Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Wallace.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Ever since I was a young boy, performing has been in my soul. It’s all I know how to do. Acting is my first love! My first role was at my church in a musical called “Father Knows Best” where I played the lead. It changed my life forever at the age of 8. I started doing drag in 2013 @ Georgia State. It wasn’t cute at first, but I made it work. Santana Manhattan has always been able to put on a great show, we are just now working on the aesthetic being fully what it needs to be. I’ve performed at Midtown Moon and Felix’s and won a few talent nights. It’s always been such a joy to be someone new for a night and live out this other side of myself. Being on a podcast and doing YouTube was always a dream. It means the world to me to be able to freely express myself. Say what I want, how I feel, and control the narrative in my own life. All these aspects of entertainment have been a blessing to me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It most definitely has not been smooth. Coming out as gay at the age of 12 was already a struggle. Not being into sports or cars, like my brother was, didn’t fly over well with everyone. All of my family and I may not see eye to eye, but we love each other and they have always supported me. As an actor, you start off small and work your way to the top. I have done a lot of college theatre, for free, but it was so artistically fulfilling. I’ve done a few projects with Lightstream Productions and though, we are all in the beginning stages, they take good care of the people who support them!
I am now in a show called ‘Black Matter’ written and directed by Aubrey Simone Williams, and this show is everything. We’ve traveled and have been blessed to be shown our gifts all over. YouTube and the podcast (The Panel ATL) are not bringing in the money, but I love the platforms and the people I am blessed to spend time with while creating this content. Being my drag persona, Santana Manhattan is the most lucrative of the bunch, but still not making much. It’s hard to want to continue when you have to be an adult and need money to make it, but I have a passion for these things and I’m not giving up…. at all.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As an actor, I love anything comedic or drama related. I did a scary movie last year called ‘The Lost Girl’ and it was amazing! LightStream Productions was great to work with and gave us a script that was truly wonderful. As a drag queen, I am most proud of my growth. I’ve been doing this off and on for six years and I think I’m just now getting to a strong place as a performer. Soon, I will be so much than I have been and take me to the next level. The podcast keeps getting better! The Panel ATL is a great team and such a blessing. We work together well, we have so much fun, and we talk about what we can do better in life, along with the fun we are willing to enjoy.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is feeling good about the work that you have created. Yes, money, recognition, all of that is just as amazing, but when I finish a video, an episode, a show or a play/movie….. I feel accomplished. As an entertainer, I am my work. And if I’m proud of it, then it’s successful to me and I must share it with the world.
Contact Info:
- Email: brandondwallace21@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_brandons.universe
- Facebook: @santanamanhattan
- Twitter: @_b_universe
Image Credit:
Some of the photos were taken by Lightstream Productions
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