Tamieka Chavis

Tamieka Chavis and Michelle Proctor Rogers in Ally Theatre Company's Rabbit Summer, part of the 2018 Women's Voices Theater Festival.

Angelisa Gillyard

Josh Simon and Tamieka Chavis in the Source Festival's The Word and the Wasteland.

C. Stanley Photography

Tamieka Chavis and Nick DePinto in The Hub Theatre's The Late Wedding.

C. Stanley Photography

Briana Manente, Charlene V. Smith and Tamieka Chavis in NextStop Theatre Company's Eurydice.

Traci J. Brooks Studios

Whether dreaming of A Chorus Line or coordinating a “dream date” with Michelle Obama, Sam Elliott and the New Kids on the Block, TAMIEKA CHAVIS is a force to be reckoned with. Get the scoop in this week's Take Ten and catch her in RABBIT SUMMER at Ally Theatre Company through January 28, part of the 2018 Women's Voices Theater Festival (January 15-Feburary 15).

1) What was the first show you ever saw, and what impact did it have?

Show, as in a play? If not, then my first "show" was when I was ten years old and I saw Michael Jackson in concert. I remember being in awe of his stage presence and showmanship. Yeah, the music was great, but the performance was amazing. I remember wondering if he was just portaying a character and if he's totally different person off stage.

2) What was your first involvement in a theatrical production?

It was in 3rd grade. I  can't remember the production, but I remember the feeling I had being a part of it. Being on stage. Telling a story as someone totally different than me. It was mind blowing. And I fell in love with the stage.

3) What’s your favorite play or musical, and why do you like it so much?

So I'm not a self-proclaimed singer, but I can hold a tune :) Growing up, my favorite musicals were Annie, Oliver, The Wiz, A Chorus Line. I remember dancing and singing along with each and every character, excited for the days when I'll be able to do it "for real"!

4) What’s the worst day job you ever took?

I worked for Target for a day. One. Day. It was torture working in the dressing room section and how they made me answer the phones in a certain voice. I thought, "sure, this'll be easy... I'll just use my acting skills plus I enjoyed customer service." Oh my goodness! It takes a special person to work there and I guess I am not the one.

5) What is your most embarrassing moment in the theatre?

Ha! Feeling like a deer in headlights when I've forgotten my lines! Oh yeah, and thinking that I've missed my entrance and going on stage and then realizing that I'm waaaaay early.

6) What are you enjoying most about working on RABBIT SUMMER at Ally Theatre Company?

I think being pushed and stretched beyond what I thought I could be pushed and stretched in the development of my character, Claire, as a creative by my director, KenYatta Rogers. Also, overhearing audience members' conversations about how this piece directly and indirectly affects them broadening their head space allowing them to see, and hopefully the beginnings of understanding, different perspectives on systemic racism, police brutality, and gun violence.

7) Other than your significant other, who’s your dream date (living or dead) and why?

Oh gosh! Umm, let's see...Barack and Michelle Obama, Tom Hardy, Meryl Streep, Ava Duvernay, Sean Connery, Sam Elliott, Idris Elba, New Kids On the Block... do I have to choose just one? Why, you ask? Why not?! Oooo how about a girls night out with Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Meryl Streep, Oprah, and Mo'Nique! Now that there would be an interesting night!!!

8) What is your dream role/job?

I'm doing it!

9) If you could travel back in time, what famous production or performance would you choose to see?

I would love to see the original production of A Chorus Line :)

10) What advice would you give to an 8-year-old smitten by theatre / for a graduating MFA student?

Do what you love and what makes you happy. No matter what. Challenges and obstacles will come, but don't let it stop you from working towards your dreams to make them a reality. Stay open and receptive to change. Love openly and honestly. Live each day to the fullest. Laugh often.

TAMIEKA CHAVIS is an actress and theatre educator based in the DC-MD-VA area. Regionally, Tamieka's work has been lauded on stage for her work with theatres such as Mosaic Theater Company, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, Ally Theatre Company, NextStop Theatre, Faction of Fools, Smithsonian's Discovery Theater, including being awarded DC Metro Theatre Arts Best of 2015: Best Actress in a Play for her work in Source Theatre Festival's The Word and The Wasteland. On camera, Tamieka has appeared in productions such as HBO's The Wire, Investigation Discovery's Psychic Detectives, Maverick Entertainment's Torn, and Netflix's House of Cards, as well as in numerous commercials (i.e. BWI, DelMarva Power, DarCars, Persona Doctors), industrials (i.e. Sylvan Learning Center, CarMax, American Red Cross, Giant Foods), and independent films (i.e. Q&A, The Henchman's War, Aspirin for the Masses). She has been nominated for and awarded numerous awards for Best Actress, Best Ensemble, and Producer including the Indie Soap Awards and the Daytime Emmys. You can also hear her voice on the radio and internet for spots such as Metrobus, Washington Gas, BB&T Bank, The National Journal, and iHeart Radio. Tamieka is a Company Member with Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, Smithsonian's Discovery Theater, and Ally Theatre Company. She is also a teaching artist with Smithsonian's Tools of Discovery and Young Playwright's Theatre. Tamieka is a proud graduate and faculty member of the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts located in Georgetown DC, where she is honored to be teaching the next generation of powerfully talented performing artist.

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