We had the good fortune of connecting with Choice Skinner and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Choice, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
At the time that I started my production company and the Breakin Through Acting Workshop, there were not many community centered businesses or organizations which focused on the care and protection as well as fast instruction for diverse groups of actors. I realized that I could offer more by working outside of the Hollywood norm by creating an environment where actors would become productive, learn without pressure, and be proactive by creating their OWN content.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been in the entertainment industry for over 30 years now and I feel that what sets me apart from others is my level of integrity. How I treat others and the impression I leave on my peers in the entertainment world is important to me. I am most proud of the fact that I have carved out a space for myself in entertainment despite not having the same opportunities and open doors that others may have had. ALL of my accomplishments and accolades have truly been acheived through hard work and talent. I got where I am today through perseverance and faith in God as well as knowing my path early in life. Because I am a Renaissance man and able to do many things at once, I was able to be available to take advantage of certain opportunities when they presented themselves. The challange that I continually had was expecting others to see the grand scheme of things or expecting others to be on my level of sacrifice for the projects that I was a part of. Lack of resouces always challenged me to find ways to complete things when it seemed hopeless. I learned that unmet expectation breeds depression and that no one will value your dreams or projects as much as you do. If you’re the one to start it despite who’s involved, you’ll be the last one standing to finish it. I want the world to know that my brand is to bring fairness and perspective to the world. All of the work I create has a redemptive theme in it. I work really hard to show the world the a side of the Black American experience that they may have never seen or realized existed. Being a Black American who was raised in the projects as a youth but moved into an amazing career in entertainment shows that with faith in God, a dream and staying North on your path, that anything is possible.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Usually the best people to show a great time in LA to are those who have never visited. Its makes your job easy because there is so much for firstimers to experience on their trip. Each day, depending on my work schedule would be a trip to somewhere different. Monday is usually my acting class day so Universal City Walk, Craves restaurant in Sherman Oaks and then my class. Tuesday would be shopping at the various malls like Topanga Canyon Mall, Weds The 3rd st Promanade and a stop to Sidecar Doughnuts when they are hot, Thursday would be Hollywood and Highland witha stop at Chick-Fi la on Sunset and Highland. Friday would be a trip Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles and then a movie at Mann’s Theater. Saturday would be Santa Monica Pier and Sunday would be Venice Beach.
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?
I want to dedicate this shout out to my mother Beverly Skinner, Brian Bloom and the actors at the Breakin Through Acting Workshop.
Website: http://www.breakinthrough.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkan2000
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/choiceskinner
Twitter: http://twitter.com/darkanent
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/breakinthroughactingworkshop
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/Darkanentertainment
Image Credits
Courtesy of Darkan Entertainment