null Recapping the series, if you’re just joining us…

This is a feature I first ran in 2012, and it proved to be quite successful, because I received a healthy number of responses, most of which I shared right here on S&A, and all of which were well-received by readers. So I thought I’d reboot the series, and continue it, 2 years later.

In short, I know that a significant chunk of S&A’s audience comprises of actors, actresses, directors, DPs, editors, composers, etc, etc, etc. Some are able to earn a paycheck utilizing their artistic and/or technical skills; others – and I’d say the majority – are what we’ve labeled the proverbial *starving artists*, working diligently, relentlessly, struggling to climb this incredibly steep hill, trying to reach some self-defined pinnacle of success – whether personal or professional. And still others exist somewhere between the former and the latter.

Where do you fall? And, as the title of this post states, what’s YOUR story, and would you like to share it with the rest of the world?

I’m looking for your individual stories of struggle and/or success, regardless of what rung on the ladder you are currently on.

It takes a certain amount of courage to be able to be vulnerable and share one’s plight, but I suppose that’s exactly what I’m asking for; After all, not only is S&A just a source for news, its goal is also to become a community of cinema lovers where we can all share/debate/discuss/learn/teach/commiserate/etc.

Here’s your chance. You might learn something; you might teach someone something.

So what’s YOUR story? You can email me at obensont@gmail.com, with "What’s your story?" in the subject line. You can submit your story in any format – written, or even documented on video. It could be a story about a current situation you find yourself in; or it could cover several days, weeks, months, or years. It could be that you just want to vent your frustrations; aspects of, or people in this business that enrage you; aspects of, or people in the industry that encourage you. It doesn’t have to be all negative, nor all positive. We’re complex people, and so I assume our stories are as well.

If you’re uncertain of how to present your story, check out past submissions here.

In the 3rd of many to come, actress Yakima Rich tells her story:

My name is Yakima Rich. I am an actor, based in Baltimore, MD. A director and friend of mine, Dankwa Brooks, recommended that I share my story with you. And, after reading your article including Mr. Boyd’s story, I thought I would share a piece of myself as well.

When I was very young, an elder of my family made a strong claim that I would grow up to be a ballerina because I used to always walk on my toes. She was close in her claim, though I chose to be an actor instead. Or, shall I say, it chose me.

I was led to my craft at the age of thirteen. Instead of choosing to attend my designated high school, I chose to audition for the theatre department at a performing arts school instead. Not yet realizing my love for my craft, I spent my freshman and sophomore year strongly pursuing my joy of playing basketball. It was not until I played Julius Caesar in my junior year that my truth and spiritual gift presented itself. They say your true love will present itself when you least expect it. It did. After graduating, I spent six years hiding from my true self, pursuing college majors from Psychology, to Nursing, and finally, to Secondary Education. Competent in all, yet fulfilled in none. Having had multiple breakdowns, I knew the cause. My spirit and heart was unsettled living a lie. I am proud to say I am no longer afraid. I am now studying to obtain my degree in Fine Arts, specifically acting, and I will be relocating to LA once I have completed my studies. I am a non union actor, working my way to union eligibility, yet enjoying the full creative and professional freedom non union status offers at the moment. My most recent film credits include work on the "Nollywood" film, Turning Point, the Netflix series, House of Cards, and a short film titled, Sonnet to Sister, that I have included the link to below.

My greatest wish is to inspire and touch as many people as I can with my gift. Not with fame, but with understanding, enlightenment, and the inspiration that art provides. I wish to create and share in art that makes people laugh, cry, and ponder. I wish to be the artist that encourages and inspires the next man to be brave enough to be true to themselves and the purpose bestowed upon them. I wish to spread love to the world with the love God has given me. If you wish to follow me along my artistic journey, feel free to visit my IMDB page, and follow me on Twitter. Also, check out the short film, Sonnet to Sister, depicting the importance in the family unit. May we continue to strive and be true to ourselves.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acmo1214

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5514928/?mode=desktop&ref_=m_ft_dsk

Watch Sonnet to Sister: