Dee Spencer

One of the great joys of working in New York is the opportunity to connect with ambitious and motivated multi-taskers like Dee Spencer. After Dee added her talents to the AAPEX reading of Merrill Jones' MRS. STREETER she took on the challenge of Gregroy Carr's one woman show about African American female aviators, GIMME WINGS, which she now seems to be taking to the next level. I asked Dee to tell us about her various ventures and I'm sitting here wondering how she finds the time to do all that she does.
Jaz

What role did theater and the arts play in your childhood and upbringing?
Honestly I was not involved in theater or any form of arts as a child. In my younger years, we lived in the projects and faced a lot of challenges due to my mother's illness. Theatre did not really become a part of my life until I was in my twenties and started performing in productions at my church.

Tell us about your own evolution as an artist.
My evolution as an artist came as a result of performing church productions. I discovered that I had a natural talent for acting and even directing, so I decided to test out my skills and audition for Community Theatre. My first theatre role outside of church was at the Junction City Little Theatre in Kansas entitled "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up...". It was as if a light bulb went off in my head and I realized that acting was my true destiny. When I moved back home to Houston, Tx, I set out to learn all that I could about acting. Not having the finances to take classes, I read books and researched on the internet everything I could about the business of acting. I later became a member of Theatre Suburbia where I basically was trained on the job in lights, sound, makeup, and most importantly acting.

What are some of your major accomplishments?
One of my major accomplishments that I am most proud of is becoming a member of Actor's Equity and having the opportunity to perform in some of the best theatres on the East Coast.

I have also had the opportunity to direct and perform on Theatre Row and receive favorable reviews.
Starting and Continuing the NJ Performance Lab which provides opportunities for performers to showcase and develop their talent.

Hosting a Radio Show on FM with no training using natural talent and gut instinct.
I am also proud to have earned the respect and admiration from my peers in Texas and NY for being a true professional.

My most major accomplishment has been continuing to successfully act, direct, and produce great projects without formal training.

What are your current projects?
My current projects include The NJ Performance Lab which is a spin-off of the Houston Performance Lab founded by Curtis Von and comedian Ali. The NJ Performance Lab takes place every other Friday in East Orange, NJ and is open to actors, singers, dancers, comedians, musicians, poets. http://www.njperformance.com/

DeeWorks Live! Radio Show which airs on EliteRadio 97.5FM and streams live on the internet at http://www.myeliteradio.com/ featuring Dee Spencer - Host and along with co-hosts Kevin Foushee and Dan Bush aka DJ DMix every Sunday from 7pm - 10pm. http://www.deeworkslive.ning.com/

Co-Host on blogtalkradio.com/everybodyhasissues with brburns.com every Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday .

Currently Business Manager for Sis Peeola Patterson out of Houston, Tx for which I will be directing the Stage Production on July 18 & 19, 2009 in Houston, Tx at the Jewish Community Center. http://www.sispeeola.com/

Acting/Producing - One woman show entitled "Gimme Wings" written by Gregory Carr out of St. Louis and Directed by Passion from NY and sponsored by AAPEX - currently available for bookings at schools, churches, and other live events. http://www.gimmewings.ning.com/

All in all, I am grateful and do not take for granted the talents and gifts that have been given to me by God. For all that I am and currently do, I realize that there is still room for growth and learning and I am always open to learning something new.