Meet Candice Newsum | Theater Arts Director & Actress

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

Hi Candice, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
” Risk fail, Risk again” – National Theatre Institute. Eugene O’Neill Theater Center

I attended the Eugene O’Neill Theater Institute my Junior year in college. This quote is what inspired me to apply for this program. It was an amazing experience! Little did I know that this quote would be a tool that help me navigate through life’s journey of success.

I really like this affirmation because it really explains that success is journey! When you try you may not get it the first time, but if you continue to put yourself out there the universe will open doors for you. Failure is only a teacher. When I first started my business with Children’s Theatre I applied for a particular summer camp location and I did not get it. I tried again the next year. There was a new person over the program and that person believed in my vision. You never know what the universe is moving around for you so that your dreams can come true. Now this particular location yields my biggest clientele. And has been for about 10 years now. I am so glad that I chose to “risk again”.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
About our Business

CandiNews Productions is Children’s Theatre designed to awaken the creative spirit and imagination through acting, Musical Theater and movement in a safe, non-competitive environment. We’ll work on all aspects of theatre, script analysis and music. Our goals is to provide you with the opportunity to have fun exploring the creative arts and discovering new talents while you build on those you already have. There is performance for family and friends on the last day of class or camp. We located all over the metro Atlanta Decatur, Tucker, Smyrna, Mableton, Marietta and Kennesaw. We are also partnered with Cobb County Schools and several Montessori schools in the area. We serve ages 5- 14

What sets us apart.

What sets us apart is that we craft every script so that each child actors their time to shine in the spotlight! We write our scripts so that every child has a significant amount lines, so no kid is tree number 4 in the back. We also give the students autonomy over costumes and set design. We are all stake holders in the production.

Also, since I have been doing this for 10 years now, I have a camp counselor program where kids that may have aged out of the program can come back and help teach summer coursed to new upcoming actors.

We also provide special care for each child. We know how much confidence is important in life. So we want to provide that confidence in all of our students.

What we are excited for

I am most excited about growing this business. We want to be in more schools and recreational centers around Atlanta. We are expanding and providing theater to areas all over the state. I am excited about giving back to the community and providing this service to kids who may not have this opportunity.

We are also excited about our personal private coaching program where we get students audition ready for TV commercials and film.

How did I get to where I am today business-wise?

I was a High School Theater Arts teacher for about 9 years. During the summer to make extra money I would host summer camps. My first year I had about 8 students for one week. After the summer things blew up and my camps would fill up to capacity. Then I decided to expand to other locations using the same method. Once I got to that point, I was making a little over what I was making as a teacher and decided that I would do full time. That’s when we created Saturday classes and After- schools programs.

Was it Easy?

It was SCARY! I decided to leave and go full time with my business in May of 2019. I was excited and just knew I made the right decision. Then Covid hit. I was devastated. Everything shut down and there was no business. I was unsure of my decision, but I knew that teaching High- school was no longer for me. It was a setback, but I didn’t give up. And I am glad I didn’t. CandiNews Children’s Theatre is still alive and thriving! You have to trust your own intuition. Not what others are telling you, but what your heart is telling you to do! And ALWAYS save your money. You never know when that rainy day is coming. That is what sustained me during those tough times.

Lessons we have learned along the way.

Personal I have learned that everything isn’t for everybody. Corporate may be for you. Entrepreneurship may not be you for you. But be open new possibilities. Research, Network and think outside the box. Follow your passion and it will lead you. You may thrive overseas! Don’t feel like you have to do what everyone else is doing.

Also, businesswise. I would say take care of your customers make them feel special! Let them know that you care and appreciate their business. And with that also make sure you have boundaries. Your price is your price.

Lastly, something my parents told me when I was young, surround yourself with people who are successful. The company you keep is so important. Hang with those that are striving for the best in life and you will soon follow.

My Brand My story

What I would like for people to know is that I never aspired to own a business. All I ever wanted in life was to be an actress and, on my journey, I created CandiNews Children’s Theatre and fell in love with what I do. I am still on my actress journey so if you know anyone, please let them know I am ready! But am I happy that created something for myself and enjoy the kids’ faces after they have put on a show, and I truly believe this was a part of my calling as well. We are currently looking to partner with more school and recreational centers. So if you are looking for Theatre program please contact us.

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.
I love Atlanta!!

Ok we would start with something artsy. I would take them to High Muesum’s first Fridays where we would listen to Jazz and drink wine as we walk thru the museum. Then later that evening we would head over to Rock Steady for some food and drinks. After we would head upstairs to listen to music and dance.

Next day we may go have brunch at Hotel Colee, then go for a walk on the beltline or Piedmont Park. Then check out an afternoon matinee the Hertz Theater at the Alliance. And for dinner we would head to Divan’s Restaurant.

The next day we may go to ride bikes at Sliver Comet Trail. Then go to Ponce City Market for shopping and then City Winery for concert and dinner.

On Sunday we would go check out a Falcons game at Mercedes Benz stadium. Then head over to the Shops of Buckhead and have dinner at Le Bilboquet for French cuisine.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A couple of books I would like to share that really inspired me “48days to the work you love” by Dan Miller ,”Real Artist don’t starve” By Jeff Goins & “Business Boutique” by Christy Wright

I would really like to shout my Family Steve, Saundra & Chaz Newsum for encouraging me to follow my dreams as artist.

Also, there are some local artist that I really appreciate there teaching and mentorship,

Website: www.candinewscamps.com

Instagram: @candinewsproductions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-newsum-b1210035/

Facebook: @CandiNews Children’s Theatre

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QswQwQNbq9o, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTmX8ODZmpg&t=383s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRqdbe_dl8A

Other: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/CandiceNewsum

Image Credits
Erica Simmons Photography Brian Jones Photography