We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daryl Hollonquest Jr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daryl below.

Daryl, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew at any early age I wanted to entertain, but I had no idea it would open this many doors for me. The very first time I performed for a huge crowd was in the talent show during my sophomore year of high school. I wrote a poem that my friend played a blues riff to, and the entire auditorium was into it. I knew right then that making the audience have a good time was what I wanted to do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I like to think of myself as a multifaceted entertainer. While my background is in video production, writing and directing, my education was based around live theatre production and performance. While receiving theatre training from University of Indianapolis, I had the opportunity to gain further experience into the local industry and comedy scene through joining ComedySportz Indy. From there, I kept following any and every thread of performance I felt drawn to. Soon, I was busy with stand-up, improv, sketch comedy and even musical comedy to keep me busy throughout the months. With my theatre training, I was even able to dive into the world of stage acting. Some of my most favorite roles were roles during the Indy Fringe theatre festival. From acting in a Shakespearean romp to a hip-hop musical about William Henry Harrison, I always had opportunity to showcase the fun I could bring to the table. Now with all of the great works I’ve done under my belt, I’ve had the great opportunity to start producing the type of shows I’ve always wanted to do.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One of my dreams is to be head writer and executive producer on a television show I create. I’ve wanted to do TV for a long time, and I can literally feel my future Emmy in my hands when I’m focused on working.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

COME TO A SHOW/EVENT WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO SUPPORT hahahaha

We love to entertain, but if we want to do it to an empty room, we could stay home and perform in the bathroom. All of these hardworking artists, producers, crew members, musicians, roadies, etc. give up a significant portion of their lives with loved ones and their own dreams to make sure that crowds have a memorable time. Please come and support some of the lovely moments in time that we decorated for you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ragtagdaryl
• Twitter: @ragtagdaryl

Image Credits

Erica Hitomi Pike
Tennah McDonald
Kirstin Mindiola
Rick Sleeman
Ben Stewart