Meet Adia Reid | Experimental Performace Artist, Composer, Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adia Reid and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking has been very central to my success. The first thing that comes to mind is the way i entered into extracurricular activities as a kid. At 4 or 5 years old, I went to church and hear the choir. I was compelled to join them so I did. I probably pretended to know the words. I did the same thing when I hear about auditions at JRP, a now dissolved talent academy of sorts. This was also my strategy for entering Rakaba, a west african dance company that took me across the world to Ghana in 2007. So to say the least, I would not be where I am if I didnt have the risk taking spirit. Its an essential tool in the innovation of performance, and in the fostering of creative confidence.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Im most proud of the way I have come full cirlce as an artist. As a child, I was filled with imagination and wonder. I played and sung and danced and wrote as if it was a job, because to me, it was what I wanted to do everyday. Fast forward to today, I am finding myself in a constant state of play as I get to the last year of my bachelors degree in acting. The easy part of my life has been the play, the struggle is how to turn that play into work, and how to give that work to the world. I want to see people use their playing muscles, laughter or tears or screams or whispers, I aim to facilitate imaginative experiences for anyone who sees me perform or hears my writing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
IF I had a friend visiting in town I would give them an ATLworld tour starting with food ofcourse. First a stroll through Ponce City Market (and maybe swipe a donut or some street food) and the belt line as a way to sight see, feel a rush of adrenaline, pet dogs and maybe hear some live music. For Dinner, were going to Gaja Korean Bar. The next day we might venture out to Jeju for some R&R before going to Buford Highway where we might check out the market, go to korean BBQ and maybe some fun at Happy Kareoke as an after dinner treat. If its a monday night we might go to Kareoke at the Local. Downtown Decatur is also a must see for Butter and Cream, the ocasional buskers, and The S.O.S Tiki Bar for the best Asian Fusion and tiki themed cocktails. Seeing a show at Theatrical Outfit or Outfronte theatre would also be on the list of things to do. I dont think any trip to Atlanta is complete without visiting Underground Atlanta, Edgewood, and Little Five Points!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my success to my mother. As cliche as it can sound, I owe it all to her. My dreams to sing, dance and create were always sailing on her boat. She never denied me the opportunity to learn a new skill, join a new group or start a new career path. She has followed me through my process as a friend, a mentor, a scholar, and continues to show me what it looks like to follow your gut. I was able to take risks because I knew she had my six! She embodies what it means to be supportive, encouraging and loving!

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