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

Toi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you signed with an agent or manager? Why or why not?

I recently signed with an LA agent after a few agent meetings here in NYC. I started to feel a little discouraged about finding a theatrical agent, especially when the reasons for the agents not signing me were because of my “lack of experience” even though I just graduated from NYU Tisch Drama back in May of 2023. I was just waiting for someone to be interested in my training and my potential. During school, I wasn’t focusing on auditioning and getting outside experience because my focus was on my studies. Now that I have my degree, my focus shifted to auditioning and networking outside of NYU. After those disappointing meetings, I finally met with an agent from Bankston Talent Agency who wasn’t focused on if I had a crazy credit on my resume already but on my training at the Lee Strasberg Studio and the Stonestreet Studio and what work he saw from my reel during my training at NYU. I appreciated how they were willing to move forward with me and that they want to help build my resume instead of already wishing I came packing with years of experience. Especially as someone who recently graduated, I love how they gave me a chance.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Toi Howard, and I was born in Washington DC. I have lived in Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia (DMV area). Since a very young age, I’ve been very dramatic and loved being in front of the camera. I could spot a camera a mile away and be “camera ready!” I enjoyed putting on skits with my friends in the house or just doing skits by myself in my room. At the age of 6, I was very vocal about wanting to pursue acting, and my parents saw it in me as well. They helped me get a child agent and put me in acting classes. I was also active in my church’s choir and school choir. Singing is also something I’m passionate about. One thing I admire about myself is my determination and faith. I continued being active in church and school performing arts, from play productions to joining my high school’s acapella group as an alto and soloist. I am a very spiritual person, and I do have a relationship with God. My church preaches a lot about our purpose on this earth and building a relationship with God and letting Him guide you to your purpose. At a very young age, I knew this was my purpose because I prayed and asked God about it, and to this day, He hasn’t proven me wrong. Without Him and my faith in Him, I wouldn’t have gotten into all my dream schools, one being NYU Tisch for Drama. In a world where people are struggling to find their path or purpose, I am fortunate to have built a foundation for myself with God, and I know He will never leave me or forsake me. He has a bigger plan for me, and I haven’t seen anything yet!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

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

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/toimhoward
• Instagram: toimalayiaaaa

Image Credits
Nina Naval Robin Michals