Selena Whitaker Paquiet, currently starring in "Sadie's Kitchen" at Acts On Stage Theater, recently shared insights into her theatrical journey and the importance of community in the arts. In a conversation with Deaunte Damper on The Day With Trae, Selena discussed her role as Vesta, Sadie's older sister, and the deep emotional connection she feels to the character. "Vesta is actually quite a bit like myself, and it reminds me a bit of my mother," she revealed, highlighting how personal experiences inform her portrayal. This connection allows her to deeply inhabit the role, although she admits it can be challenging to "shake her off" and requires practices like meditation to return to the present.

Selena's involvement in theater spans decades, beginning at age 10 with youth programs like those at Black Arts West and Seattle Children's Theater. Her extensive experience includes stand-up comedy, which she pursued for 17 years, touring the US and Canada. This background gives her a unique perspective on performance and the emotional depth required to portray complex characters. Drawing parallels to comedians like Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, she acknowledges the vulnerability involved in tapping into personal pain for artistic expression. "It's not easy to just shake her off," she said, emphasizing the need for self-care after intense performances.

Beyond her individual experiences, Selena stressed the significance of community in the arts, particularly for the Black community. She praised Acts On Stage and its leaders, Michelle, Isaiah, and Jeffrey, for their dedication to bringing the arts to the community and investing in youth. "It makes me really happy that some that acts on stage, Michelle Isaiah Jeffrey, that these people are out there showing that they care and are investing their time, their money, their talents, into giving back to what is really important," she stated. She believes that exposing young people to the arts can empower them to "change the world in any way we allow ourselves to do so, even if it's in the arts."

For those hesitant to pursue their artistic aspirations, Selena offers encouragement: "The hardest part is making that first step." She advises aspiring actors to attend auditions, watch plays, and make connections, emphasizing that simply taking the first step can lead to fulfilling opportunities. "Sadie's Kitchen" runs from March 7th through the 16th at Acts On Stage. More information is available at https://actsonstage.com/