Sat. November 20, 2010 I remember it like it was just yesterday. Well actually it was, because I'm writing this on Sun. November 21st, 2010. It was a show I'll never forget because my worst nightmare as an actor came true!
I'm at the end of the run (second to last show) for No Child... a one-woman show written by Nilaja Sun, directed by Renč Moreno, and starring me (Rhianna Mack) as all 16 characters at Malcolm X High School. It's a Saturday night show, full house, and they are LOVIN' it so far! I can tell this is going to be an awesome show because they are listening to my every word, laughing at every joke and then some- I'm having to hold for laughter- it's all good times.
I get to the end of one of the classroom scenes in which I'm basically having a conversation with myself as about 9 other people and all of a sudden I FORGET WHO I'M SUPPOSED TO BE AND WHAT I SAY NEXT. As a matter of fact, I actually FORGOT THE WHOLE REST OF THE SHOW!!!!! Can you believe that??!! I'm the only person on stage doing this one-woman show, the crowd is loving it, and I forget half the show.
And they are staring at me.
I mean really?! This is SUPER SCARY stuff.
So at this point, I know you're probably thinking: Well?!... What did you do? Did you run off stage? Did you cry? Did you call for line? Did you just quit and stop the show?
(Siiighh) Every one of those things crossed my mind in the ETERNITY (5 seconds give or take) that I racked my brain trying to figure out how to fix this situation.
Sidebar: I've been to a one-man show before in which after about 20 minutes into the show- the actor "went up on a line". He froze on stage for literally, LITERALLY about 5 or 6 minutes (seriously maybe even more). The first few seconds you think are for dramatic effect, but as the clock keeps ticking and he's not moving, you begin to realize: "Hey wait a minute! He's started the show over in his mind and he's making us wait it out until he figures out where he dropped the ball." 5 or 6 minutes in theater waiting for a person to figure out their next line really is forever. But I digress...
So whilst I was in the midst of screwing up the show, my brain automatically went from doubt to kicking into problem-solve mode. I decided, all in those few seconds, I wasn't going to run off stage or break down and cry. I was going to figure it out- Dang it!
I made up a line or two to cover the ending of that one scene I forgot- jumped into the next scene I could think of (which means I skipped over an ENTIRE scene) but the whole time I was performing the scene I skipped to, my body was on auto-pilot while my mind was searching for what I was skipping over and how to put it back in the show. Not to mention, the ladies in the booth (sound and lighting) now had to figure out what I was going to do/say next. And they were ON it too! When I did I find my way they were right there with me!
Somehow- I managed to fall off a cliff (metaphorically speaking) only to catch a ride in a hot-air balloon that took me right back to where I wanted to end up-- with the audience LOVING the entire show!! And they NEVER knew a thing.
So- the moral of this story is... Sometimes you're gonna mess up, but it doesn't mean you should give up. Don't focus on the screw up-Focus on the Fix up, and keep it moving!! ~Rhi
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proves to be more than just a catchy motto, but also an apt description
of this smart young woman packing Superstar talent.
Rhianna Mack pron:(REE-ON-UH MAK), a name and face you won't forget,
is a mover and shaker whose vibrant spirit is taking her all the way to the top.
"I CAN DO ALL THINGS
IN ART THROUGH
CREATIVITY WHICH
INSPIRES ME."
- RHIANNA MACK
Raised in Shreveport, LA she obtained her degree in Computer Animation from The Art Institute of Dallas. Possessing natural acting ability, the next step was to enroll at KD Studio Actors' Conservatory of the Southwest to refine her talent. Mack's determination and labors of love continue to pay off. She began working professionally during her very first semester at KD Studio. She caught the attention of a couple of Dallas' top agencies during the school's final Industry Showcase, landing her a home with the well-respected Mary Collins Agency. Ever since, Mack has continued making her mark on the entertainment industry. She works in film, commercials, industrials, print, voiceover, dance and theater. She has toured nationally with The Dallas Children's Theater in the leading role "Lida" in A Midnight Cry: The Underground Railroad to Freedom and took on six different characters in African Tales of Earth & Sky.
This woman is blessed with many talents and loves new opportunities to express herself creatively. When not working on stage or screen, she stays busy doing graphic art, makeup, writing poems and songs, and teaching after-school programs.
Rhianna Mack is destined to reach the top and become a household name. With her faith in God, combined with solid values, a strong work ethic and a postive outlook she is definitely on the path to success! For as she says: "I can do all things in art through creativity which inspires me."
Rhianna Mack | aka Rhi Mack: The Brand of a True Artist | aka Rhi Rhi | aka BlueLibra
How'd I get the name Rhianna?: While in the hospital my mom was watching a movie in which a man named his boat "Rhianna" after his mother.
*OOPS! I STAND CORRECTED--THE FOLLOWING IS PER MY MOM... *
Rhianna's Mom says: "Love the website, but there is one correction. On your profile, the part about your name, part of that is correct. True [that] your name did come from a TV show I was watching, but I was not at the hospital just yet. What had happen[ed] was, when I was watching the TV show and they showed this beautiful yacht (boat) that was named Rhianna (which I thought was an unusual, unique, beautiful name), that's when I said 'That's it!', (the name I was going to name my little bundle of joy); and when I said 'That's it!', that really was it (time to go to the hospital). So when I saw my lil' crumb snatcher ...the name 'Rhianna' just came right out. And old Ms. Annie was like, 'I didn't ask you about a name yet', and I was like, 'but I told you what her name is'...and that's when she called Big Mama and Marie."
SO THERE YOU HAVE IT- BECAUSE MY MAMA SAID SO!
I am a Libra (Sept. 24th)
Height: 5'7" | Weight: 110-115 lbs. | Eyes: Brown | Natural Hair: Black
Most often compared to: Diana Ross and her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross (of the TV sitcom Girlfriends).
I Love to: watch movies, read motivational books, visit the mall, deposit checks into my bank account :), make & sip tea, people-watch, spend time with the fam & friends, dance, laugh
Graduated with an Associates Degree in Computer Animation from The Art Institute of Dallas, also an Associates Degree in Performing Arts from KD Studio Actors Conservatory- Dallas, TX
Inspired By (in random order): Diana Ross, Tracee Ellis Ross, Oprah, Kimora Lee Simmons, Beyonce, Tyra Banks, Don Cheadle, Denzel Washington, Laterras R. Whitfield, and determined goal-achievers, in general- just to name a few... (oh yeah, and people with a great sense of humor and comedic timing!)
I also admire those who have appeared on Inside the Actor's Studio with James Lipton
Favorites- usually too hard for me to pick just one...
