We’re Taking the Stage: WATZS Productions Announces “XO” – Our First Original Stage Play

WATZS is Taking the Stage.

There are moments in a company’s journey that mark more than growth—they signal expansion, evolution, and intention. This is one of those moments.

WATZS Productions is proud to announce our first original live theatrical production:

“XO” — written and directed by Kachelle Zachery and executive produced by Kalisha Zachery.

For years, WATZS has built its foundation through powerful visual storytelling—most notably with Frame of Reference, now streaming on Roku, Tubi, and Prime Video. That work established our voice. It defined our commitment to telling stories that are thoughtful, culturally grounded, and reflective of real human experiences.

Now, we are taking that same commitment from the screen to the stage.

XO is a cinematic stage play rooted in courage, friendship, and the power of choosing possibility. It follows Naomi Bennett, a woman navigating the weight of survival, family expectations, and deferred dreams, who takes a bold leap that changes everything. What unfolds is a story about identity, love, class, and the quiet but powerful decision to want more for your life.

This production represents more than a new format—it is a strategic and creative expansion of the WATZS vision. As a Black women-led media company, WATZS is intentional about building spaces where stories are not only told, but felt. Theater allows us to bring audiences into that experience in real time, in a way that is immediate, intimate, and unforgettable.

XO will premiere February 20–21, 2027 in Dallas, Texas.

Casting is now underway as we begin assembling a dynamic and disciplined talent team that aligns with the heart of this story and the values of WATZS Productions. Submissions close June 11, 2026 - APPLY TODAY. 

One that moves beyond what we’ve done—and into what’s possible.

We’re building something meaningful. And we’re just getting started.