Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Webb.
Kimberly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been involved with performance and the arts since I was a little girl. I spent the early part of my life in Delaware. My mother enrolled me in acting and modeling classes when I was two years old. I auditioned and was accepted into Freedom Theatre. I remember doing a monologue for the audition. I don’t remember all the words but I do recall it being very animated and having lots of onomatopoeia.
My mom loves the arts and would often go to see plays. She saw my outgoing personality and wanted to give me a way to express myself. She often tells me stories of being in stores and me walking down the aisles with her speaking to everyone, “Hi, hi there!” Side note: I still talk to strangers in stores. Lol! My gift of gab landed me on the cover of “Spotlight Magazine.” From there, I started booking modeling gigs and I entered the pageant world. We traveled to New York, Maryland, Vermont and Connecticut. I won a few titles including, “Little Miss Gallery of Models.” I was small for my age but would put my hand on my little hip and strut! So yeah, the first few years of my life were full of adventure.
During my pre-teen years, we moved to Florida and things slowed down for me a bit creatively. That is until I started writing for my school newspaper and became a dedicated reporter. My very first story was about a field trip to the skating rink. I was so proud to see something that I wrote in print. I continued writing in high school where I wrote editorial stories and feature pieces on people at school. I also participated in the NAACP’s
ACT-SO competition and went on to win first place statewide in drama for a monologue I did from August Wilson’s “Fences.”
In college at USF, I decided to combine being in front of the camera with my love for reporting so I focused on journalism. After graduation, I remember working four jobs at one time, thankfully, one of them satisfied my creative desires. I was hired as a writer/associate producer for a television news station which eventually became full time. On the side, I worked as a freelance reporter for a couple of local (Tampa) entertainment shows.
After leaving television news, I became a promotional model/spokesperson. During this time, I was also helping out at my friend’s dance studio and began learning, salsa, bachata, and belly dance. I became a part of the studio’s belly dance troupe. I auditioned for Busch Gardens and became one of the theme park’s “Duma Dancers” for a season while simultaneously teaching a beginner belly dance class, which I fused with one of my other passions, fitness.
Around this time, I did a comedy skit for a friend’s talk show and started spending more time with my first love, acting. I went on to do short and feature films, TV, commercials, and eventually became heavily involved in the theatre world. I even went on an east coast tour with a traveling theatre company. Some of my regional theatre credits include Alberta in “The Sty of the Blind Pig” (Banyan Theatre Company), Annelle in “Steel Magnolias” (American Stage,) LeBeau/Hymen in “As You Like It” (St. Petersburg Shakespeare Festival), Mother Teresa/Gloria in Stephen Adly Guirguis’ play “The Last Day Of Judas Iscariot” (The Space at 1206 Theatre), Charlotte/Fern in “Charlotte’s Web” (American Stage), and Lois in “Saul’s Juke Joint” (Atlanta Black Theatre Festival).
I wanted to live in the Atlanta area for a long time and with so many opportunities in film and television, I think it’s the perfect place for me to achieve my next level goals.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth? As in easy? As in without great effort or difficulty? Absolutely, not! The road of an actor or artist is not for the weak even though sometimes you feel like you are. It’s full of, rejection, no’s, and not now’s. You seriously have to not only love it but be in love with it. Being in love makes you keep pursuing it and yearn for an opportunity to feel that thing, the flutters of euphoria, satisfaction, and achievement. I’ve heard more no’s than yes’s. I’ve cried and I mean ugly-cried over acting. I’ve questioned myself and my abilities. And I’ve quit this industry many times, well mentally, and only for like a day or so, lol, but passion brings me back. That and self pep talks and the love and support of family and friends. My advice to others is don’t give up, be a cheerleader for yourself, find someone whose work you respect to give you honest and constructive criticism, work hard but at the same time be gentle with yourself. I’ve sacrificed so much but I’ve also gained a lot. Acting can be an elixir for many things as it has the ability to heal and transform, to teach, to empower, and to entertain for both the performer and the audience. And even though the road has been anything but smooth, I consider it a blessing every time I have the opportunity to deliver the tonic.
Please tell us about your work.
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow as an artist and being the best organic, believable, and grounded storyteller I can be. I consider myself a constant work in progress and believe that you should never stop learning. Whether, it’s a class, workshop, an audition, reading a play at home, or watching a show or movie these are all opportunities to grow.
I love monologues! I enjoy adding new ones to my repertoire which I’ve done a few times this year and recorded them. When I’m not a part of a production, I challenge myself to learn material for my own personal development. I also love comedy, especially stand up and have been listening to it since I was a kid. I believe laughter is good for the soul and I treat myself and those around me to doses of silliness on a regular basis. I like to surround myself with positivity. I feel like I’m allergic to negativity. It’s contagious and stunts my growth. I try to encourage others to encourage themselves. I enjoy motivational writing and have written a column in the past, and in the future will share some more of my work.
Also, I want to say that my mother has always been my biggest supporter! She’s an awesome, loving, caring woman, and my role model. The foundation she laid for me and the unconditional love she gives has made a defining impact on my life.
I have huge plans! My major plan is to continue to do the work and stay ready. I believe preparation and timing are the perfect pair. We have many opportunities to be successful. Like an athlete preparing for a marathon, you must train and push through to get stronger and endure. If you have a setback, learn from it, come back, and you will win your own personal race. I’m winning and instead of focusing on the finish line I’m enjoying my journey. I will get to where I want to go because I say I will. #ThePowerOfTheTongue
Contact Info:
- Email: iamkimberlywebb@gmail.com
- Instagram: @iamkimberlywebb
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamkimberlywebb
- Twitter: @iamkimberlywebb
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