Welcome to my newest chat with Grace Aki, who is a Georgia Peach living her dream in New York as a creative and storyteller with her one woman show To Free A Mockingbird which by the way is a must see. She’s been acting and entertaining since she was a kid and I met her through the theatre. I’ve seen her perform in plays and saw her show in Atlanta at the Fringe Festival. I admire her gift of storytelling and being brave to share her vulnerability and her witty sense of humor.
This is my fourth interview with Grace and who is a delight to chat with in person and for my blog here. We talk about her show in this chat and one of my faves; she shares three fun facts about herself.
Introducing Grace…
What do you love about your life right now?
I love that there is no limit to what I can do. I never used to believe that until now. We all need to give permission to ourself to dream big.
For those who haven’t seen your one woman show, To Free A Mockingbird, share with me your inspiration behind writing the show and a little about it. I’ve seen you’ve performed it a couple of times, and I love it. You are one of my favorite storytellers by far.
I wanted a way to do comedy that wasn’t joke telling, a more storytelling format. So voice recorded a bunch of short stories and came up with a one hour play.
You’re heading soon to Scotland to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where you’ll be performing To Free A Mockingbird. How excited are you to be performing on the international stage?
It’s the biggest stage for performers, and I am truly so proud of myself.
Besides performing your solo show in Scotland, are you planning to take in any of the sites while there?
I HAVE to see the Highland cows!
How long did it take you to write To Free A Mockingbird?
I can’t quantify it but because I recorded my voice there is no way of knowing the time.. maybe over the course of three months?
What have been the joys and challenges as a writer and playwright?
The hard part is that I’m playing the character of me.. that I wrote… there is a level hubris and cognitive dissonance around every corner.
Who do you look up to in the industry for inspiration and encouragement on your journey in entertainment?
I look to fellow struggling artists… we all have to lift each other up.
Is there any advice you would give to someone who wants to pursue a career in acting and writing?
JUST DO IT. NIKE BABY! Don’t start when it’s good for you, do it as soon as you want to. Life is short.
Who are your biggest supporters?
My family and frankly my core group of friends and even internet acquaintances. I’m so grateful to the people who listen to Broadway Radio, take in my content every day.
If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what message would you want to convey to millions? What would it say and why?
I DID! In Times Square for one day I promoted my Edinburgh show. I think I’d have a billboard showcasing all the independent artists I love.
Oh, yes, I remember seeing that on your IG. Awesome! Alright, describe yourself in one word.
Annoying.
This is one of my favorite parts of the interview, Grace. Tell me three fun facts about you.
- I love grocery stores.
- I’m from the Carpet Capital of the world.
- Tony Danza told me I had the best shoes in the room, once.
I love ending the chat with a quote. Do you have a favorite quote or saying that has inspired and motivated you in your life that you can share with my readers?
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Maya Angelou
This should be on a billboard: “I love that there is no limit to what I can do. I never used to believe that until now.” Grace Aki
Thank you for reading my chat with Grace. I’m happy for her and see her achieving her dreams and proud she is representing Georgia in Scotland on the international stage. I’m sure this is just the beginning of her performing internationally!
Here’s another interview with Grace here and my review of her show at this link: ToFreeAMockingbird
Follow her on social media and see what she’s up to. She always shares fun stories on IG and showing so much of New York too.