, Meeting of the Minds Publications published his first book of poetry entitled, "Journey of a Teardrop".