Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Raven Jeannette . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Raven , thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
The first time I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic path, was when I watched The Wiz for the first time when I was 5!! Watching people on my screen who looked like me was very inspiring to witness as a kid.
I was obsessed with this movie and would watch it every day in my free time haha! I was so admired by how comfortable and unapologetic they were with expressing themselves, and their gifts.
I literally had every line and song in that film memorized down to a “T”! I would always put on a show for my family saying “hey, watch me do this!”
My mom always had me watching award shows, movies/TV shows of different time periods and genres. But, she made sure I never forgot where I came from. Watching Black people express so much variety with their talents, I would tell myself “I’m gonna do that one day”, “I’ll be an inspiration.”
I was a character as a child! Was told I would be on The Big Screen/Broadway, stayed putting on a show, would recite lines from different films/TV shows as if I was that character.
Listen, being the only child, I had to keep myself and the people entertained.
Every dream I had, has now become my reality!
I thank God for my gifts! I’m grateful I get to share my artistry with the public! I thank my mother, grandmother, and other women in my life! Without them, I wouldn’t be living in New York, continuing my path as an actor. I have always stayed grounded while continuing to spread joy and kindness to others. My mom always told to stay true to myself.
It is scary taking a risk with pursuing this career professionally, but that’s what makes it worth it in the end🤎
Raven , 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?
Hey y’all, it’s Raven Jeannette! I’m a southern belle from Huntsville, AL.
The first time I took my craft serious was my junior year in high school. It was Huntsville High School circa 2016. I wanted to audition for the school play Pinocchio Comedia, but I doubted it myself. Being bullied had lots to do with it. I strived to make others feel joy and happiness. Little did some people know, there was so much darkness that lied within me. This destroyed my confidence. I constantly questioned myself, my looks, and how others would receive me.
Thanks to my mom, grandmother, and theatre teacher Meghan Phelps, I auditioned anyway. I got the part of Cricket and was ecstatic. I was so happy to have my first lead part. As soon as I walked out on stage and said my first line, I remember having so much command of the crowd. I felt so free with welcoming the audience into my story.
In 2017, my senior year, I got into Trumbauer! It was a Theatre competition hosted within the school districts inside Huntsville, Alabama. We would all gather around at one high school, performing one acts, Monologues, group numbers, etc.! Then, at the end of the night we would have our own mini version of the Tony awards which dictated who advanced to State Trumbauer with their pieces. I ended up advancing to state and received 3rd overall in the state with my comedic monologue!! Winning that award gave me the boost of confidence I needed with wanting to pursue acting.
From 2019–2021, I furthered my career at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, studying BFA Acting with a minor in criminal justice.
I trained in Shakespeare, Voice and Speech, Accents and Dialects, Playwrighting, Directing, and got an opportunity to perform in shows.
I enjoy helping people out anyway I can. I want others to be able to find their comfort zone and not be afraid to be themselves. Authenticity brings out the best YOU. Don’t ever let anyone dim the light you shine upon yourself and those who attract to it!
Some things that sent me apart from others. I love a challenge and taking risks! Being able to work that side of my creative mind/muscle, it’s so amazing to explore when diving into a new character.
I’m most proud of my growth in life! Everything I do is genuine. Whatever action I set to achieve, never comes across as acting! Really great listening skills, and I’m always clocking TEA to the audience with my characters. Keeps me on my toes. I like living off the edge a bit.
One thing to note about me is I’m honest, hilarious, and grounded.…. I PLAY NO GAMES!!! When it comes to my craft, I give 100%. I do lots of self-care which keeps me focused and not drain out! Having people witness my talents live, is a blessing. Tell a story, change a Life!
I always put my best foot forward, because you never know who’s in the audience. People that have loved and supported me through my endeavors, I know I’m always making them proud on and off the stage/screen.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is knowing that those who paved the way before me, are proud!
This industry is tough. You experience, the good, the bad, and definitely the ugly. But, it helps you bloom into the person your younger self always wanted to be! As a Black woman, I’ve learned that it’s okay to be delicate in some parts of my life, but I never let my guard down.
Staying confident, grounded, and faithful to who you are, many rewards will flow to you in abundance!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Back in 2022, I was itching to move to New York. Being fresh out of college, with an agent, nothing was going to stop me from getting to the Big Apple. I prayed about it, and I asked God that the only thing that would take me up to New York, is if I got booked into a show.
And babyyyyy, that prayer was answered IN FULL!!! I booked a wonderful play called Gray: A Play about a Race through Time. Once casting was finalized, I packed up my stuff and flew up to New York July 3, 2022, without any thought behind it!
I wasn’t afraid of anything, because I knew my friends and family in the city would help me through my journey.
In the span of two days my best friend told me that she had another friend who was giving away furniture (a bed, nightstand, etc).
I remember falling to my knees in tears, and thanking God, because I knew I was right where I needed to be.
In a short span of three months, I ended up finding a full-time job, which made it very flexible with continuing my craft.
From 2022 up to now, I was booking roles in plays, stage readings, and short films.
My proudest moments so far was that I got to model for a hair, nails, and skin care brand called Yoto & Claire.
I made my off-Broadway debut in a show called She’s Got Harlem on her Mind by Eulalie Spence with Metropolitan Playhouse. We were the first cast in history to perform this production to the public. We received an award for Best Show in 2023!
Also, I made my TV & Film Debut on Law & Order SVU!!!
Two years of pure abundance, and nothing has stopped me now. I’m grateful and comfortable with how life is going! I’m happy and healthy. At 25, I’m continuing to make little me proud! God is good!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ravenjeannette.wixsite.com/my-site-2
- Instagram: ravenjeannette_
- Facebook: Raven Jeannette Cotton
- Linkedin: RavenJeannette
- Twitter: RavenJeannette_
- Youtube: Raven Jeannette
Image Credits
Dainique Jones
Deja Denise Green
Alex Hahn
Marlon Turner
Aliyah Curry