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People are passionate about many different things, singing, dancing, bowling, juggling, writing, playing golf, or even about a garden in the backyard. My passion is the Performing Arts, especially theater. How did this all begin? My first introduction to theater was at the age of 10 when I played a Pilgrim mother in elementary school. Yes, a cute kid just performing to please my parents and my teacher. However, years passed before I truly embraced theater arts.
In college is where I developed the passion, the need, and desire to perform in front of an audience. I would perform in a classroom, church, hallway and of course on stage. . Participating in scene study, improvisations, character development, technique and other exercises gave me joy. I appreciated the dramatic media and I made sure to bring the essential tools, my body, voice and mind whenever I performed. Passion enables you to overcome the obstacles and to see the world as a place with infinite potential. When you have a passion about something , you give it more than 100% of your time and energy. Although we are ruled by the almighty dollar, passion will make you extend yourself and do things for people without looking for a monetary gain. Yes, some people want to get paid for their work. Nevertheless, actors should also be willing to hone their skills and get more experience in their craft. The money will come.
Besides taking classes I was willing to read as much about the dynamics of acting and theater as possible. As time passed I began to realize that I had stories, visions, and ideas of my own to tell so I began writing which eventually lead to directing. Once I directed a children’s play, it was clear to me that my passion had shifted. Therefore directing became my first love. Passion CAN take you where you are able to succeed. I begin directing contemporary, classic and original plays from A Raisin in the Sun, Dreamgirls, to A Woman’s Worth and The Romance which are my original pieces.
My biggest accomplishment was when my business partner and I got the rights to the musical Dreamgirls. That was the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. My advice to up and coming and professional actors is to hone your skills, practice, stay passionate about your craft, believe in yourself, and never give up on your dreams. Success rests within you.
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DARA BRAGG
Native New Yorker, director, producer, educator, playwright, entrepreneur and a SAG actress, Dara Bragg is a woman of creativity and vision. Demonstrating an artistic flair at early age Dara graced the stage at the age of 10 playing a Pilgrim mother and was hooked. Her love for theater took root in the 80's when she traveled all over the tri-state area performing in plays, films, and TV. Dara says "Passion can take you where you are able to succeed".
Dara studied acting under the tutelage of Yale University graduate Dr. Helen Yalof training in improvisation, commercial, voice over, scene study, and technique. And although Dara has acted for many years and has mastered her craft, directing has become her passion. Her extensive work in directing includes a wide range of original, contemporary, and classic plays.
Her stage director credits include many plays such as "A Raisin in the Sun," "The Amen Corner," "A Woman's Worth," "Skeletons" and "Dream Girls" for which she had the wonderful opportunity to direct and co-produce at Symphony Space on 95th Street and Broadway.
Inspired by her late sister Rhonda as well as other family members, friends, and mentors like Bonnie Epps (Omar Epps mother) and Catherine Peppers, Dara is encouraged to follow her dreams as she strives to be the best in whatever she does. Dara is the visionary behind Community Idol, a performing arts showcase and competition. In June 2007, Conrad Dimanche, A&R & President at Bad Boy Entertainment was one of the judges for this 2nd annual competition solidifying Dara's belief that "It takes a leap of faith to believe in a dream and make it happen" and if anyone can make their dream into a reality, it's Dara J. Bragg.
Dara is a multi-faceted, community minded woman who is the co-founder of BAB's Filmworks and Theatrical Productions with her Friend 4 Life and business partner Alve' and the founder of Deekyshaeel Entertainment and Just Blessed Productions. A fashion show which highlighted women and men 40 and older entitled 40+ was produced in November 2008.
Dara plans to establish her own not for profit drama, dance, and music arts school in her Queens community. She continues to write, produce, and direct productions that appeal to all genres. She is currently organizing and producing the 2nd annual Success in the Arts Conference.
Fabu-licious is her personal style and driven, determined, and outgoing is her character,
Contact
Lynk Public Relations
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