When Lynn Manning, an aspiring visual artist, was shot by a stranger in a bar and blinded, he channeled his creative energy into writing and theater arts. Not one to back away from artistic challenges, Lynn Manning has created a body of work over the intervening years that has garnered critical acclaim. His autobiographical solo show, Weights, which chronicles his childhood and young adulthood in South Central Los Angeles, won three NAACP awards in 2001, including best actor. In addition to his success as a playwright, he has a long list of acting credits to his name. Committed to bringing theater arts education to underserved communities, he cofounded the Watts Village Theater Company and is president of the Firehouse Theater Company, which is dedicated to involving people with disabilities in all aspects of the performing arts. Lynn Manning won the Blind Judo World Championship in 1990, and teaches judo to blind and visually impaired adults.