Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Dayne.
Hi Allison, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had the immense dream of directing films and creating TV shows on stories that have shaped my worldly view. I began directing in high school at ArtsWest in Eagle, ID. My first production I directed was Shakespeare’s masterpiece Hamlet. I have always been writing slam poetry, Television show ideas, spec scripts and feature films to find my voice in this universe. I have been performing since a young age and performing stand-up to anyone who wants to listen.
Since my first production, I created a theatrical production company titled “Leading Ladies” where I put women and underrepresented communities on stage to give the proceeds to local non-profits such as the Rape Recovery Center, Domestic Violence Coalition and Suicide Hotline. I was lucky enough to speak at a Ted-X Westminster Thinks Big Event on my original theory of Comedy that I created during my time at Second City.
It may come to a surprise for Voyager’s reader but moving across the country to pursue your dreams is scary! I moved to Atlanta in 2019 after receiving my MFA in Performing Arts from SCAD and performing in Titus Andronicus at New Jersey Shakespeare Festival. In February of 2019, I was hit by a semi-truck. You read that correctly. I was placed in Shepherd Center Complex Concussion therapy. I had to re-learn how to talk, walk and function in the world. I am still in eye therapy so one day, my vision may come back fully. As my memory would relapse every two weeks, I found out my original play Unrequited was selected for Atlanta’s Fringe Festival, my production company would perform Blackbird at Alliance Theatre and I would participate in a writing residency. The art of survival is the key to an artist’s success.
I modeled all over the country and won the Atlanta Fringe Festival’s Critics Choice Award for my original play “Unrequited: A Chekhovian Collision”. Unrequited was born from a place of true heart-break. (Unrequited: Every Anton Chekhov’s brilliant plays written into a cohesive love story told by the perspective of two actors going through a break-up.)
During my first few months in Atlanta, GA I submitted for Savannah College of Art and Design’s Atelier Alumni program where I wrote a feature film entitled “Divison”. (Division: After Harper Williams discovers her God Father has been placed in a medical coma she decides to come home and face her wort fear; family.)
This writing residency that SCAD provided was how I gained my writing representation. I am now represented by Peter Giagni in Los Angeles. (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2213588/bio)
I was selected into Rob Mello’s Meisner Intensive where I wrote a modern version of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull. Rob Mello allowed me to place his brilliant actors in my production for a local showcase. I wanted to help my classmates gain representation, get their voices and faces in front of the decision-makers and of course…make a difference. Two weeks before our magical production would be seen by the world Covid-19 closed us down.
Covid-19 changed all our lives. I lost friends, family and mentors due to Covid-19. I became mentally lost. I didn’t know how to find a north star when the world grieved for lost days, lives and opportunities. It was my goal to create an opportunity for my friends and colleagues who couldn’t find their way in this business. I wrote 72 versions of my feature film Madly until I was satisfied with the words. I pitched to Savannah College of Art & Design to allow me to film in Ivy Hall and create the country’s first feature film produced by a film school. Tiffani Taylor and Paula Wallace agreed to allow my insane idea to come to fruition. I did the hard part and got green-lit…but didn’t have the financial ability to support my dream during the height of a pandemic. So what was an insane artist to do? Work. I worked nine jobs during the pandemic. I listened to Hollywood Reporter’s Podcast on actor’s stories, called in every favor I had available and prayed like never before. The universe listens to your actions. I set out for a goal to create my feature film no matter the cost.
Six months later, my friend Kali Lewis signed on as a producer, who I directed at SCAD in a production of Extremities. Miss Lewis introduced me to my Director of Photography; Antwan Flowers. Local business extraordinaire Milton McMillan donated to the production after listening to my pitch in Red Phone Booth. James Carey moved from Los Angeles after a successful career to Atlanta and signed on as Co-Director. Kyael Moss accepted the role of Assistant Director. Tiffani Taylor coordinated the location for Ivy Hall and several items of film equipment to be used during that time. Michael DeMauro and Marquita Flowers signed on as script supervisor. We filmed for three weeks in Ivy Hall, Lake Lanier, a large sound studio, Seven Stages and Actors Express. This is a true independent feature film built on the backs of Atlanta talent. My dedicated crew and cast deserve every award and spot-light coming their way.
A feature film is a modern day miracle. Everything has to align for your dream to become a reality. I had doubts. I wondered why I was working 70 hours a week and didn’t have an acting agent. It didn’t matter. I knew if I could dream it, I could do it. When I talked to people about my idea of modernizing Chekhov during the pandemic, I got a lot of questions and doubts. I knew that a story about theatre dying would be relevant today.
