We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marquisha Walker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Marquisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I recently celebrated a milestone birthday and a few years ago I would’ve said I should’ve pursued acting sooner. I didn’t start pursuing my passions for acting seriously until my 20s. Growing up with a single mother there wasn’t a lot of money allocated to performance arts, so when I became an adult and had the resources I thought it was beneficial to follow the more conventional path of working a 9 to 5 while enjoying acting and other arts such as Capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial art) and Brazilian Samba as my hobbies. Even though, It took me a while to seriously pursue acting as a career. I truly believe that my timing couldn’t have been any better.

Over the last few years a lot of my life was spent dancing Brazilian Samba in many amazing productions. During that time I worked and took as many acting classes as I could. I believe taking this route helped me gain well rounded experience and discipline which has shaped me into the person and professional that I am today. I’ve learned valuable skills and gained a level of experience that I might not have had if I started my career earlier.

Sure, there might have been opportunities I missed, but I also believe pursuing art is more of “marathon not a sprint” as they say. Now, with the support of community, along with my my experiences and the confidence I’ve built over time, I can approach my acting career with a solid foundation. So, while I might have started later than some, I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey. It’s uniquely mine, and I’m proud of the path I’ve taken.

Marquisha , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an actress, dancer, and martial artist based in Los Angeles. My journey into performing arts began in college when I took my first acting class at Long Beach City College. After getting my degree a few years later I entered the corporate world and one of my friends introduced me to Capoeira. Training Capoeira I was introduced to Brazilian Samba and other aspect of Capoeira at Brasil Brasil Cultural Center In Los Angeles. Being in a community of talented and supportive people really gave me the boost I needed to pursue acting.

I began taking Meisner Technique at Playhouse West and the Ruskin School of Acting. Continuing my education in other styles I took technique, movement and voice at Stella Adler Conservatory, improv classes and kept on going from there.

Some of my proudest moments include performing on American Idol and The Hollywood Film Awards with Jonelle Monae it was a confirmation that I was doing something right and my hard work was paying off and that was one my big breaks. Another amazing moment for me was appearing on General Hospital as I grew up watching that show with my mom and grandma.

This past summer I played Queen Dandara in Palmares at this years Hollywood Fringe Festival which won the award for best Dance and Physical Theatre at Fringe. It was such a privilege to be a part of a production with such a talented ensemble and to have the opportunity to bring to life an important figure and story in Afro-Brazilian and African history, Queen Dandara. Dandara was a warrior queen who was born a slave, she escaped and was instrumental along with her husband King Ganga Zumba, and General Zumbi in creating a free nation and safe-haven for enslaved escapees in the 17th century colonial Brazil. The writers and production team have put in many years of blood, sweat and tears to bring this story to life. I think this is an important story to tell to show the power of community, that blacks were consistently striving to liberate themselves not only in the US but all over the world and there were powerful women apart of leading this and there is layers to that as well.

I’m definitely looking forward to portraying more powerful and nuanced characters going forward.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the “Starving Artist” mentality. Throughout the years I have had stints where I was truly surviving from gigs, temp work and auditions. I always knew the corporate world was not for me so I tried everything I could not to be in it. I guess the thought is in the artist community is the more you’re willing to sacrifice for your art the more it is a testimony of your passion. When you get into the industry you find out quickly that acting is also a business and you need money to survive, to further your training and goals.

In 2018 after many years of temping and doing gig work. I made the decision to buckle down and become more focused on my financial health and it was the best decisions I ever made. Not only was I able to claw myself out most of the debt I created (I’m still working on it). I have a steady flow of income, a savings and this has also gave me the mental clarity to pursue my art without attaching it to my livelihood which allows to enjoy the creative process without too much pressure.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are many aspects that I love about being a creative. I think the most rewarding aspect is the completion of a project or work. The most rewarding process is starting at ground one (or conceiving the idea), then going through the development process and then putting it up for for everyone to see. There’s also a refining process after you perform something to make it better if you have the opportunity.

Don’t get me wrong, I am a person who loves the exploring my craft and developing new skills. That’s one of many fun parts about acting and movement. I believe there’s so much growth and learning that goes into developing a character for example or performing in a play. However, for me personally my comfort zone is staying in the learning in development process as sometimes things like nerves and doubts get in the way. So when I do step on stage for my first run or even do an audition it feels like a huge accomplishment by just doing and letting the chips fall where the may.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marquishawalker.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quishalivinglife/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marquisha-walker-7b911b109/

Image Credits
1st photo – Dana Patrick Photography 2nd photo – Vanie Poyey Photography Last photo – Still From General Hospital (ABC Productions) Other photos were personal.