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

Antwone, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

It all began when I was eleven years old. While attending junior high, one of my English teachers recognized my potential and suggested I participate in the school’s production of Romeo and Juliet, portraying none other than the iconic role of ROMEO. Though the prospect initially daunted me, her belief in me was enough for the both of us, prompting me to embrace the opportunity. And I’m so happy I did! All of my friends who I thought would watch the school play to mock me had surprisingly become my biggest supporters! That experience was enough to spur me to pursue my passion further.
Following that transformative experience, I soon found myself in a local performing arts program named Amazing Grace Conservatory, where I honed my craft. I spent years doing that, followed by pursuing a BFA degree. Now, here I am, still pursuing my passion professionally with the same passion that lit the flame from the start.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m just a proud LA boy with Jamaican roots who immersed himself in the world of acting and creative expression over the course of nearly two decades, finding immense joy in the art of storytelling through both performance and the written word. From a young age, I discovered an affinity for the captivating power of storytelling, which led me to hone my craft at a performing arts conservatory. Subsequently, I pursued a BFA degree in Musical Theatre at CSUF, further deepening my artistic exploration. And now, I’m continuing that journey. Throughout the years, I have been fortunate enough to transform my passion into a livelihood. Right after graduating, an unforgettable opportunity presented itself with a one-year performing contract at Universal Studios Japan, granting me invaluable international experience and providing a financial foundation for my endeavors upon my return.
Upon my homecoming, my sole focus was to work tirelessly and relentlessly pursuing my dreams. Adversity and challenges were abundant, but amidst those moments, I held steadfast to my WHY (we all need one). With that, I was going to become a working actor in film, television, and stage, undeterred by any obstacle. That become enough to keep me climbing up that mountain.
Interestingly, the journey itself has crafted its own narrative, often revealing that the trials and tribulations along the way hold their own significance. In retrospect, I find myself surprisingly grateful for the adversities in the early stages. They afforded me the opportunity to explore new avenues and inspired me to forge my own path within the industry. For instance, the recent industry slowdown caused by the pandemic allowed me to embark on an unexpected venture: the creation of my own candle company. Yes, a candle business (How about that! Feel free to visit my candle site sgnlco.us to discover more)!
In recent years, I’ve been fortunate to participate in numerous remarkable projects. Notably, I assumed a leading role in a Dark Comedy Thriller film titled “Et Tu,” which is eagerly anticipated for release. I’ve also continued my stage work with regional theater houses and The Disneyland Resort with performances like that of the West Coast Premiere of “Something Rotten” and a rendition of Disney’s “The Lion King” as Simba. Additionally, I have appeared in several short films, one of which earned me the accolade of “Best Actor” at the Cannes Film Festival: Diversity Showcase.
On the vocal and performer front, I’ve been bestowed with a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with the critically-acclaimed K-Pop sensation, BTS, as a background vocalist for several of their projects.
Lastly, as a writer, I have been privileged to collaborate with a dear friend who is both a comic creator and video game director, Kip Henderson. Together, we have embarked on the creation of my very own Comic Book Series, Darkest Rout, which is currently in the final stages of development. If you’re interested, I invite you to visit our website darkestrout.com to learn more and order a copy of our first book, set to be released this summer! In addition to this writing endeavor, I am also working on other scripts aimed at refining my craft and seeking opportunities within the vast landscape of Hollywood.
Though it may appear as a tapestry of diverse pursuits, the common thread that binds them all is the timeless art of storytelling. It possesses an indescribable magic, serving as a wellspring of creativity that has guided me throughout the years. As long as there are stories within me, this flame of passion shall continue to burn brightly. Cheesy, I know, but true lol. I’m a sucker for cheesy.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Acting has been one of my earliest and most profound passions, something I truly loved. But as I journey through life, I understand that it can’t remain my sole focus or better yet, idol. My heart cares for so much more now. While it’s undoubtedly a significant part of my life, it shouldn’t overshadow everything else that gives life meaning and purpose. I see my life as a collection of shelves, each holding its own importance. For a long time, my acting career and creative pursuits occupied the top shelf, consuming much of my attention. However, I’ve come to realize that this isn’t where it belongs, at least not always. As we mature, our cares go up and down at various seasons in our life. I’d argue this holds true for everyone – there’s so much more to life that brings fulfillment. It’s essential to make time for all the other aspects that enrich our lives. By appreciating and nurturing those experiences and relationships, I’ve become a more well-rounded individual. Strangely enough, it’s those diverse experiences and cares that fuel my craft as an actor. Don’t hear what I’m not saying, I still love acting with the same fervor I had at the start, but now I’m a more complete human being than I was when acting sparked a fire in me at eleven. I’ve learned to not live in fear of that flame going out as I look to other things. The passion for acting will remain, BUT even if it ever dims, I can rest assured that something else in life will light up, bringing unexpected satisfaction.
In the end, it’s about finding balance and recognizing that our passions, no matter how dear, should be part of a harmonious symphony of fulfillment in our lives.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I can go on and on with this one. But I’ll keep it short and sweet. As artists and creatives, we are privileged to have the opportunity to express ourselves and reflect these times. I think being a creative is an experience that allows us to appreciate life, each other, and the essence of being human on a meaningful level. Anytime I get to work on a project, whether it’s inhabiting a character between action and cut or sitting in a quaint coffee shop chipping away at a scene I’m writing, I’m brought to an unparalleled sense of presence and connection to the human experience. Weird, I know, but my sense of awareness reaches new heights, and my innate curiosity is sparked to the maximum in those moments. It’s incredibly grounding. It serves as a constant reminder of the profound impact art can have in bringing us closer together, appreciating the beauty of life, and embracing our shared humanity.

Contact Info:

• Website: darkestrout.com
• Instagram: antwone_b
• Linkedin: Antwone Barnes
• Twitter: antwone_b
• Youtube: Antwone Barnes
• LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/antwonebarnes
• Comic Book Site: DarkestRout.com
• Candle Site: sgnlco.us