I found pleasure on a stage. The only gratification I had as a homeschooled diva was cast lists, solos, and performance opportunity. When I refer to the theatre industry, or theatrical folks, as “just masturbating in front of people on a stage”, that comes from a deeply personal place. Being raised as a child actor teaches you to express your vulnerability during your formative years in a way that other kids just aren’t asked to. In your most pleasurable moment, you are also your most vulnerable. It’s not unlike masturbating in front of a giant group of people. “Come watch me perform, watch me do what I love” we beckon. “We’ll change your world”.

Whether the second part is true or not is highly debated. Actors love to say they’re changing the world, and even moreso, theatre teachers who target and manipulate children lead you to believe that the world will change as a result of your performance. Truly I believe this industry is evil — particularly for-profit theatre classes that fail to recognize diversity, equity and mental health precautions. It’s crucial that we call out problematic systems of oppression that cause pain and suffering of massive proportions, including but not limited to my own upbringing as a child actor fucking up me and my perception of the industry and the world. (In a way, I guess they did change my world.)

I am now working actively to denounce toxic industry professionals and choose to commit my time only to those who are making strides towards racial equity and consent-based intimacy coordination. 

I actively seek to dismantle ableism, racism, and transphobia; and if you aren’t on that boat with me, then you are against me. Point, blank, period.

Courtney Daniels Instagram (misspoke and called it twitter): https://www.instagram.com/randomblackgirllll/

My instagrams: https://www.instagram.com/braelinand && https://www.instagram.com/unacceptablebehaviorpodcast