Hi! I'm Marleena Garris
Welcome to the show.
I'm a performance artist and storyteller - but above all else I want to share what it's like to be human. I'm elated to show you what I'm made of: Columbo episodes, left-handedness, and a knack for enigmatology. Also 70% water.I could be just what the doctor ordered.
Let's work together!
📸 Credits: Elena Snow add. Edits by David Cardoso
Video
Links + Video to some pieces I've worked on.
Work
I aim to create and participate in work that involves projects for social change and barrier-breaking storytelling, approached from a perspective of empathy, humanity, and collaboration.
I can sure as hell try.
Credits for _Dead Man's Cell Phone
Phone_:
Director
John O' Hagan
Asst. Director - Jonathan Waller
Scenic
Stuart Hollis
Lighting
Janelle Klos
Costumes
Tyler M. HollandCredits for Evangeline Drowning:
Director
John O' Hagan
Scenic
Stuart Hollis
Lighting
David Carr
Costumes
Mari-Ellin WittCredits for Julius Caesar
PHOTOS: @nilescottstudios
Director - Bryn Boice
Assistant Director - Elena Toppo
Stage Manager - Chris Daly
Costume Designer - Ellie Delucia
Wardrobe Supervisor - LaNiyah Grovell
Fight/Intimacy coordinator - Jess Meyer
Production Manager - Lisette Van Den Boogaard
About
As a working artist with a passion for storytelling and youth outreach, I know this is a tuff gig. Since coming into theatre through youth programming, I love to challenge my peers, students, and fellow/emerging artists to think outside the box, no matter where or how their circumstances have started them.Starting from a voluntary desegregation program myself, I pursued my exposure to theatre through study and training. I'm working to be part of the next group of young female Black artists to continue that cycle of inspiration & pursuit of storytelling while reminding us what it means to be human. We're PEOPLE, people!No one should be denied the opportunity to create!When I'm not on stage, I'm writing, enjoying a good book, puzzle, or escape room to keep my senses sharp and my enemies terrified.
Image Credit: Camp Balcones Springs
Pictured (left to right): Kayla Sessoms, Marleena Garris and Rebekah Brunson from Commonwealth Shakespeare Company ARC
News
Summer 2023Marleena Garris was in collaboration with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company in the Apprentice Cohort! As a recipient of the SPARK scholarship for BIPOC actors - assisted with Shakespeare on the Common, and presented Julius Caesar this summer as CASCA.
Summer 2022
Marleena Garris is one of the Mabel. P Robinson Emerging Artists at the National Black Theatre Festival - read more about the award below:
The Mabel P. Robinson Awardees at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, NC.
Keep up with Marleena on Instagram @marleenagarris
ROCKING student (Piper) after a show during the Land of Smiles tour with the National Theatre for Children - she made us a painting!
Video interview on tour for The National Theatre for Children - That's MY tooth fairy!
Contact
Want to talk about a project or just say hello? Drop me a line:)
Thank you
I look forward to connecting with you!