Meet Bailey James | Actress and Artistic Creator

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

Hi Bailey, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I want people to really understand that however much, or how little people may have believed in you before, none of that matters. It’s truly about the work you put in everyday to get closer to your individual goals. Which to me is very beautiful because it means my possibilities are endless.

And on the note of external validation, this industry is so objectively based. Anyone could have “it,” the question is who/ what trend decides that. With that being said, just because someone says you are something, doesn’t make it true. You must set that rule for the positives, and for the negatives that come with it. So, if someone declared that you were the next great actor of this generation, and you believe them, and you even invest in yourself because of that belief, you will also believe the next person that tells you that you aren’t. If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for absolutely anything, and your voice has to matter the most.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an actress, and since graduating school, I’m grateful for every audition I get, because there’s no guarantees of how many stages other people will put me on. With that being said, I love it too much to have that power be in other peoples’ hands. Over the last few years I’ve created/ been apart of several films, and I know there’s a future that lies for me in that world. I’m very inspired by artists that have something to say, and is making a way for themselves, because no one else is saying it.

With that being said, I also love theater, and starting this summer I will be a Kenan fellow, working at Lincoln Center, and part of that fellowship is putting on my own show. I began developing it this past December, and I’m excited to see where are my inspiration takes me. I also think it will be a great change of pace, and will stretch me greatly, as someone whose made more films than theatre so far. I’m curious to see how to blend the elements I love from both worlds.

Honestly, the only difference between me and an actor who’s solely an actor, is that I act on my ideas. In general, the only thing that makes you different from your peers is experience, and the thing is, life is experience. This means two things: First, there’s nothing wrong with playing minor, and truly being a collaborator in a space versus the leader. Your time will come. Secondly, all those little ideas that “could be something if you just….” needs to be written down now. Choosing to invest in yourself isn’t easy per se, but it is always worthwhile.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well first, I would say plan ahead because the traffic is something you have not seen before.

First off, take heed to the history that has been made in the very first Black-developed, micro-community in College Park. These developers have made it possible for those in our community to become first-time homeowners, despite the spiked housing market, and it’s truly a beautiful thing to witness.

As for excursions, I’d say around brunch time, go to Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint. It’s on Peachtree Street, and the food’s amazing. Then, right when you’ve got the itis, take a lazy walk around the Margaret Mitchell house. If you feel up to it, take a stroll through the Atlanta Botanical Garden as well.

If you love museums, my favorites have been the World of Coca Cola, the MODA, and the Trap Music Museum. However, places that I am dying to check out is the National Center of Civil and Human Rights, the High Museum of Art, and the Waffle House Museum.

And of course, you have to go with your friends to the Cascade skating rink. It will be intimidating, but it will also be really fun.

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 would like to shout out my family- Shelley, Phillip, and Kennedi James- for always supporting my dreams. They made me feel like my Plan A was also my Plan B, and made sure that I was completely and utterly equipped for this crazy industry that I love so much. That didn’t mean that they didn’t make fun of my movie suggestions, or the ridiculous shows/showcases/whatever you can even call them I’ve had them sit through, but alas, they were always there.

Secondly, I’d like to thank my high school theatre teacher, Jennifer Bishop. She truly always saw a light in me, as a person and an artist, and made sure that I used it as a super power. I’m very honored to have received that investment and understanding at such a young age.

I would also like to thank the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and specifically Krisha Marcano. There’s far too many people to thank for the ways that they have guided me, and assisted me in more ways than what they were paid to- whether it was Quin Gordon fighting tooth and nail to get me there, or Scott Zigler for being my most generous donor towards my latest film “Sunday Morning”- just to name a few. As for Krisha, I want her to know that her sharing so much of herself with me, more than what she was comfortable with at times, allowed me to acknowledge the full depths of who I was. It makes a difference when you see someone who looks like you, who has lived the many lives you’ve dreamed of, show the many colors of their character. And that has matured me as a woman, and an artist.

Last but not least, I thank God that as long as I have breath in my body, theatre and everything that consumes it is my ministry.

Website: www.baileyjames.net

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