Interview: Annette Tanner, Executive Director, Broadway Dreams Foundation

by RO_Admin Interviews

Today's guest post is from ReachOut Council member Chloe, interviewing Annette Tanner, Executive Director, Broadway Dreams Foundation. This is the second in a series of interviews Chloe is conducting with folks in the Broadway community about what's gotten them through a tough time. Also, check out Chloe's bio at the end!

Chloe: How did you get started working in the performing arts field?

Annette: Out of school in New Zealand, I went to film school and I always thought that I wanted to act, but as soon as I got there, I realized I wasn't that good at it. I could tell talent much better than I was at actually acting so I went into casting from film school.

Chloe: What made you want to become involved/ create a foundation like Broadway Dreams?

Annette: I think that there have been many moments throughout the course of seven years where I've asked myself “Why am I doing this?” because the arts don't pay particularly well and there's lots of struggles and doors that close. But along with those moments, there have been plenty where I have seen someone's life change, and I know that I'm making a big difference in somebody's life, and it's those moments that just inspire me all of the time. What we do is not something that I see people trying to do. I know there are plenty of classes out there but [Broadway Dreams] is much more than that. It's just so rewarding over and over again.

Chloe: Who in your life, both personally and professionally, do you look up to and why?

Annette: I look up to Quentin Earl Darrington after this summer as a teacher. I find him one of the most inspirational human beings there is. I remember sitting in a classroom and thinking “If he ran for president, and I could vote, I would vote for him.” I believe in him; he does everything for the right reasons. He is a real inspiration for me. I'm also inspired by a lot of the students. It's not always that kid who comes in, and I know they're going to go on and have a career, it's those who come back year after year and a year later I can see that they've really worked hard at classes. I'm inspired by them because no matter where they go, that perseverance and commitment is so exciting, and I am just constantly inspired by different people.

Chloe: What is your favorite thing about being a part of this organization?

Annette: Wow, there's many, but I think “Who gets to hear great voices and get to be a part of a creative process like this and that's their job?!”, that's my favorite thing. I often think that I should be paying to do this job rather than being paid.

Chloe: In your career or your personal life, describe a tough time or personal struggle that you’ve dealt with.

Annette: I was adopted, so dealing with that was rough. Finding my real mother and a whole bunch of other brothers and sisters and knowing where you fit in and feeling not part of any one family is a lot. Even though I am, it's something that psychologically goes on in your life. I think that's why Broadway Dreams feels like a family in a way. People just come in and we form bonds and I think a lot of that comes from my own history. I want people to feel like they're a part of something, I genuinely believe in that.

Chloe: Who/what helped you get through your tough times, both in your career and in your personal life?

Annette: I think it's always come down to support of other people. Genuine relationships. You know Chloe, all that really matters in life is love and really caring about others, that is the absolute most important thing. One thing I think in this field is learning that it's never about you, and always about others; it gives you so much more in your life. I don't know if it's any one person, I think it's always evolving. But I will say that there are people who have been in my life for many years. Dave Barrus, who is one of the founders of Broadway Dreams also, he's been in my life for over 20 years and he has always supported me and vice versa.

Chloe: What message or advice would you send to those who are either looking to get into performing or are just trying to deal with tough times?

Annette: At Broadway Dreams, we have a lot of kids who come in and are dealing with personal struggles. It used to be a lot of the time being involved in musical theatre, you were often the odd kid out. You were a freak in some ways, especially kids who are dealing with their sexuality. When you see people from all over the country with the same belief and work as a support system, it's incredible. Broadway Dreams is a safe place, it's a place where you know you can realize your dreams. I've had kids come in and tell me that their teachers told them “You can't dance because you're too fat." Really? That's horrible. But there are people out there who are supportive and have been there, it's incredible. There is so much support from the mentors and it builds so much confidence in kids, not only in theatre but in general. The arts education portion we are taking out of schools is destroying the caliber of human beings. If you are desperate and depressed and life is getting you down, what do you do? Put on a song. There's something that's arts related that you go to. We have to got to keep that going. I know that to be true.

I think the most important thing that I want kids to take away from this are the words “I can.” We are so often told that we can't. Our students are often those kids in the back of the room that you're not giving a second thought to that with the right training and motivation and support, they persevere, and that's what most excites me. When people realize that their dreams can come true. I always say that every day, someone in your peer group is giving up. If you don't give up and keep going and do everything that you need to in order to make it happen, wherever you land will be much higher than you ever truly envisioned. Just keep going, don't give up. I think “I can” is where I would say we give the most.

What's your dream and what are you doing to realize it?

About Chloe
Hi there! My name's Chloe and I'm originally from New York but currently living in South County,  Rhode Island. I'm a freshman psychology major and a Non-Violence and Peace Studies minor at the University of Rhode Island. Although I am studying psychology, I have a real passion for musical theatre and performing and my ultimate dream would be to perform on Broadway one day. In my spare time, I like to read, sing, dance, shop, hang out with my friends, and have a good time. I am so excited to be a part of the Youth Council and happy to have the chance to get involved in helping out others!

About Annette Tanner
Annette is one of the four founders and the executive director of the organization Broadway Dreams Foundation. BDF is a traveling performing arts training program that brings aspiring performers one step closer to their Broadway dream. With a faculty made up of todays biggest Broadway stars, casting directors, choreographers and agents dedicated to giving back to the theatrical community, the organization provides invaluable training to anyone who aspires to a career in musical theater. The programs are varied and exciting and our faculty passionate and knowledgeable. Former students are currently performing in Broadway shows and are attending the very best Musical Theater programs through out the country.