We recently connected with Dwayne P. Mitchell and have shared our conversation below.

Dwayne P. , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

One of the most powerful things I’ve ever learned throughout my journey as an actor, artist, and performer is that there is no one way to get anywhere in life, because each of us are on different paths even if our goals our similar. ‘Learning the craft’ for me is not only about embracing the technical aspects of performing arts and studying the brilliance of other performers; it also becomes state of mind to embrace the process and journey of what it means to always be in a mode of discovery.

‘Learning the craft’ for me began at an early age, singing in church and dancing along to music videos and movie musicals in my childhood home. Though I was not consciously realizing I was learning by absorbing , this would play a huge role in my inspiration to want to embrace artistry on a deeper and technical level one day. Fast forward to Fall of 2014, I began officially/ professionally training as a vocalist in Fisk University’s music, vocal performance, program. I realized that all of the artists and performers I looked up to growing up influenced my style of performing. The beginning of my journey at Fisk was a foundation that continued to remind me that in this industry it’s always a useful tool to remain malleable — simply meaning there is always something to learn; even though I’d been singing all of my life, I didn’t truly understand the fullness of what my mechanism could do until I had the opportunity to explore it on a deeper level. My first two years at the institution provided me with technique, training and helped me to recall on all the things that inspired me in my younger years that ultimately helped me find MY sound. Imitation can be a beautiful way to start a learning journey, but there also has to be enough space to allow for your authenticity to remain present in the way you do YOUR art. By my graduation in 2018, I was able to not only find my sound, but to build it all technique that would help me healthy sustain my voice and body, while being able to access multiple genre’s of singing; including- Classical, Jazz, Pop, and Musical Theatre.

In Fall of 2018, I furthered my education and entered the Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s, Master of Fine Arts, Musical Theatre program. I began for the first time adding the in-depth elements of dance training (Ballet, Jazz, and Musical theatre styles); which was very intimidating at first, because I did have as much experience as my peers. Trusting the process is also a huge part of learning the craft. While being a student at the conservatory I had the opportunity to work professionally in the Boston theatre scene in regional productions of ‘RAGTIME’, ‘CHOIR BOY’ and ‘FENCES’; this was an incredible opportunity for me because I was able to directly apply tools I was learning from my program to the field, in real time, while also continuing to soak up everything possible from everyone possible in the professional space as well.

After receiving my Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, my learning was not done. As a professional actor and performer today, I continue to learn from everyone in the room; to continue to be a sponge so that I can add to the toolbox of knowledge. Ultimately, I think learning the craft is calling on your everyday experiences, and always discovering something new; while simultanoesly being a great asset by offering the best of you in each space so others can learn from you.

Dwayne P. , 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 am an actor, artist, and performer, originally from Atlanta, GA. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for singing and dancing, from putting on “performances” in the living room for my family to singing in church. I knew that one day I wanted to explore the arts on a deeper level. Around my junior and senior year of high school I began to become more serious about theatre arts, and was inspired by my theatre teacher Ms. Lisa Bell, who entered me into the August Wilson Monologue competition in Atlanta. From seeing how she believed in, worked with me, and poured into me helped me to even further believe that I could do it. I am grateful for all of the nurturing that I have received over the years from family, professors, mentors, and friends who continue(d) to remind me that I am capable of achieving my wildest dreams. Having the incredible opportunity to attend illustrious institutions has led to me performing nationally and internationally, and touring the country in two Broadway National Tours: “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations”, and currenlty “Back to the Future: The Musical”.

As I often look back on my journey and where I am today, I am continually filled with gratitude. It’s an honor to continue to have the opportunity to do what I love to do everyday, and to continue to learn more about this industry, myself, and the art of sharing my story; in hopes to continue to inspire someone to also believe they can achieve their wildest dreams.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding things for me whenever I get the chance to perform, is getting to see the faces of audience members and/ or meeting them after a show has finished. Seeing how my art or performance has affected, inspired, and brought joy to someone’s life is a constant grounding moment of gratitude for me. It’s another reminder that our gifts and our stories can benefit others when we share them.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

If the pandemic has not shown us anything else, it has once again proved that we all have the power to help one another survive. This is especially true for live theatre. Theatre is such an incredible experience and is not possible without the continued support of those who love this art and its stories.. Supporting the arts is more than just going to see spectacular shows on Broadway or even Broadway tours; it also consist of supporting local community theatre’s, regional productions, and also performing arts programs/schools/ communities that pour into young creators.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dwaynepmitchell.com
• Instagram: @dwaynepmitchell
• Twitter: @dwaynepmitchell
• Other: Back To The Future: The Musical, North American Tour | https://www.backtothefuturemusical.com/northamerica/

Image Credits

Julianna McGuirl Photography | @juliannamcguirlphoto (instagram)