Today we’d like to introduce you to Rayana Briggs.
Hi Rayana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
At the age of six, my grandmother brought me along with her to the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education in St. Louis, MO. The youth had to attend a morning class pertaining to our faith, then participate in an afternoon activity of our choice: praise dance, miming, choir, step team, band or drama. Unbeknownst to me, my grandmother placed me in the drama ministry, but it was there where I fell in love with my first script and performing for audiences. Throughout elementary school, I participated in church plays and musicals, which led to an invitation to a popular summer program for middle school artists: Tri-District Arts Consortium. It was there were I received my first training in musical theatre and showcases amongst my school community. I continued my training at Richland Northeast High School in their magnet program, Palmetto Center for the Arts, performing in two musicals each academic year, along with theatre competitions on the state and regional level. When our magnet program was recommended for the American High School Theatre Festival, we performed in London, UK and Edinburgh, Scotland. That particular fringe festival confirmed my decision to attend Winthrop University in which I received my B.A. in Theatre Performance. Upon graduation, I am now a full-time performing artist, trained as a stage/film actress, vocalist, and dancer amongst international TV networks and professional theatres located in the Carolinas.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My road was always quite smooth until theatres closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I went from working on shows back to back to nothing at all. That experience not only affected my main source of income, but ultimately my mental health because performing is truly my purpose. With my finances taking a major hit and my emotional state greatly affected, I grew weary of not performing because I didn’t have a background in film. However, I used my resources to find work and found myself in the TV/Film industry. I received opportunities from state and local production companies, then auditioned for major network roles as background. It was interesting to learn the distinct differences between theatre and film, but the similarities made my experience worthwhile. Now that theatres are open again, I am overbooked with theatre, film, TV, and commercials.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My primary expertise is in the performing arts as a trained stage actress, vocalist, and dancer. I specialize in musicals, plays, cabarets, and film. I am known for having a strong stage/screen presence and filling the stage with all the energy I have. I am most proud of my ability to connect with audiences and move a crowd the way I do. This ability is what truly sets me apart from most performers.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see myself doing everything I’m doing now, but on a larger platform. The only facet that may be different is producing work of my own, whether it’s a play, musical, album, or a production company with my own team. I foresee my career expanding my horizons in ways that launch me into entrepreneurship. No matter what direction my life may turn, as long as my steps are ordered by God, I will be satisfied.
Pricing:
- Actress in Play: $300
- Performing Artist in Musical: $300
- Actress in Film: $150/film day
- Singer at Event: $150
- Background Vocalist: $50
Contact Info:
- Email: rayanabriggs.bookings@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rayanab_
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/TheLifeofRayanaB
Image Credits
DK Turner Photography Lazy Couch Media ThaFlicksta Productions
