Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brian Barrentine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brian, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in my career. From earning my first dollar on stage at age 6 to being cast in the Broadway production of Les Miz and winning the title role of Elvis in Elvis the Musical European Tour, I’ve been fortunate to follow my passion. Instead of returning to Broadway, I decided to explore my own creative path, producing and starring in my original work. Today, my music and theater company is celebrating its 25th anniversary, with off-Broadway and touring shows I’ve written, including a 30-city tour in China. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited for what the future holds.

Brian, 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?

I’ve had a unique journey into the world of arts and entertainment. At a very young age, I discovered my passion for performing, earning my first dollar singing on stage when I was just 6 years old. This early experience ignited a lifelong love for the arts.

One pivotal moment in my career was when I was cast in the Broadway production of Les Miz. However, what truly set my path apart was the same week I won the title role of Elvis in Elvis the Musical European Tour. Rather than sticking with Broadway, I made the bold decision to embrace a creative path of my own.

I founded FunikiJam World Music Theatre, an independent arts organization centered around original intellectual property (IP). Our creations encompass a wide range of artistic elements, including songs, stories, scripts, shows, and characters that I have personally developed. Our mission is to empower individuals to reach their highest potential through the power of the arts.

We provide a diverse array of products and services, including hundreds of songs available on streaming music platforms, an engaging YouTube channel, and a streaming TV series. Additionally, we’ve produced 10 off-Broadway and touring musicals, receiving recognition for our innovative approach to storytelling and entertainment.

One of the key aspects that sets us apart is our commitment to using the arts as a force for positive change. We’re proud of our partnership with the OnePulse Foundation of Orlando, where we implement anti-hate arts programming with a DHS Grant-funded program designed for high school students. We believe in the transformative power of the arts to address important societal issues.

What I’m most proud of is our 25th-anniversary celebration and the upcoming third 30-city tour of China. These milestones reflect the enduring impact of our work and the global reach we’ve achieved.

Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that our brand is driven by a deep passion for creativity and a commitment to using the arts to inspire, educate, and effect positive change. We believe that the arts have the power to transform lives, and we’re dedicated to harnessing that power in everything we do.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, supporting artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is essential for the enrichment and vitality of society. Here are some ways society can best support this:

Invest in Arts Education: Prioritize arts education in schools to nurture creativity from a young age. This includes not only traditional arts but also emerging forms like digital media and design.
Funding and Grants: Government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and businesses can provide grants and funding opportunities to artists and arts organizations. This financial support can help sustain their work and foster innovation.
Accessible Spaces: Create and maintain accessible, affordable spaces for artists to work, rehearse, and exhibit their creations. These spaces can serve as hubs for collaboration and experimentation.
Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Encourage diversity and inclusion within the creative industry. Support initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices and provide equal opportunities for all regardless of background.
Support Local Arts Initiatives: Attend local performances, exhibitions, and events. Patronize local artists and art institutions to ensure a thriving local creative scene.
Cultural Exchanges: Foster cultural exchanges and collaborations at both national and international levels. These interactions can inspire fresh ideas and cross-cultural understanding.
Intellectual Property Protection: Strengthen intellectual property rights to protect artists’ creations. Fair compensation and protection against plagiarism are essential for sustaining creativity.
Public Art Initiatives: Invest in public art projects that beautify urban spaces and engage communities. Public art can promote a sense of belonging and inspire dialogue.
Arts Integration: Recognize the value of the arts in solving societal challenges. Involve artists in initiatives related to healthcare, education, social justice, and environmental issues.
Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of artists and creatives through awards, exhibitions, and recognition programs. This recognition can boost morale and inspire others.
By taking these steps, society can create an environment where artists and creatives can thrive, innovate, and contribute to the cultural and intellectual richness of our communities

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, the driving goal and mission behind my creative journey are deeply rooted in my passion for using the arts as a powerful tool for positive change and personal empowerment. I believe that the arts have the potential to transform lives, inspire individuals to reach their highest potential, and address important societal issues.

My mission is to harness the creative energy and storytelling capabilities of the arts to:

Empower Individuals: I aim to empower individuals, especially young people, by providing them with opportunities to engage with and participate in the arts. Through music, theater, and storytelling, I want to inspire self-expression, self-confidence, and personal growth.
Promote Diversity and Inclusion: I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the arts and entertainment industry. I believe in creating spaces where voices from all backgrounds are heard, and where stories from different cultures and perspectives are celebrated.
Effect Positive Change: I see the arts as a means to address important societal issues, whether it’s promoting tolerance and understanding, advocating for social justice, or raising awareness about critical environmental concerns. Through our work, I aim to contribute to positive change in the world.
Inspire Creativity: I want to inspire creativity in others by demonstrating that there are no limits to what one can create and achieve. My journey from a young stage performer to a creator and producer of original works serves as an example of what is possible when one follows their artistic passion.
Celebrate the Human Experience: Ultimately, my goal is to celebrate the richness of the human experience through storytelling, music, and theater. I believe that the arts have the power to connect people on a deep and emotional level, fostering empathy and understanding.
In summary, my creative journey is driven by a mission to use the arts as a force for positive change, personal growth, and the celebration of diversity and creativity. It’s about leaving a lasting impact on individuals and society as a whole through the transformative power of artistic expression.

Contact Info:

• Website: funikijam.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funikijam_music/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funikijammusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@funikijam
• Other: SPOTIFY. https://open.spotify.com/artist/1XpIyZz4Smw9rArk3pQMlx?si=L5XFCDU-SyWElYCzaOzWZQ LINKTREE; https://linktr.ee/FunikiJam

Image Credits
Deutsch Photo