"The Only Obstacle Was Me": How Nerissa Williams Scott Stopped Waiting for Permission and Started Making History

The lights of a theater do more than just illuminate a stage; for Nerissa Williams Scott, they serve as a beacon, a calling, and a bridge between generations. As the CEO and Lead Creative Producer of TCGT Entertainment (That Child Got Talent), Nerissa isn't just making movies or staging plays—she is curating the soul of a community. Based in the heart of Boston and reaching across to Lufkin, Texas, her work is a masterclass in how to turn personal passion into a workforce of change.

Nerissa’s journey is one of deep-rooted resilience, a trait she carries like an heirloom. With a career spanning over thirty years, she has moved from the center-stage spotlight to the intricate world behind the scenes, earning her place as a powerhouse producer and educator. Whether she is teaching at Emerson College or leading a multi-million dollar immersive media project, her mission remains the same: to ensure that the stories of her culture are not just told, but preserved. Her latest endeavor, Echoes of Liberty, is a testament to this, using cutting-edge Augmented Reality to breathe life into the forgotten Black heroes of the American Revolution.

In this exclusive interview, Nerissa opens up about the "distractions" that shaped her, the mentors who saw her light before she did, and the unwavering belief that we are all meant to succeed—on our own terms.

What originally inspired you to start this journey, and how does it feel to see your vision coming to life today?

I started this journey so long ago that I am not sure I remember why I started to begin with. I remember being a little girl enamored with the stage and all the people on it. The lights, the sounds, the smells of being in the theatre really excited me and I suppose I have been chasing that feeling all my life. I started on the stage and quickly made my way behind the stage and onto TV shows and Films.

Along the way, I picked up some teaching skills—as it runs in my family—and now I have been able to combine my love for storytelling into a bridge for young people to learn. For them to become a driving force in workforce development and professional acumen, simply while being themselves. I love, love, love seeing those I have taught and continue to teach thrive! It does my heart good to hear their stories of accomplishment and completion. I feel like I have had a hand in helping them achieve their dreams.

Every path has its hurdles—what’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far, and how did you push through it?

The only obstacle has been me. All other distractions have taken my attention away from what God has placed me here on this earth to do. I admit I had a bunch of fun and a bunch of heartache following those distractions. Had I not taken this road, however, I would not be the person I am today. I wouldn't change what I have experienced for the world. I may have made the blows a bit softer, but I have a hard head... or so my mom says!

My mother raised us to remember that we are a resilient family. She reminded us as we grew that our ancestors were packed into the belly of ships to make it to this America, and we should remember their sacrifice so that we might live the best quality of life possible. We are meant to succeed and what that looks like is up to us to determine... no one else. What we see is not always what is real and what is real is not always seen.

For those just discovering your work, what is the main message or feeling you want them to take away from what you do?

I would say to them, "Remember who you are, and whose you are!" Remember your foundation, even if it was shaky; you are here still and much more is awaiting you. History of our culture is necessary to make sure we are not erased or forgotten. Honor your elders so that your days may be long. Be sure to read and watch the mediums that are present to preserve the history so that you can and will teach those younger than you one day. Contrary to what a bunch of people believe, it's not always about you, but it is about what you are meant to do!

Looking at your recent projects, is there a specific moment or achievement that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of Echoes of Liberty. I approached Blair Underwood and asked him to work with me to produce a form of installation media that sings to my heart. Augmented Reality is by far one of the most amazing forms of installation I have ever had the pleasure to Produce, Direct, and Write. I am over the moon with this technology and am happy to continue this journey!

Who are some of the people or experiences that have had the biggest influence on your career and personal growth?

My mom, Dr. Guessippina Bonner, Esq., has shaped and molded me to be as upstanding as I can be and to remember the family from which I have come. My Godmother, Iona Morris Jackson, has had such a profound influence on my career and my personal growth as a Black woman in this industry. She picked me up when I was down and dusted me off.

Blair Underwood has been a force in reminding me that I can be creative on my own and don't have to wait for someone to give me permission. My husband, Algernon Scott, has given me the stability that I didn't even know I needed. He has shown me a love that transcends time. I am so very grateful to God for him in my life.

I have had colleagues and teachers who have seen in me things I never saw in myself, and when they told me what they saw, I believed them. Jan Roberts-Breslin at Emerson College saw me in a way that made me want to reach the goal she believed I could achieve. She is a damn good teacher. Brenna McCormick, Director of the BCE Program at Emerson, showed me just how much of a teacher I could be by providing me avenues of recognizing the student in us all. Daniel Callahan, who is a creative partner in the one-man show, Come On In Live, with me. He and I have transcended creativity to bring to the stage a masterful work of art that speaks to the mental light, accolades, and trauma of being a Black man in America.

I could go on and on, but these are those that stand out the fullest! Lights that have shined on me: Debbie Allen, Whoopi Goldberg, Jenifer Lewis, Tamara Tunie, George & Lynn Luse, Cherie Craft, Mariann Aalda, Phyllis Bailey-Brooks, Carole Butler, Monique Fennoy, Penny Jerald, Dawnn Lewis, LaNetric Johnson, and so many more!

What’s next on the horizon? Are there any upcoming goals or "bucket list" projects you’re excited to tackle?

The goals are to take Echoes of Liberty even further and spread it all over the country! I also want to start a farm... we shall see!

The Legacy in the Making

Nerissa Williams Scott is a reminder that the most powerful stories aren't just the ones we watch on screen; they are the ones we live out through our service to others. Through TCGT Entertainment, she has built more than a production house; she has created a sanctuary for emerging talent and a vault for cultural history. By integrating advanced tech like AR with the timeless oral traditions of her ancestors, she is ensuring that names like Prince Hall and Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman are never erased from the American narrative.

As she looks toward the future—one that might include both national tours and the quiet rows of a farm—Nerissa remains anchored by her faith and her family. Her story is a call to action for anyone waiting for "permission" to be great. She didn't wait; she built the bridge herself. And in doing so, she has made sure that the path is wide enough for everyone she teaches to walk right alongside her.

To see Nerissa’s work in action or to learn more about the immersive world of Echoes of Liberty, visit TCGT Entertainment. One thing is certain: whatever Nerissa touches next will be done with the resilience of a woman who knows exactly who she is, and more importantly, whose she is.