This month, our Springboard SPOTLIGHT shines on Gabrielle Greene, one of our 2022 Grant winners.
Gabrielle Greene
At what age did you begin performing and what inspired you to do so?
I began performing at age seven in my local church. Actually, my first performance was a rendition of Beyonce’s “Love on Top” in a hospital waiting room. I was quite shy and nervous when it came to my voice at first, but the feeling I received each time I opened my mouth to sing, was a feeling like no other. I come from a family of very brave individuals and risk takers. I knew that I could do anything I set my mind to, and desired to follow in the example of the brave individuals in my life.
What was the most exciting thing that’s happened to you as you’ve pursued the performing arts?
The most exciting thing that has happened to me would be my experience in New York City starring in School of Rock the Musical on Broadway. I learned the value of teamwork and self care, and made several lifelong friendships with the cast and crew. Each night on stage felt like a rock concert, and I thoroughly enjoyed telling the story of a shy girl (who admittedly was once me), who discovers the power of her own voice each and every night.
What are some stumbling blocks you’ve encountered along the way?
The audition process is incredibly difficult. I received quite a few “no’s” before I received a “yes”. It was important to recognize that I had something unique to offer, a different perspective to bring, and a desire to work hard and dedicate my time and attention to my craft. I learned the lesson over and over again that some things were simply “not meant to be”. However, when I did receive that “yes”, it made it all the more special.
Dream big … If you can envision achieving great success in the performing arts, describe what that would look like?
I envision myself as not only becoming a successful artist, actress, and performer, but also a person who gives back to their community. I want to provide those in my community, and those who look like me with the same opportunities I had, to explore my artistic talents. Whether that be directing a movie that sheds light on an overlooked story, starting my own performing arts school, or giving advice to young artists.
What’s your favorite genre of music and why?
My favorite genre of music would have to be opera. It is the first genre of music I became fully encapsulated in. There is truly nothing like it. The raw emotion and the drama allow you to truly feel and experience what the character is feeling and experiencing. My favorite opera singer is Maria Callas, and I listen to her music often.
Have you ever met a really famous performing artist and if so, who was it and what was your interaction?
One time, I met Emmy Award Winning performer, Sheryl Lee Ralph at a department store. Not only was she incredibly friendly, but she was interested in getting to know me as a person, and gave me great advice about being my true authentic self in “show business”.
Describe what you think would be most the most useful or beneficial thing to you, if given the opportunity to be mentored by a successful artist?
I would love to learn how to “get out of character”. It sounds strange, but there is truly an art to disconnecting yourself from a character after the performance is over. It can become quite easy to take on the burdens, emotions, and experiences of the characters I portray, and some of the characters I portray are involved in very heavy topics. For my own mental health and sanity, I would love to learn how to find that inner balance, portraying my character fully, but also separating myself. Many artists are unable to master this and their mental and physical health suffers for it.
As a performing artist, what stands in the way of fulfilling your dreams?
The current conditions of our society, and biases against people of color are roadblocks on my path to success. However, like many others before me, I plan to transcend these obstacles to accomplish my dreams.
If you could have lunch with an A-list performing artist, who would that be?
I would love to have lunch with Billy Joel. I am inspired by his authenticity when writing music, and that is something I aspire to achieve with my own music. He truly tells a story through song, and I’d love to get to know him on a personal level, perhaps to discuss his childhood, and how the environment he surrounded himself with inspired some of the greatest lyrics in song history (in my opinion).
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? 🙂
Perhaps by taking “The 1” up to 59th Street, Columbus Circle, and walking two blocks down between 57th and 58th on 7th Avenue. One day, I aspire to sing on that stage, and I know I can get there with hard work and determination.
Favorite Musician: Billy Joel, Amy Winehouse
Favorite Musical Instrument: Guitar
Favorite Actor: Robin Williams
Favorite Actress: Judy Garland
Favorite Comedian: George Carlin
Favorite Dancer: Misty Copeland
Favorite Movie: Mary Poppins
Favorite Show: New Girl
If you couldn’t be a performing artist, what would you like to do?
I would be involved in the political world in some way, possibly as a Political News Analyst. I love providing social commentary on important issues and participating in advocacy work within my community, and I’d love to provide that commentary on a national scale.
Biography
Gabrielle Greene is a Philadelphia Native and a senior at Springfield Township High School. At the age of seventeen, Gabrielle is a published poet, songstress, songwriter, and actress. Gabrielle has two poems published by The American Library of Poetry, entitled “Beautiful Browns” in the 2014 Book of Accolades and “Where I am From” in the 2016 Book of Accolades.
Nurturing and developing her passion for music, she began singing in her local church choir. At the age of 13, she auditioned for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway musical “School of Rock” where she played the roles of Shonelle and Tomika from 2017-2018. During this time, Gabrielle performed the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden twice, and participated in many Broadway advocacy events for those in need. Gabrielle then returned to her Philadelphia roots, performing the National Anthem at several Philadelphia 76ers games, and again at the New York Knicks Game at Madison Square Garden for the third time.
Aside from the arts, Gabrielle is incredibly active in politics and activism within her local community. She is a founding member of the local NAACP Youth Leadership Committee, through which she created a video on Racial Disparities with over 500 views played at multiple advocacy associations and local executive meetings. She currently strives to strengthen community-police relations and has been leading conversations with her local Chief of Police. Gabrielle is an honors student and hopes to continue her academic career in college, double majoring in Political Science/Government and Performing Arts. Gabrielle strives to use her voice for change and to help others.
