Today we’d like to introduce you to India Tyree.
Hi India, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Performing has always been a part of my life. I began back home in Virginia, in church, singing at the age of five under the direction my beautiful grandmother Shirley Tyree, who raised me. I also was involved in different church plays, public speaking competitions, and pageants. I feel like the big spark of my creativity was ignited by growing up in the country. I grew up on a street where everyone on that street was related! So my sisters and cousins and I had many adventures exploring the outdoors and letting our imagination GO FREE, creating games, building characters and stories, finding artistry in the woods. Literally. Went on to study theater at Old Dominion University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts. Took a summer course with New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, diving into essentials of acting, film, and voice. Then made my move to Atlanta, GA. where I did my apprenticeship with Aurora Theater.
This is the foundation of my love for art, theater, and singing. That is where it all began. That is the start of where I am today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not been smooth and has required a great deal of discipline. (which I am still working on mastering). I typically don’t like to focus on the challenges and take major note of the good. But in the business of acting, I believe you have to acknowledge the downfalls and mistakes you’ve made- in order to appreciate the art. Some struggles I have endured certainly happened, like for many, during the pandemic. Theaters shut down. Auditions at a minimum. I had four contracts lined up – all were canceled due to the weight of the pandemic. Financially this was a strain for me. I truly had to get creative and think outside the box, to survive. Taking on jobs outside my field and learning the art of producing my own material and performances in socially distanced, outdoor areas.
This led me to produce and create my own shows, one named “Black Women Millenials: Tribute to Black Women of 90’s R&B” which was selected and presented in the series of Spotlight in the DTL.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an actress, vocalist, teaching artist, and producer. I have fell in love musical theater and have been blessed to do quite a lot of it since my move to Atlanta. I have been in productions such as CINDERELLA AND FELLA (Cinderella) at the Tony Award-Winning Alliance Theatre. Also known for my portrayal of Aida in Tim Rice’s and Elton John’s AIDA. This work done at the Atlanta Lyric Theater was recognized by a Suzi- Bass Nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical. A favorite experience is sailing the Caribbean with Norwegian Creative Studios, performing as 1/2 lead singers in BURN THE FLOOR, and playing Justice in ROCK IN AGES. Truly a life-changing experience.
One work I am exceptionally proud of recently performed the one-woman Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, SONG AND DANCE (TELL ME ON A SUNDAY), at Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville GA. This was a leveling-up experience for me and shout out to my unbelievably talented dancer friends and that impeccable orchestra. After I closed this production back in Sept. ’21, I told myself, “If I can do that- vulnerably sing twenty-plus songs a day, five days a week, sometimes two times a day…I can do anything.”
I am excited for the future of my film/tv career. I am represented by People Store Agency. I have had a good year with bookings and have had some doors open for me with Tyler Perry Studios- so look out for me on BET+ 2022.
I am also excited for next year, as I have been writing an EP – to release hopefully by Fall ’22
I think what sets me apart is my versatility, energy, and spirit. I love playing roles that aren’t normally played by a woman of color. One of my main goals in this business is to help invoke change in the minds of creative leaders. To help them see, for example, that yes, a black woman can play Sandra D in Grease. I try to bring positivity with me in every room I step in. I certainly try to be selfless and always remind myself that my gift of voice is not for me, it is for God and for others. It is to be shared.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe I am a risk-taker. I believe leaving my small town and moving to a big city, full of lots of traffic like Atlanta, was taking a risk. I had only visited once. Moved not knowing ANYONE here. And now, I have a blasting career, an amazing circle of friends that I can call family, and have fallen in love with this historic community.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @indiatyree
- Facebook: facebook.com/IndiaSTyree
Image Credits
1) Blue Pattered Jacket Photo.- (Robert Mitchel Owenby Photography) 2) Green Cocktail dress. CHRISTMAS CANTEEN ’20- (Chris Bartelski) 3) Holding phone photo. SONG AND DANCE- (Casey Gardner) 4)Wide shot stage photo full cast SONG AND DANCE- (Casey Gardner) 5) Headshot – (Slingshots Photography) 6) Cecil Washington Jr. and I CHRISTMAS CANTEEN ’21- (Chris Bartelski) 7&8) Beachy dress- CHRISTMAS IN JULY – (Robyn Allen)
