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

Tonya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew what I wanted to do at the ripe age of five. I remember the day it happened. I can’t remember where my keys are half the time but the day I christened myself as an artist will be an everlasting memory. I was watching a TV show and became so fascinated with what they were doing, that I wanted to join them. I didn’t know how it could be done, but I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I jumped to my feet on a commercial break, marched with great intent to my parent’s bedroom, and proclaimed to my father (who was busy washing his face and hands) that I was going to be an actor! I guess my conviction was evident on my face because I remember him pausing, and replying with a smile, “Oh yeah? How you gone do that?”
“I don’t know,” I said and ran back to the show. I hadn’t gotten that far. The revelation was enough for one day. But the feeling, this calling…it never went away.

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?

A native of Fort Worth, Tx, there weren’t many artistic endeavors happening on my side of town. If you were into sports or academia, sure, but the arts, not so much. So I didn’t grace a stage in pursuit of acting until I got to college. Talk about a fish out of water. I didn’t necessarily feel acting was my niche, but having no concept of the many facets of the industry, I thought you had to be an actor to be in films. I never considered the world behind the camera.

After receiving a Bachelor’s in Performing Arts from Prairie View A&M University, I hit audition after audition, becoming an expert in deciphering the difference between “thanks-no thanks” and “thanks-I’m interested”. Finally, after receiving a thanks-no thanks, I asked the casting director and producers if there was anything else I could do on the commercial shoot other than act. “Can you PA?” the producer asked.
I quickly replied “Yes!” I had no idea what a PA was nor what they did but if it was gonna get me on a film set, call me PA (Production Assistant).

To say I was excited to be on a professional set is an understatement. I felt like I was at Disney for the time. I inquired about who did what and why to anyone who would answer. I was Ms. Eager Beaver and most importantly, I had found my niche. Ever since, I’ve worked in the film and theatre industry as a writer, director, producer, and just about every other position that’s needed, for over 20 years.

I am one of three co-founders of the longest-running Black theatre company in Dallas, TX, Soul Rep Theatre, where we are embarking on our 30th anniversary. I am extremely proud of our accomplishments throughout the years and the artists we’ve worked with, cultivating their craft that has since been shared on a larger platform.

Out of all the various positions I’ve experienced, (casting director, editor, sound mixer, wardrobe/make-up, composer to name a few) I would say I most enjoy screenwriting and editing. Creating stories and then recreating them through the power of editing is never exhausting. I like to think I take ideas from “What if…” to “That’s it!” I love collaborating with other artists, whether they be novices or veterans. The quest to complete a creative idea to share with others is rewarding and never gets old.

Currently, I work as a film consultant at the prestigious Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts while attending grad school at the University of Texas at Arlington, where I will earn an MFA in Cinematic Arts. I figured you’re never too old to keep learning about the world of film.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve worked in this profession since college, implementing the skills acquired into every project. Even when I was traversing around the states and abroad with four kids and a husband who served 30 years in the US Marine Corps, I never stopped writing and producing. There are several firsts I’m still striving for but the experiences gained have been useful and most of all, memorable.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Selling a feature. I’ve come close with option deals but have not received that greenlight yet. I’ve greenlit independent projects of my own, but selling one of my scripts to a major studio is definitely at the top of my list. It’s the fuel behind my rigorous schedule. Every class, draft, reading, and contest puts me one step closer to my goal.

My biggest dream is to produce a feature I’ve been writing for several years. It’s an homage to not only the golden days of Thriller and Hip-Hop but my childhood. The script has taken several years to develop because it wasn’t polished. Even when I thought it was ready, it wasn’t. Patience and leaning into the art of writing will make the wait worthwhile.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In 1995, I packed up the few belongings I had in a Toyota hatchback, said goodbye to family and friends, and drove to Chicago with one meager paycheck and no place to stay. I knew only one person; a friend of mine from college who had convinced me to relocate. I wanted a change of scenery and thought the Windy City would be a fresh avenue to do film production.

It didn’t take long to learn the transit system (I got off on a lot of wrong stops) and get a job. When your paycheck only gets you a 3-week cushion of income, that’ll motivate you to find work quickly.

Production days in the Chi were fun. Cold, but fun. I really enjoyed the people, the food, and the experiences during my time in there.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: tonyaholloway2021
• Facebook: Tonya Holloway
• Linkedin: Tonya Holloway