Meet Danela Butler | Actor & Poet

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

Hi Danela, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When I think about taking risks, I think about the quote from one of my favorite Artists Prince who said, “For all of us, life is death without adventure, and adventure only comes to those who are willing to be daring and take chances.” I moved to Atlanta, GA from Seattle, WA 3 years ago around the peak of Covid. Was it an obstacle? Yes. Was it risky? Yes. But I realized in life there will always be obstacles and it all comes down to how bad do you want it? For me, how its factored in my career and my life is I would not have known the true reward behind taking a leap of faith in pursuit of a career I’ve dreamed of since I was old enough to walk and talk if I remained in an environment that was safe and familiar. That same fire in me has given me a boost in my confidence and unlocked some self discoveries that in order to get what you want, you have to do what you’ve never done. So I put packed my suitcases, grabbed a mask and I leaped. It was one of the best decisions I made.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What keeps me busy professionally is I find opportunities to sharpen my craft by attending Acting Classes. Re-learning the fundamentals of what makes a great Audition, learning how to fully let go mentally and emotionally to embody the Character and studying the business side of the Industry. Outside of that I also am a writer. I have a collection of poetry I have written over the years which has been very beneficial for me because it has stretched into the interest in writing my own scripts and monologues. Last thing I would say keeps me busy professionally is finding various books to read from mystery, thriller, drama etc., and binging on streaming channels. As an Actor it gives me an opportunity to watch other actor’s techniques and get a feel for the different climates of the shows and movies that are lighting up currently. It also gives me ideas as to what roles I would love to play and the networks I would love to work on.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take them to a Rooftop event either at Reverb with live bands or Djs to vibe to or a spot in Buckhead like Southern Gentleman with great food and view. I’m a fan of lounges so places like Fellaship, Tito’s Lounge, Monticello are great places for nightlife. I would also take them to Candytopia for the child in all of us. I know close to my area the Battery is always a great place to go for movies, sports, etc. If they wanted to go further, we would check out the Atlanta Beltline starting with the Ponce City Market and go from there. There are places I still haven’t fully experienced yet but I’m always looking for new adventures and sharing them.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost all glory to God who sets all things in motion. I would say when I first moved to Atlanta my first Acting opportunity came from Drea Lewis of Dream of Drea. She gave me a script while I was still living in Seattle to read and everything fell into place because not only did I receive the role but I was able to shoot a year after I moved to Atlanta. It was so refreshing to work with her and I am extremely grateful that she put her trust in me to help bring a character in her story to life. Drea is not only a brilliant Screenwriter and Director but she is highly passionate in what she does and that exudes on set. She definitely deserves her flowers as she is definitely someone to watch for in this industry as hardworking Artist whether on camera or off camera. She helped give me my start in Atlanta and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.

Instagram: @danela_butlerofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danela.butler

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

Image Credits
Instagram: @antoinneduanejones ADJ Media @dreamofdrea Dream of Drea @divinejewelent Divine Jewel Entertainment @Hollywoodheadshots Michael Justice @earby.studios Earby Studios/@JDTHE_ARTIST JD Earby/@Jatara.jatara Ja’Tara Turner