Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zaylin Yates. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Zaylin , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
My first role I ever had was in kindergarten, at Palmdale Learning Plaza, where I was a butterfly in “Sleeping Beauty”. From there, my love for theatre grew and I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. In 6th grade, I dreamed of owning my own dinner theatre and still continued pursuing theatre in middle school and high school. While in college I double majored in Business Administration and Theatre Performance, and graduated with my MBA, B.S. in Business Administration, and B.A. in Theatre Performance. I now work at the Adrienne Arsht Center as an Engagement Manager in the Programming Department, and own my own theatre company, Brévo Theatre.
Zaylin , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
At Brévo Theatre, we are committed to amplifying the voices of young Black artists and providing a platform to the unheard by highlighting up-and-coming playwrights, actors, dancers and directors, by offering a diverse entertainment experience through color-blind casting. In my current role, I work in the Programming Department as an Engagement Manager at the Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts of Miami Dade County, where I manage, coordinate, and communicate production logistics while monitoring production budgets across the center. I also serve on the Heritage Committee at the Arsht Center, a program dedicated to celebrating black artists in the South Florida community. I am a proud alumnus of Florida A&M University where I obtained my M.B.A, B.S. in Business Administration, and B.A. in Theatre Performance. Over the past 10 years, I have both produced, directed, and performed, in various productions throughout the Southeast including “Detroit ’67”, “The Colored Museum”, and “Legally Blonde: The Musical”. I thrive in bringing out the best in all artists by presenting honest characters and truthful stories. I am also the recipient of the Joel A. Crane Golden Spirit Award, as well as, a member of Progressive Black Men Inc., and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America. I also serve as the Board President for the Loch Lomond Club South Homeowners Association and sit on the Division of Arts & Culture grant panel for the Florida Department of State. During my down time, you can find me reading, working out, spending time outdoors, or serving on the Worship Team at Church By The Glades. Recently, I am a 2022, South Florida Legacy 40 Under 40 Honoree, and an ICABA, Salute to Men Who Lead, Honoree. My favorite quote is “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. – African Proverb.
Here is background about our company. Brévo Theatre is an incorporated 501(c)(3), created by me and my business partner, Terrence Pride during our time as students at Florida A&M University. One of the productions we are the most proud of incorporated a highly successful and student-funded dinner theater performance of “Kissing the Blarney Stone,” which paved the way for us to continue to produce shows that challenge modern-day theater while showcasing and developing local talent in unconventional performances. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Brévo Theatre produced a series of virtual dance videos that interpreted acts of racial injustice, entitled “Protest Art,” commissioned by the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Most recently, Brévo Theatre produced “American Son,” the Broadway play by Christopher Demos-Brown. The Brévo-produced rendition was sponsored by Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, and included a live and in-person conversation with well-known playwright and Miami native, Mr. Demos-Brown entitled “2 Shades of Black: An Exploration of Biracial Identity.” Brévo Theatre’s mission is to provide a platform to the unheard by highlighting up-and-coming playwrights, actors, dancers and directors, by offering a diverse entertainment experience through color-blind casting.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect is being able to bring out the best in all of the artists that I work with. Also, being able to assist in providing artists a platform to express themselves and bring who they are to the forefront. Often times the arts can become a popularity contest, or overshadowed by needing to make money, but when an artist can genuinely share their art and concepts without any filters, I feel like that is where magic is truly made.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I started networking with entrepreneurs in college. College did not prepare me to be an entrepreneur, let along, being in the non-profit world. I wish I had resources on how to properly file for a 501(c)(3), how to write strong grant applications, and knowing the importance of collaborating with other arts organizations. The arts is truly a community and it is impossible to do it alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brevotheatre.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brevo_theatre/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brevotheatre
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrevoTheatre
- Other: https://vimeo.com/user148429121
Image Credits
Shameka Seabrook (Black Noble Productions)