By Jonathan Burger, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc.
Where are you from and how did you end up in eastern North Carolina?
I am originally from Queens, New York. My family and I moved to North Carolina in 2006.
Do you have formal training, or are you self-taught, or a combination of both?
A combination of both. I grew up in a musical household so we were always singing, dancing, and making music. I’ve also been blessed to have the music teachers I had throughout school and college. They taught me so much about music and helped my voice grow to what it is today. I am forever grateful to have learned from the best!
You work in music, theatre, and film, how do these mediums relate to each other?
They influence each other when it comes to storytelling. When I come up with a film idea, I’m always thinking about the score, what songs would play, and how it would impact the scene. And of course I’m thinking about how I want to convey the emotions through actions and dialogue. I try to visualize as I’m writing so that I’m able to communicate to the actors what I’m going for.
You were recently Disenchanted at New Bern Civic Theatre, what was it like working with an all-female ensemble?
It’s been so fun! This is my first time working with an all-female ensemble and I think Disenchanted has been the best introduction.
Everyone in the cast is extremely talented and I am so honored to share the stage with them. We’re in a show that’s about pushing back on the societal pressures the not only the princesses face, we face them too – every single day. It’s powerful to watch each of them tell their story.
Do you have a dream role?
Dorothy in The Wiz!
In there another performer who you admire or inspires you?
My biggest inspiration is my cousin Tori. She is mesmerizing on stage. Her voice, mannerisms, the life she brings to each character. I didn’t have a lot of confidence in myself performing when I was little, but I everytime I saw her perform, it made me believe that I could do it too – and now I am, with much more confidence in my abilities.
What one performance, award, or event are you particularly proud of, and why?
I will always be proud of winning the Greensboro 48 Hour Project. It was so intense, but I had the best team I could ever ask for. It got us to Seattle where we got to meet and interact with filmmakers from all over the world. An experience I will never forget!
What advice do you have for other performers, or people wanting to get into music or theatre?
Go for it! Immerse yourself in the creative community. There are people with all different backgrounds who will definitely encourage you to do it.
In one sentence, what is art to you?
Art to me is an expression of who I am.
Where else can people find your work?
You can find me on Instagram @shalia.fm and @edgewood.tv