Spotlight On: Bryana Hall

Bryana Hall (she/her/hers) is an actor, dancer, singer, director, and choreographer. Her mainstage directorial debut, "Eclipsed: The Sun, The Moon, and Gladys Atkinson Sweet", opens this Friday, April 11th.

Bryana Hall

How did you get started in the arts?

I've been a performer for as long as I can remember, putting on little shows in my living room with a coffee table for a stage. My first time on a real stage, I played Gretel in my 3rd grade production of "This Old Gingerbread House", a Hansel and Gretel sequel with an HGTV twist!

If you could direct/produce one show, what would it be, and why?

Hear me out: The Little Mermaid, set in a teenage girl's bedroom in 1989. I love the idea of Disney magic coming from a teenager's daydream, and Ariel's longing for something bigger resonates with almost every kid out there.

If you could play one character in all of theatre or film, who would it be and why?

Amalia in She Loves Me. I feel like so many of her songs and lines, when translated through the lens of a Black actress, take on a new and deeper meaning. I have a lot in common with Amalia; I'm an avid reader, and like to think I have "a home, a life, that's warm and full, and rich in love and art."

Name two artistic role models and why you look up to them.

Audra McDonald: I feel like that one is self explanatory. I met her in 2011, and all I could manage. to tell her is "I am who I am as an artist, because of who you are." It's still true today.

Misty Copeland is such an inspiration; she is a trailblazer in the ballet world, and she proves that muscles and brown skin can make for a beautiful ballerina.

What did you want to be when you were a child? Are you fulfilling that dream?

I always wanted to be some kind of singer, but also toyed with being a research chemist. Performing as a career path really solidified for me when I saw Wicked in 8th grade. The line "I'm not afraid, it's the Wizard who should be afraid...of me" resonated with me so deeply. I wanted to change one little girl's life the way Idina Menzel changed mine in that moment. I hope I am fulfilling that dream every time I'm onstage.

What is your artistic guilty pleasure?

Nickelback. "Far Away" genuinely slaps. Don't come for me.

What role/show/experience on your resume is most memorable and why?

I know I should say Godspell (in a pool!), because the power and resonance and reach of that show was incredible and revolutionary. But if I'm honest, I'd say Ilse in Spring Awakening at Flint Repertory Theatre. I'd wanted to give life to Ilse since I was a teenager, and the entire experience of that production was so collaborative, so empathy-driven, and so beautifully detailed. I remember every pre-show, I'd stand in the wings before going onstage and remind myself to breathe in the joy of this moment. It was truly a blessing to live so fully in the present and have. the time and space onstage to breathe in my joy. I feel so privileged to have worked with that cast and creative team. It was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of beautiful.

What is your dream for the Michigan Arts Community?

I dream that Michigan theatres will be places where actors dream of working! I want all of the incredible artists that call the Mitten home to make a living wage, and for all arts organizations to thrive and push each other to grow.