Today we’d like to introduce you to Irwin Daye.
Irwin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got my start in a play called, “ReTales: The Flyest Fairy Tales of Them All,” an original work of the Soul Rep Theater company back in 2017, and I was cast as DJ Wolfman. It was my first paid role that I got to experience with an all black cast & team. And since then looking back on it, I decided that my creativity is boundless. I knew I needed to train to deepen my authenticity with my craft. I was fortunately accepted to train for my master’s degree at Southern Methodist University, with seven other incredible humans.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve had my fair share of mental & health struggles on the road to authentic accountability in the arts. There were times I doubted what I was capable of as a black artist. I had to fight off the ideals that an artistic career wasn’t impossible and find sources of creativity, even after the Covid-19 pandemic. I’m not a perfectionist, nor a pessimist, yet starting an artistic career in what felt like later in life for me was a long road. I was able to overcome those by consistently applying myself however I could to the craft of creativity in storytelling and with my faith in God.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a freelance director/actor located in Dallas/DFW. I specialize in acting for the camera & stage, theater/film production, and voiceover work. I’ve voice characters in Aoashi & One Piece. I’m currently playing the role of Junior in Between Riverside & Crazy at Stage West theater in Fort Worth. Next, I’ll be a special guest artist at my alma mater UNT’s production of Seven Guitars by August Wilson.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes. I’ve learned to appreciate the small victories as much as the larger ones. I often would sacrifice something personal to achieve a goal and not articulate the growth. I was in a hurry to become the next Irwin E. Daye. Yet, when I look at how far I’ve come from where I began. I get fired up all over again.
Pricing:
- VoiceOver – $200/hr or contact my agent
- Audition Coaching: 1 one 1 – $100/hr
- Monologue Coaching – $50/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: irwinedaye.com
- Instagram: irwin_daye
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irwin.daye
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/llxayex
Image Credits
Jordan Frakker
Shahrzad Mazaheri
Camilla Frontain
