BWW Interviews: Actress Dacia Dunnigan

Buffalo, New York has plenty to offer when it comes to the artistic world.

Actors, writers, musicians, singers, directors, film makers and much much more ...

In the next several months I will continue to introduce many of these talanted Buffalo people who work hard for their craft.

DACIA DUNNIGAN is an actress, improvisational artist and writer.

She was kind enough to answer a few questions.

DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU FIRST WANTED TO BE ON STAGE?

DD: "I always knew at an early age. I would say in elementary school I don't recall the specific age. I just knew i something was missing because I was always considered weird or strange by my classmates because I never did our said anything 'normal'. But how do you define normal?"

WHAT WAS THE SHOW?

DD: "Andre Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera elementary class trip to Toronto. This show is my first love and till this day is my favorite."

ANY ACTING MENTORS? HOW DID THEY HELP YOU?

DD: "Don Gervasi taught me improv. He taught me the importance of how to use your hands to get your point across without using words. His acting games help with listening and being observant among you stage surroundings."

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHARACTERS AND THE PLAYS YOU'VE APPEARED IN?

DD: "I've appeared in The Call as Tisha Franklin. The Harvest as Ada Walker. Marat/Sade is an inmate. Shasta in Mugsy Sent Me."

YOU HAVE A FEW FAVORITE CHARACTERS YOU'D LIKE TO TALK ABOUT?

DD: "Shasta is one if my favorites because the setting took place during Prohibition so I got to be a flapper. In addition, opportunity to interact with the audience."

WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE ROLES YOU HAVEN'T PERFORMED BUT WOULD LOVE TO?

DD: "Although I cannot sing. Not a specific role but just the ability to be a part of Phantom of the Opera or Wicked would be an honor."

ANY ACTING INFLUENCES?

DD: "Angela Bassett she is very talented, her characters she portrays are strong just like her and you can tell she considers the roles she choices carefully."

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC APPROACH YOU TAKE WHEN CHOOSING A PART?

DD: "Yes. I do not take just any role that is presented to me. I have to know I am right for the part. I will not take on a role that I consider is against my morals and beliefs."

WHAT'S YOUR APPROACH TO FINDING THE CHARACTER?

DD: "I read the entire script first to get an idea of want the entire play is about. Then I go back to my character and see what is her purpose, her mood throughout the play and then I take it from there how I am supposed to bring this character to life."

WHAT'S COMING UP FOR DACIA?

DD: Right now I am ready to get back on stage and perform, which means auditioning. In the meantime I've started my own business Me, Myself, and Nails: mobile nail salon l. Which is a unique business because the nail salon comes to you.

Dacia Dunnigan can be reached at:

daciadarcell@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/memyselfandnail