We had the good fortune of connecting with Erick D. Patrick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erick D., why did you pursue a creative career?
Honestly, I don’t think I CHOSE a creative career. I feel like an artistic career was the ONLY choice. I was the kid growing up, who wanted to do a million things! I was always making/doing things: music, painting, writing. Luckily, I had parents who allowed me to explore everything I had an interest in.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey to acting, for a long time, seemed far fetched. I’m from a suburban town in Kansas and growing up, there were few kids who looked like me and wanted to act. My mother was raising four of us so to say “money was tight,” is an understatement. I was very fortunate because I knew what I wanted to do from a young age and both of my parents nurtured my gifts the best they could. At times, spending their last on classes or after school programs. I always knew I wanted to end up in New York, so when I was accepted into The New York Conservatory For Dramatic Arts, the next question was: How in the HELL I’m I going to afford this!! Even with multiple scholarships, we couldn’t afford it. I worked two jobs my senior year and had enough money saved to get through the first year… after that, it was in God’s hands! Not long after graduating, I booked a few national tours and now I’m on tour with The Lion King as a Simba cover. Simba is a role that I never knew I wanted to play but has pushed me as a performer in the best way possible!

When I’m not on stage I’m usually writing and releasing music under my artist name: Donelle. Music has been in my life for as long as I can remember and serves as another creative outlet. Some of my musical inspirations include: Usher, Marvin Gaye and John Legend.

My newest creative endeavor is Divinity Run Club! I’ve always been an avid runner and fitness enthusiast. While on tour, I was looking for a way to build community and promote a healthy lifestyle. You can join the run club by downloading the STRAVA App and searching “Divinity Run Club.” We are all about encouraging you on your running journey, wherever you are. There you can find not only community, but also tips and product reviews. For exclusive Divinity Run Club apparel check out divinityrunclub.com.

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 would not be in the place I am in my career without the constant encouragement and push from my girlfriend, Iman Ayana. We started a career in musical theatre at the same time and have always been each other’s strength when things got tough.

Website: divinityrunclub.com

Instagram: @erickdpatrick

Image Credits
Chad and Steven (THEGINGERB3ARDMEN) Nhlanhla Ndlovu

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