Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven McCree.
Hi Raven, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Montgomery County Maryland, right on the Outskirts of Washington DC. I started dancing at the age of two at Miss Chianti’s Dance School of Maryland and naturally knew I wanted to be a performer. When I was younger, I would always try and react to scenes or create my own. My biggest inspiration of course, was Raven Symone, I loved watching Kyla Pratt, Keke Palmer, and Tyler Perry Movies. Growing up in Montgomery County taught me a lot. It wasn’t until I moved away when I discovered that the city I grew up in was one of the most diverse cities in America and I think that’s a huge part of who I am today. I was never shy growing up and I was able to learn about different cultures and different people’s experiences in this country. Hearing the stories that people went through, people’s parents went through and even comparing it to what my family history that lies within this country taught me so much and how to be open minded.
It also showed me that even though we are all different in many ways, we all have similar stories and shared experiences that we’ve gone through. In middle school, I danced competitively but I also remember doing the showcase called Old School; we would get into a band and perform songs that were oldie but goodies of all different genres and that was something new for me. I learned how to play the electric guitar was performing in front of my peers and family and I just realized that there’s absolutely no better feeling than being on the stage and making people smile. This is what gravitated me to the Arts, in general, I just feel like it’s the perfect way to show how you feel at the time or how to express an experience you went through or a way to get your mind off things that are happening in your life. I always felt like dancing and performing in theatre was a way to take my mind off things and get to know other people and it’s just always been so much fun to me to practice and work at something you’re truly passionate about. With Theatre, dance, and performing, we all have one goal making the show great and it’s so fun hearing and seeing everybody’s creativity that brings us to this amazing showcase.
Overall I just love the way people are able to escape reality and that’s what got me into film and television. After graduating from the University of Central Florida, I knew that I had to go after my dream so when I was able to I grabbed all the things that I came to Atlanta Georgia so that I could pursue my dreams in the film industry. So far it’s been a great experience, I’ve been able to meet many different people that are in the industry and I’ve been able to be a featured background in music videos, feature films, and television shows. I’ve done Print Modeling ever since I’ve been in college so I’ve also been keeping that up to and whewww the talent and collaboration opportunities that are here in ATL are just so amazing. I’ve been able to work as a Stand In on one of my favorite Marvel movies and worked with Actresses and Actors I’ve looked up to my entire life. I’ve only been out here for a few months and I’ve been able to have opportunities so I’m just incredibly grateful to God and I’m hoping to continue the grow in any way he sees best fit for me. I am forever a Student and I love learning new things, techniques and honestly just learning about other people. I feel like the more you learn about other people, the better we can become as humans and really make a positive impact on others’ lives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely there are struggles and challenges, as an Actress, I’ve always had to keep in mind that everything takes time. I just might not have the look the casting wants or I might not be what they are looking for at the time but you have to be able to stay motivated and to give your 110% each time. I also have keep in mind that nothing comes without hard work. I try to make sure every single day even if it’s my “rest day” I’m doing something that’s toward my goal.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an actress, I do many things in the Arts. I model, I act, I dance, I love doing scenes for Drama and Romantic Comedy. Improv is very fun for me as well, I’m definitely known for a bit of my comedic ways on TikTok and dance challenges/reenactments. I’m most proud of some of my live performances. The first time I ever performed a monologue in a Pageant I won Best Talent, and for me after that I just knew that this was what I loved to do and it was something that I was good at. I think what sets me apart from others is that I truly soak everything in like a sponge and I’m always ready to keep going at it until it’s perfect. I also always have a good time in everything I do. Literally everything. I’m someone that loves to keep busy and help in any way possible.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is doing what I love and creating. If I can wake up every day and do what I love for work and make a difference in others’ lives I’m so happy. I’m also so happy to spend time with friends and family, even if when we are in different places just shooting a text and sending funny Memes to each other will really and truly make my day.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Tim McGuire Jr. (Instagram: @tmcguirejr) ToshiaDVisuals (Instagram: @toshiadvisuals, @yaakoa_stylz_ ) EGR Photography (Instagram: @erika.gwendolyn) @thepreserveatlanta @real.artistry.dreams Doche Adonis www.Adonisd.com Adonis D. Photography (Instagram @adonisdphotos)
