Episode 01: Bobbi Mackenzie

Bobbi Mackenzie: Actor - Singer - Activist | Interviewed By Rashad Floyd

I knew that acting was something that I was built for at a very young age. When I would go see movies, I would learn those lines and recite them to my family. So I came to my parents and I was like, "This is something that I actually want to do." I've been on stage for a few years now, and I will never get tired of it. I feel like it's where I belong. I know that's probably very cliche. But, I put in all this work to get here and I just feel gratitude that I'm able to do this.

I would say that my life's motto is: "Stay Ready So You Don't Have To Get Ready.”

I go to school at Tigard High School. It's fun because I have actually made some important friends that are so important to me and so dear, but, it kind of feels like something's missing. So, when I did live in New York for two years, doing "School of Rock", I loved it. I mean, that's where I'm hoping to live in the future. I see myself in Julliard, studying acting, but I definitely want to do musical theater, and Julliard too, 'cause I feel like that would be a lot of fun. But definitely New York, Julliard...Yes!

Acting is about a real experience. The character who you're playing, they're real. And sometimes you do have to channel things from your real life. It's very important that I ask myself: What is this character's want? What's something that I went through that was kind of like that, that I can bring that raw emotion to the table. I would probably say some of the characteristics that I got from my family and parents is to Treat people the way that you want to be treated.

Sometimes when I'm talking to my little sisters, I remind them to work hard for what you want. Don't be lazy. If you want something, you have to work hard and really strive for it. So, the reality of being Black, it really fuels me because I put in all this work to get here and I shouldn't have to feel any roadblocks or uncertainty. I know that I'm talented. And I can't keep thinking of myself as lesser than because I'm not White, or a Male, or something like that. I can do what you can do, if not better. My optimism probably comes from my dad because he's the one who was teaching me these things that it's okay, you're gonna do your thing. If people don't receive it, that's okay too, 'cause you're going out there and you're doing it. Be proud of that. That's just something that I have to remember. It's not always gonna be a yes. And just because it's not a yes, doesn't mean you're not good either. Believe in Yourself! That's what acting is to me.