Today we’d like to introduce you to Tianna Davis
Hi Tianna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Long Island, New York to a mother from St. Thomas and a father from Trinidad. I have always described myself as a multi-faceted artist. I started dancing when I was six years old, and I fell in love with it. That same year, I moved to Broward, County Florida and I started attending American Heritage School. There, I continued to dance; so much so that I would go to my academic classes late because I would practice so much. During my childhood I also began taking singing and piano lessons. And when I was at home, I started writing music and lyrics and notating my emotions through language. And I also became involved in several school and community musicals and performances. During the summers, I would go to New York and attend the Alvin Ailey and Dance Theatre of Harlem summer intensives. I would work with other black dancers, creators, and artists. And I truly believe that seeing people that look like me succeed persevere inspired me to be the person that I am today.
During my senior year of high school, I knew that I wanted to pursue either musical theatre or dance. I decided to pursue a degree in musical theatre because it allowed me to combine music, dance, and acting into one art form. After several college auditions in 2018, I was accepted into Point Park University for musical theatre with a dance minor and it changed my life. My time at Point Park taught me so much about theatre history, acting technique and dance technique. But most importantly, it taught me how to be an artist. I had so many wonderful supportive teachers and accompanists that would take the time to help me grow. More specifically, during my time at Point Park I started writing full musicals. Some of the wonderful accompanists would take the time to look over my notated music and even record demos of my music for me. I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to use my time at Point Park as an incubator for all of my future successes!
After graduating from Point Park in 2022, I moved to New York City. Soon after, I was accepted into the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop. That was the first time I in a room full of writers like me, and it fully changed to direction of my life. I was writing music constantly and I was collaborating with other artists. And I was able to apply the information that I learned in class to the my musical I was writing. That same year, I was able to meet one on one with Tony-award winning composer Jeanine Tesori. She looked through my music, and she gave me feedback that helped me understand the structure and power of music. After meeting with her, I realized that I am a good writer and that with belief in myself I can achieve greatness.
In January of 2023, my original work Masked: The Musical had a sold out staged reading at the off-Broadway theatre Theatre 71. The show follows the heartwarming story of Ava, a strong-willed Caribbean girl, and Avi, a rebellious yet charming Indian boy, navigating the highs and lows of young love in an elite private high school. Set against the backdrop of cultural expectations, they must defy societal norms and stereotypes to find acceptance and understanding. There is no box that is too small. This new original work puts a kaleidoscope on how diversity, resilience, and love transcends boundaries. The positive response from the cast and audience made me feel so loved. And I knew that my musical could shed a light on so many issues that people are afraid to talk about. And most importantly, I knew it could affect change.
Though I was working on my craft as a writer, I was also actively auditioning for shows. in March of 2023, I got the called that I booked the National Tour of The Book of Mormon as a swing! I did the audition on a Wednesday, I got the call on a Friday, and I was flown out to Chicago on a Monday. And the rest is history! I traveled to so many places that I never thought I would have the opportunity to see. And I saw and interacted with people from all walks of life. I got to perform and explore Toronto, Fort Lauderdale (my hometown), Costa Mesa, Dallas, Seattle, Chicago, the list goes on! It was my first time being a swing and I had to learn and perform six different characters. This experience taught me so much about myself, and it helped me build so much confidence. I learned that I am a great swing, and that I need to trust myself more. I also learned that I can face any challenge that comes my way with grace and confidence. The best part of tour was seeing all of the people that I impacted in the audience and at the stage door. When I was performing onstage, I was not just performing for myself. I was performing for people who were having a bad day, for people that were spending time with their loved ones, etc. There are so many times when I have met children who are interested in theatre, and I was able to be a catalyst for them to purse their dreams. Everything that I do in the arts is not just for me, and I feel privileged to have had that opportunity to impact and inspire others.
After a year with The Book of Mormon, I left the tour to explore other avenues of creativity. On June 2nd of 2024, 54 Below presented a concert version of my show Masked: The Musical! I am so excited that I was able to reach people on a bigger platform, and I was able to do it with my friends! The show featured Kristen Amanda Smith (Mean Girls) and more! It had music direction and orchestrations by Mason Moss [he/him] (The Book of Mormon national tour). And it will be directed by Michelle Ray (The Book of Mormon.) The audience reception and feedback was great, and it inspired me keep working on the show. So many people were impacted by the message of my music and it made me realize that Masked has a bright future. My dream is for it to have an industry workshop and a run Off-Broadway in the near future. I can’t wait to see where it goes!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. In my childhood, there were a lot of people that doubted my abilities. And there were a lot of challenges that I faced in terms of interacting with people that didn’t believe in my talent. I really think that broke my self esteem because the words that you hear in your childhood stick with you forever. As I started my professional career I found myself in these same situations. I learned that instead of hiding in the background and surrendering to these words that I should fight by battles. I began to stand up for myself by speaking my truth. I also began to stand up for myself by showing up for myself. I let my talent shine with confidence and grace, and I ignored any naysayers that came my way. My confidence grew, and I was able to present myself in a manner that I was proud of.
Another thing that I had to face for the first time was balancing performing and my health on tour. I have a lot of food allergies, and I had difficulties finding things to eat. I was really concerned that I would not able to be able to tour because of all of my food allergies. Fortunately, I was able to connect with some friends that also had food restrictions and I was able to create a system for myself. For an entire year, I moved around with a travel kitchen in a suitcase. It had a cutting board, seasonings, utensils, a can opener, mixing bowl, and more. I was even able to fit an air filter in the suitcase for my bad indoor allergies! And when we would travel by bus, sometimes we would stop at shopping centers that had grocery stores. And I would by a ton of groceries, load them on the bus, and struggle up to my hotel room. Some days I would not have a lot of access to food I could eat, but I would make it work with the things that I had. I was very resourceful and I was able to feed myself in a way that would help me stay healthy. This experience really taught me how to take care of myself in a way that I didn’t have to before. If there is a will there is a way! After all of this, I feel like a superhero!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a dancer, actor, singer, composer, lyricist, librettist, arranger, model, and choreographer. I thrive on individuality, and I believe that being a leader is very important. I want to tell stories that are never told, and I want to tell stories that are rarely given a spotlight. I want to have my own voice, and I will use that voice to affect change.
I am known for being a swing in the National Tour of The Book of Mormon. I am also the writer of my original work Masked: The Musical. It had a staged reading at Theatre 71 in 2023, and a concert version was presented at 54 Below in June of 2024! I am also a proud graduate of the Point Park University with a BFA Musical Theatre w/dance minor.
I am most proud of my ability to persevere no matter the obstacle. Even if all of the cards are stacked against me, I never give up without a fight. What sets me apart from others is my ability to empathize and connect with people. I strongly believe that the things that we go through in life influence art. And I also believe that being genuine and being a good person brings great people and friendships into your life. Also, I believe I am different from others because I am successful in so many avenues of creativity. Sometimes I feel like I need to hide from the fact that I can do so many things because I feel too arrogant. But I need to give myself props for continuing to master all of my talents so I can make a difference in the world!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love the most about New York City is that it is the definition of a melting pot. I get to see and experience so many people and cultures that give me perspective on the world. I also love the energy that the city brings to my life. It keeps me motivated to keep hustling for my dreams.
What I like the least about the city is how we don’t always come together as a community. Especially as people of color. I would love for us all to support and uplift each other more. Then we can create a more peaceful society.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiannadavisartist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiannashaniadavis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tianna.shania/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tiannashaniadavis
Image Credits
Tony Moux, Julieta Cervantes, Maxine Carcaterra, David Quang Pham