Meet Briana James | Actress | Artist

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

Hi Briana, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I often tell people that art chose me. I first found acting as a middle school student who had just moved to a new state. I was experiencing the preteen devastation of leaving my home and all of my friends. I felt so out of place. I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. Then, all of a sudden, there was light in the darkness. I stood in the office at my new school and the registrar passed a list of electives across the desk. “Pick one,” she said. The word DRAMA lifted off the page (cue the angelic background music). Before I knew it, I found the comfort that I was so desperately seeking.

For a long time acting was only that for me: a space where I was free to feel, express, and escape. Over time I came to understand the greater possibilities of acting and art. I found mentors who encouraged me to think of what I can give as an actor. This shifted my perspective.

I saw that acting allowed me to reflect two things to people: what is present and what is possible. The present being what exists, our current reality, and the things all of us go through. I believe (and I hope) sharing what is present brings people together and helps us all feel less alone. Then there is the possible: the possible is a reflection of where we could go, how we could treat each other, and the way we could live. My hope is that sharing what is possible invites people to think, examine, and if we’re lucky, move toward change.

Ultimately, being able to share these two things inspires me to continue in my artistic pursuits. The joy I experience in doing this work and the awareness of the power of our art keeps me going.

I think it’s also worth mentioning that I have had a variety of jobs and positions throughout my journey. Every time I leave acting I am itching to go back — it follows me, reminds me of all the good times we’ve shared, tells me how much it loves me, and begs me to come home! There is no other career or job that I love more. SO! It looks like I’m here to stay (finally)!!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve learned a million lessons on this journey. Let’s focus on two for now.

I was born in a small city in Georgia—Athens, GA, to be exact. Home of UGA and the bulldogs. My family had very little and needed a lot of support just to get by. I didn’t know any actors, there weren’t any industry people in my family, and we didn’t even have a TV in my home for a good portion of my childhood. I often felt othered in most of the spaces I entered: the only Black girl in the room, the only one with no money, and on and on.

After I left Georgia, I struggled with what it meant to be from “the south.” When I moved to Miami, I quickly lost my southern accent so as to not be the singular “country” girl in the room. When I moved to New York and met classmates who had traveled the world, I made sure to tell people that I was from Miami so that I could sound just as cultured as they were. I have even held conversations with people who did not know where I was born and just so happened to spew southern stereotypes. Sadly, at all those times, I said nothing and chose instead to blend in.

As a creator, I spent a lot of time writing and telling stories of people who were very different from me, hoping to appear more interesting. As an actor, I shied away from Black works for fear of being boxed in. I spent so much time running from my upbringing, my past, and who I really was. And as God would have it, very few of my early artistic endeavors panned out the way I had hoped. I created films that no one cared to see, I auditioned incessantly and never got cast, and I labored for years over plays that never got produced.

These were difficult seasons on my artistic journey. Eventually, all of that running ran me down. I had to get quiet and get clear. I went back to the drawing board. I realized that it is impossible to honestly tell other people’s stories while running from my own.

Now, in my graduate program, so much of our work is about starting with ourselves — digging deep and excavating the stories that live within us without shame or judgment. I have learned that my own life experiences are what make me interesting — not how well I can fit into some idea of a great artist. So biggest lesson #1—Embrace and tell your own story (first).

And the second lesson (or maybe two and a half?): find the love and find the why. The creative journey can get difficult. Most of us are not strangers to artistic challenges. However, I often keep myself going by returning to the question of why I do this and reminding myself of how much I love what I get to do. If you don’t love it, the challenges of this work may lead you to ask, “is it worth it?”

I am often reminded of one of Sterling K. Brown’s acceptance speeches from a few years ago where he mentioned “the love. Keep that love alive.” He briefly talked about how fame and money won’t sustain us as artists, but it is about our love for what we do.

I remember watching that speech during a time when I didn’t feel like I loved this. I had other things at the forefront of my mind, such as accomplishment and success, both of which were escaping me. I wasn’t measuring up to my own version of success because it didn’t look as good as the next person. Sadly, comparison is a one-way trip to frustration and defeat.

My professor Michele Shay often says we can’t create and criticize at the same time. I had to get out of the space of criticism, comparison, and striving. I never created anything great while taking that approach. I had to return to a space of love—as cheesy as it sounds. My best work rises out of love, enjoyment, exploration, lightness, and all those positive approaches to discovery.

Now for the why. My why and my hope is that my work will make an impact and a difference. I want my work to touch people who have stories similar to mine, who’ve had challenges that I have overcome, and who sometimes feel like giving up. I hope that something that I create or get the opportunity to act in will become an eye-opening lifeline for someone else. I’m still foolish enough to believe that I can change the world and so I do. I believe that. And that is what I am most excited about—telling stories that need to be told, and finding ways to help people through my acting—one person at a time.

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 would have to take any visitors to the USC vs UCLA football game. This game is full of energy and excitement! Of course, it only happens once per year, but it is so worth it! We’d grab a ton of snacks, file into our seats, and prepare to be standing and chanting the entire game!

If the game is in USC territory we would stop at Cafe Dulce in the USC University Village and grab some matcha lattes. I gotta be honest, I wasn’t really a matcha drinker before moving to LA. But then I saw the light! Dulce has some of the best iced matchas I have tasted, and their pastries are pretty scrumptious, particularly the brick toast!

