Meet Dréa Lewis | Actor, Director, Producer, Writer

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

Hi Dréa, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Although I have a degree from Georgia Tech, having once studied Computer Engineering, my soul cried for a space to manifest my artistic ideas in. In the 17 years being dedicated to the arts, I’ve had a great number of experiences in the arts. Examples include working at Paramount Studios, creating a film/theatre production company, receiving a Special Achievement Award in Directing from the Kennedy Center, writing an actor’s training workbook (recognized for academic excellence by John Hopkins University), working as a union member of Actor’s Equity, teaching artists of all ages across the United States, hosting a podcast for artists sharing their paths towards working in entertainment, among other accolades, even preparing taxes for creatives! It’s been a joyful ride, and I’m still climbing new heights!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Dream of Dréa produces transcendent stories through the cohesion of culturally responsible artists. We champion the medium of live performances, and the use of moving images for film, television, and digital spaces. We work across disciplines to achieve an honest and cohesive artistic community. We provide support and a platform for diverse creatives.

Services are offered in producing/writing for film/theatre/media, creating production budgets, directing performances, and supporting burgeoning workers in entertainment. The educational division of Dream of Dréa is lead by the book, “The Mathematics of Acting”. Classes, workshops, and networking events have been held to advance innovative ideas in a fun environment.

Any business owner knows that some expenditures are necessary for the growth of a business. To keep up with the cost of critical investments, I’ve willingly worked a variety of jobs to have income: selling roofing solutions for homes, doing fancy knife demonstrations, going door-to-door offering TV/internet packages, and working in corporate America to name a few. But whatever the financial goal I needed to meet, whether it was having funds to design my website, feeding a crew, purchasing software to do my work, getting a ticket to travel for an audition, I would meet my goal.

Today, I am a full time entrepreneur working through my companies Dream of Dréa, Genèsic Health, and Genèsic Nonprofit. I have a strong work ethic, operate with integrity, and always give credit to those who have helped me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Visiting Le Petite is a great way to begin the day! I love the space and became familiar with it by shooting a scene for a movie there. Next, I would visit Breakfast at Barneys. This location is significant to me as years ago, I once worked in an exquisite tax firm a couple of doors down. I’d also go to First Watch, J.Christopher’s, and Flying Biscuit.

I love restaurants that allows you to play too! Ormsby’s, Puttshack, The Painted Duck, Skyline Park (and Ponce City Market), Slingshot, and Your 3rd Spot are great places.

As a member of Actors Equity, seeing theatre is a must! Horizon Theatre, Actor’s Express, True Colors, Theatrical Outfit, and Alliance are great companies to visit for afternoon/evening shows.

For evening music/chill spots, visits to spaces like Apache Cafe, St. James Live!, Kat’s Cafe, City Winery, and BQE Restaurant & Lounge are great.

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?
Mike Nichols was my teacher and ensured I work with him at Paramount Studios. My theatre and film foundation comes from being his mentee. Tom Hanks also was very instrumental in offering his thoughts that helped me write my thesis, which is now a book, and writing a letter of recommendation about my work ethic.
I have to recognize my companies Dream of Dréa (artists collaborating to create transcendent stories), Genèsic Health (Personal care at home with heart), and Genèsic Nonprofit (embracing sickle cell communities).
My book is titled The Mathematics of Acting and it has carried me so far!
The dreamers who support and encourage me are deserving of all recognition too!

Website: https://www.dreamofdrea.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamofdrea/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drealewis/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DreamofDrea

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamofDrea

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DreamofDréa

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dreamofdrea.com

Image Credits
Rogers Williams, Jr.