I knew having an LGBTQ non-binary love story demanded respect. I felt in my heart people of color have been dismissed in theatre. I knew every artist struggled with their purpose. I also accepted that laying my heart on the line for my directorial debut would hopefully help one lonely artist to know they aren’t alone.
Madly is about love, loss and accepting life can’t be perfect. Madly balances the line of tragedy and comedy. The film plays with subtext, sexual animosity and mental illness. The lead character Alex keeps asking for “new forms” and “original ideas” and “something transformative”. I am excited and humbled to prepare to release this film into the world.
It is an honor to say that we created a feature film the world must-see. As my writing agent Peter Giagni once said, “If Napoleon Dynamite can we made…anything is possible.” A comment I love since my home will always be Idaho.
The log-line for Madly –
Madly: After Alexandria Smith’s Off-Broadway premiere goes terribly wrong, they must navigate love, friendship, and the immense pressure of saving the dying art of theatre.
The Cast –
Alexandria Smith – Allison Dayne
Nina – Elizabeth Gibbs
Hunter – Collin Shepherd
Morgan – Elizabeth Howard
Irina – Lainie Smith
Sam – Kyael Moss
Peter – James Carey
Yanni – Jovan Christopher
Miss. Shade – Rebecca Shoultz
Since filming Madly, I was cast in Actors Express world premiere Hometown Boy and originated the role of Sam by Keiko Green. (https://www.artsatl.org/review-in-hometown-boy-the-unexpected-arrives-at-dysfunction-junction/)
We are currently prepping for film festivals, meeting film distribution companies and in pre-production for my TV pilot based on my misadventures in Atlanta, GA.
It is still my goal to create opportunities for artists and create a TV show that modern audiences can relate to.
Artists of today aren’t discovered. They have to discover themselves. You have to allow yourself to be vulnerable and see the brimming talent in actors and allow true collaboration to occur in theatre and film. “If you want to work on you art. Work on your life.” ~ Anton Chekhov.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? Apparently, the road less traveled is the one to take. Of course, it hasn’t been an easy road, but a road worth traveling. Antwan Flowers, Kyael Moss, Marquita Flowers and myself have been finalizing picture lock for Madly as a strong team. We are a true film family and I can’t see my future without my Atlanta family there. We filmed during the pandemic so masks, covid instruction, health and distance was always in our mind.
The obstacles have been weather, finances and emotional stability to create a jaw-dropping film. The obstacles have been logistics and time.
However, if you have a strong cast and crew the filming process is smooth. The challenges I faced while creating this film were simply getting people to understand “why” this story must be told. I saw every artist I knew lose their jobs, opportunities and livelihood during the pandemic.
All I knew is that creating jobs and opportunities for local unknown artists to get truly seen and show off their talent would help everyone get back to “a new normal”. You have to make a huge wave in the arts to get noticed. You have to break down walls and demand the best out of yourself. Audiences today are smart because of the constant content being shoved in their face. It is on you to dive deep in yourself and ask, “what is my voice?” Sometimes, the challenge is simply accepting the mountain you have to climb is your fear.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Apart of from my acting, writing and directing I love to tutor and teach. I currently tutor several children on how to become successful in this creative career. I create a personal business plan for each student, create a demo reel, write short films and help them on self-submissions.
I co-founded www.classhare.com which is an online school for children to learn how to become successful in film.
Wei Hunter and myself are currently working on a short film that will star four local child actors and be distributed in China. We offer personal classes, group sessions and international short film opportunities for any child to become an actor.
Go to www.classhare.com to learn more or if are interested in personal mentorship please go to www.allisondayne.com
I can also be reached through Instagram at @allisondayne.
What does success mean to you?
Success is knowing you have done everything in your physical power to create your dreams a reality. Success is knowing you can look at yourself in the mirror and be proud. You can’t compare yourself to others. It’s you and you alone knowing your success. I’m proud of my friends. I’m proud of myself. I’m proud of you dear reader.
Pricing:
- Private tutor – 100 an hour
- Original monologue – $50.00
- Original Scene to be filmed – $100.00
Contact Info:
- Email: alnicsmith@yahoo.com
- Website: www.allisondayne.com
- Instagram: @themadlyfilm
Image Credits:
Kenyan Andrew Jason Kamerath
