Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Jones.
Morgan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Westchester, NY into a musical family during the 80s. I was a street dancer with my family being in the music industry. I choreographed dance routines and danced backup for many local artists. I went on to pursue a degree in Theatre from NC A&T State University. It was there that I found a passion for Directing. I was given opportunities by professors to Choreograph some of the plays. That experience allowed me to see my visions on stage and I fell in love with it. Upon graduating, I wanted to merge Choreography and Directing so I created FlowerChild Productions. I became a Theatre educator as well and have 16 years under my belt today.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Upon graduating from college I was rejected from grad school, as well as, professional roles because I did not have enough technique, I was either too ethnic or not ethnic enough, I was plus size. If it wasn’t one thing, it was another. So once I created my own lane for myself and other raw, non technically trained talent, I began to get booked and hired for my unique style. People began really seeing that amazing talent has passion, not just technique. I also went through a verbally abusive marriage. I went through a hidden depression, I used the arts to hide my hurt. I ended up leaving my marriage and followed the dream. I left teaching to focus on my dreams. I booked my dream job as a Choreographer, Actress, and Dancer on tour with Shelly Garrett’s Historical Beauty Shop 30 yr Anniversary tour, who passes during the tour. I went into another depression while following my dreams in which I had to live with friends, deal with a car that had broken down on the highway every other day. Those struggles and the journey made me who I am today. I had to trust the process.
FlowerChild Productions – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
FlowerChild Productions began when I started seeing the need for me to create my own opportunities. I’d found a love for Choreography and Directing and also wanted to provide a training, mentoring and employment ground for raw talent and talent who didn’t necessarily have formal training. With my degree, I used my skills to train actors, dancers, performers and book them for gigs that I was Choreographing and/ or Directing. When I was hired to Choreograph, Dance and Act in the highest grossing urban theatre production written and directed by Shelly Garrett, the Godfather of Urban Theatre, his wife and producer Mrs. Doris Garrett casted 11 of the FlowerChild Productions dancers for the tour as well. This has been our biggest and most acclaimed endeavor. Most recently I have written and directed three sold-out films (with Save the Arts Films) that star most of the FlowerChild talent and wrote and produced a Musical theatre production called Plain which sold out its debut in NC. We are now performing it here in Atlanta May 25th at the Patricia C. Vaughn Cultural Arts Center. Paris Shade’ who has been a member of FlowerChild Productions for seven years is the Choreographer for the production. She has started her own company. This is the goal of FlowerChild Productions, to push out new business owners that can keep performance art alive! What sets us apart is our eclectic and unique style. Our ability to reach an audience through our passion and enthusiasm is what keeps our clients booking our services.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My high school drama teacher, Angela Howard, saw something in me that I had no idea was there. She helped me find the passion that was hidden. Mr. Miller Lucky, my college Directing professor, allowed me to choreograph a huge production, it was then that I got a chance to put visuals together for the stage, he always challenged me to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX” and “USE YOUR IT FACTOR”, his teachings stick out in my head as I’m making creative decisions in everything I do. Mrs. Donna Bradby gave me my first solo in a play as a plus size dancer and my first professional jobs as a Choreographer. She taught and proved to me that my passion and uniqueness was valuable and would sustain in the industry if I just stayed raw and passionate. She found ways to show me how to use my talents without conforming for anyone. The late great Mr. Shelly Garrett not only Directed the biggest production of my career, he also mentored and coached in his process. Follow the dream, don’t chase it – You’re a star, he told me. I believed him because he has discovered so many amazing talents that we see working in the industry today. The people I just mentioned are still my mentors and coaches today. If it’s not words of encouragement, it’s advice about the industry, or support with my business. My mother and father are responsible for allowing me freedom to be eclectic and embraced my artistic talents as a child. They knew!!! Love them for that!
Contact Info:
- Website: Flowerchildlife.com
- Email: flowerchildcasting@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/morganflowerchild
- Facebook: Facebook.com/flowachild321
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