And since we are talking about games, I am a huge basketball fan! My first basketball game in LA was a Clippers vs Warriors Game. The game was unforgettable! A repeat is overdue! I would take my friend to see the Clippers, Lakers, or possibly both (even though I am Team Warriors every day!!).

Next, we would visit a place that I frequent: The Grove (funnily enough, I was there earlier today!). I am trying to watch more movies, and I find myself at the AMC movie theater at The Grove at least a few times per month. Before seeing a movie, we would start at The Original Farmers Market. The Farmers Market is connected to The Grove and is a quick, leisurely walk down a cobblestone path. We would grab empanadas at Nonna’s Empanadas. This has become my go-to spot at the Farmer’s Market. We could also give a different restaurant a try — I’ve been wanting to try the Sushi at the Farmers Market for a while. A friend in town is always a perfect excuse to splurge! After the market, we would catch a movie at the Grove AMC while eating a hot buttery popcorn — gotta have it! Undeniably, movies are better with popcorn.

The Grand Central Market in Downtown LA is another great market to explore. It is lively, the variety of food is fantastic, and watching people rush through the aisles and between stalls is a show in and of itself!

At some point in the week we would have to take a few hikes — one through Griffith Park to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory, and a hike at Runyon Canyon. These were my first two LA hikes and both of them have great views.

Similar to our hikes, I would take my friend to Descanso Gardens! Descanso is a botanical garden and a beautiful place for quiet and ease. I went this summer and ugh! I loved it! From the Rose Garden to the Oak Forest — it is a peaceful escape right outside of the LA hustle and bustle.

Speaking of rose gardens, I would also take them to the Exposition Park Rose Garden and The Original Los Angeles Flower Market. (I love flowers, can you tell?) Both of these places are a nice little escape. The Expo Park Rose Garden is a great place for a picnic among the flowers, and the Flower Market is the perfect place to find unique plants and flowers. For me, sometimes being surrounded by flowers creates the ideal environment to just sit and think.

Right across the street from the Flower Market is a restaurant called Poppy and Rose. I’ve been there for brunch — it’s delicious! I’ve only tried the biscuits and gravy, which are southern inspired. As a woman from the south who has had this dish countless times, I must say, I approve!

I would also take any friend to see some LA theatre. We would start at one of the Center Theatre Group’s beautiful performance spaces. Then, we might make our way to Pasadena Playhouse and/or A Noise Within Theatre. These are all spaces that I often visit for theater in LA.

Finally, I practice Wushu, which is Chinese Martial Arts. I train with the National Wushu Training Center in Chinatown. Our classes are held outdoors, just outside of the Alpine Recreation center. My Coach (Coach Matthew Osborne) is great to work with, and our community is so welcoming. Our classes are not only a workout, but also a lot of fun. I would give my visitor friend a taste of martial arts with an intro class that we would take together. Kicks, punches, and maybe even a few splits would hopefully be the icing on the cake for an awesome LA experience!

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?
Do you have a lifetime for me to sit here and recognize all of the people who have helped me along the way? All of the people who are still helping me?? I couldn’t count them if I tried!

However! In thinking about this question, I am reminded of how I started this journey — in a classroom. So my shoutout is dedicated to all of my teachers, professors, and instructors. Here are a few that have been unforgettable!

My very first drama teacher in middle school (Mr. Smith) really started the engine for me. One day in class while a bunch of kids were bouncing off the walls and chatting away, he said something to me along the lines of “you were the diamond in the rough.” My thirteen-year-old brain didn’t know how to process this. I just stared at him trying to figure out what he meant. I probably thought something like, “ME?!?!?!!! He thinks I am talented?!?!?” It was that first vote of confidence that inspired me to audition for a performing arts high school.

I ended up at New World School of the Arts High School in Miami, FL. I was one of the few kids in the acting program who didn’t have any sincere acting training prior to arrival (but somehow I managed to get in). I am reminded of moments where I felt unsure of myself because I hadn’t been on stage before. One of my acting teachers named James Randolph was the next source of encouragement. He would always counter my insecurity with some version of, “you’re right on track,” “this is great, keep working,” and in my most extreme spirals, “you’re perfect!” Yes, I know I wasn’t (and I am not) perfect. However, in hindsight, I see that he was hoping to fill my cup with so much belief that there was no room leftover for doubt.

The list of teachers and instructors who have left an impression on me is endless. I have to mention Rosemary Quinn and Catherine Coray at NYU (ETW). I must also highlight Brian McManamon, who helped me reconstruct my actor journey as an adult.

And now, I am back where my journey began — I’m in school, expanding and rebuilding my craft after being away for quite some time. I am in the MFA Acting program at USC. My professors here have been instrumental in helping me shape the way I think about art. Their guidance helps me align my acting with the kind of person I want to be and the types of stories I want to tell. Most importantly, they have shown me how to open up and work toward finding a better version of myself. They are kind and generous, tough when necessary, and gentle when occasion demands. The list of fabulous professors in my program is extensive. However, most recently, I would say I’ve been impacted by Ahmed Best, Michele Shay, Louis Colaianni, David Warshofsky, and Natsuko Ohama. Teachers don’t get enough credit, love or respect so here you go! Giving it all to you!

Website: https://www.brianajames.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambrianajames/ or @iambrianajames

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

Twitter: https://x.com/iambrianajames

Other: https://imdb.me/iambrianajames

Image Credits
Photos by Craig Schwartz, Tori Goring, and Leslie Hassler