Meet Tabetha McNeal | Actress & Voice Over Coach

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

Hi Tabetha, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I approach the concept of risk with the wisdom imparted by my esteemed former acting mentor, Will Catlett: as an opportunity to serve. Many risks entail venturing into uncharted territories, challenging oneself to accomplish what was once deemed beyond reach. Such endeavors often involve serving not only oneself but also others and the broader community, necessitating the willingness to “risk it all” or sometimes just “risk a bit” to bring about positive change. Even if that positive change scared you the whole time going through it. Lol trust me a lot of what I do I’m scared but something inside me is always saying just “trust me”.

Throughout my life, risk has been a recurring theme, often spurred by a combination of boredom and audacity. LOTS OF AUDACITY! Why me? Well. Why. Not? An inherent trait of mine is embarking on endeavors for which I may not be conventionally qualified. Yet, it is precisely this willingness to leap into the unknown that has yielded remarkable outcomes, demonstrating that even in the face of uncertainty, success can be achieved through bold action. Indeed, the essence of risk lies in its capacity to catalyze meaningful transformation and make a tangible difference in both individual lives and society at large.

Sounds crazy right? I know. But having the risk audacity mindset works for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What truly distinguishes me is my unyielding faith blended with a dash of audacity. Picture this: amidst the allergies and the occasional whisper of doubt, and lots of seasons of Grey’s Anatomy. there I stand, thinking that I may not have what others do. But I serve a God that can do more than I ever imaged.

But it’s not easy, there’s a certain weight that comes with this type of audacity. Because as soon as it’s “done” there’s the overwhelming loudness that people ask: why are YOU doing this? where’s your resume? Have you booked? Then you start to think back on why did I even do this. Why try when people are going to hurt you? But I overcame or try my best to overcome the challenges by knowing my “why”. My why is my family and friends. So that one day like Denzel said “Buy ya mama a house” can be real. So friends will never have to fund a movie, audition, or take shortcuts because by that time I could at least help. That one day I can look back over my life and say “God did that”.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that your tribe is more than your family. A tribe an acting one anyway is like who will I thank in my speech. Who supported me when the phone wasn’t ringing and I was ready to quit. Who was there when the money wasn’t and still brought me a $1 pizza at the bodega? It’s the teacher who saw you and encouraged you. The mom or dad who guardian who took you to all the auditions, prayed for you, and screamed the loudest at opening night. Without that. Especially in this industry, it’s hard to function.

I want the world to know that though I dare to think I’ll win all the awards of an EGOT. Star in in all my favorite shows. Star in a movie directed by Spike Lee or Jordan Peele and more! I truly want to tell good, solid, stories that change the world. I want to be that black woman for all women to say “She did so I can too”. That my journey is hard and sometimes I feel so unworthy of the things I get to do. That one day when I put my feet on stage, see my name in the credits as a lead, or when write my own stories I did what I was supposed to do on this earth and I did it with faith.

“Fearlessness means taking the first step, even if you don’t know where it will take you. It means being driven by a higher purpose, rather than an applause. It means knowing that you reveal your character when you stand apart, more than when you stand with the crowd”. – Chadwick Boseman

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ah, Virginia, the land of peanuts, strawberries, and big trucks! But the creativity that Virginia proudly displays is interesting!

First off, let’s talk tunes! From the iconic beats of Missy Elliott to the smooth melodies of Pharrell Williams, Virginia is a jukebox of musical talent. So we go to any of the music festivals they have! And hey, if you’re more into comedy than crooning, we’ve got the incomparable wit of Wanda Sykes to tickle your funny bone (a joke but..we can go to the Funny Bone for all the top comics)

But wait, there’s more! Ever heard of a little something called Broadway? Well, guess what? Virginia’s got a soft spot for the stage too! We’re not just about peanuts and pick-up trucks; we’re also about putting on a show that’ll knock your socks off. Since we are fairly close to New York we are sometimes the first stop for tours! So we get to see some of the top shows quickly.

So Y’all! When you think of Virginia, don’t just think of fields and farms. Think of a bustling hub of creativity, where the air is alive with the sound of music, laughter, and the unmistakable hum of innovation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Allow me to introduce you to my esteemed best friend Eddie Mawere, affectionately known as @thejokesoneddie on Instagram. (And yes, Eddie, if you’re reading this, wipe that smirk off your face)

Now, Eddie deserves more than just a passing mention in the credits of my life’s sitcom. Over the past four years, he’s been the comedic relief, the sage advisor (a big inside joke), and the unwavering supporter of all my antics and absurdities. His encouragement, prayers, advice, and yes, even laughter at my questionable jokes and bizarre noises, have been the glue holding my sanity together.

But beyond the praise breaks and giggles, Eddie has been a beacon of hope in the tempestuous sea of showbiz. As a fellow actor who’s graced the screens of Apple and strutted his stuff in the concrete jungle of “Sex and the City,” he’s shown me that amidst the relentless barrage of auditions and rejections, finding just one person who “gets it” can make all the difference. My favorite moment is when he sings and we talk about our Oscar speeches.

So here’s to you, Eddie, for being the comedic relief in the drama of my life, the supportive sidekick in this unpredictable sitcom, and the reminder that even in the darkest audition rooms, there’s always a glimmer of hope and a reason to never give up on our dreams. Cheers to friendship, laughter, and the occasional cameo appearance in each other’s success stories. (Ewww I know. I know.) Love you, bro!

Website: https://tabethamcneal.my.canva.site/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TabethaMcneal

Image Credits
Cameron Radice Photography