Taylor D. Williams
I first saw the phenomenal Taylor D. Williams as Medda in The Firehouse Theatre’s Newsies. Taylor nearly set the Firehouse ablaze with her big solo number “That’s Rich.” Taylor knows how to act a song expertly and her magnificent voice let everyone know Medda was smart, seductive, and powerful. Taylor was so amazing that I had to go back for the closing performance to see her bring the house down one last time. Taylor’s amazing stage presence and vocal prowess must be seen to be believed. Off stage, Taylor is a charming, intelligent, and determined young woman who is ready to leave her mark on the performing arts. Take a few moments to learn more about the incredible Taylor D. Williams and see her soon in GPAC’s 9 to 5 in the starring role of Doralee.
When was your first time on stage?
My first time on stage was when I was 4 years old. I lived with my grandparents at the time and to keep me busy during the summer they decided to let me take ballet and tap with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. I don’t remember much from my first dance recital at the Majestic Theatre, only that I wore a hot pink leotard made of tulle embellished with gold sequins with light pink, purple and yellow flowers on the sleeves and a tutu to match. My family says I wore it the whole day, but that wasn’t my favorite memory from that day. I remember the applause of the audience and knowing that somewhere in those seats was my family cheering me on. Back then, I really didn’t know what it meant to “perform” but if it meant I got to dance in pretty sparkly clothes, then I was ALL IN!
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
So, this story is a favorite to tell in my family at the dinner table during the holidays. At the time my oldest aunt was working as a performer for the annual Mary Kay convention (we're going to call her Aunt Y because I have two aunts and sometimes it gets confusing). I didn’t have much of a relationship with her because she lived in Florida most of early childhood. One of the nights of the convention she was able to get my paternal grandmother, my other aunt, Aunt T, and me tickets to see her perform. After the show we were able to go backstage to congratulate her on a "show well done.” I vividly remember the smell of hairspray and peppermint when I first walked into the room. She shared the room with several other ladies that were also in the show sitting at their makeup stations chatting before packing up to go home. At each station was a bright pink wig on a stand with shiny costume jewelry splayed out on the counter (pink and shiny things were my favorite growing up). I sat in the chair at my Aunt Y’s station and was able to get a good look at the things that she wore on stage. At that moment, I made the connection that I could grow up to do things that I saw my Aunt Y do on stage. Soon it came time to go home, but my Aunt Y had a few things to take care of before leaving the convention center that night. I wasn’t sure how to articulate just how much I did not want to go home, but instead stay with my Aunt Y just a bit longer to look at all the cool stuff that surrounded me. My family says my next few actions explained it all. “Taylor, are you ready to go?” I looked around the room and made my decision by clinging to Aunt Y. I saw Aunt Y in many other shows after that and it continued to fuel the fire of my dreams of becoming an Actress/Performer just like her.
Who is your greatest mentor?
When it comes to mentors I have more than one. My greatest mentors would be all the women in my life, my mother, my two aunts and my maternal and paternal grandmothers. These are the STRONGEST ladies I know. They are tough gems carved from the trails of life. They share their wisdom on the daily, so I too can be crafted into a gem I know I can be. They are the first people I come to when I’m unsure about a decision or just in need of a laugh. I’m eternally grateful for them and love them dearly. I don’t know where I’d be without them.
What is your favorite role in your career so far?
My favorite role so far would have to be when I portrayed Medda Larkin in NEWSIES at The Firehouse Theatre, summer 2023. It was so much fun to play her because I felt like I could really throw some of myself into the character. Medda actually was a dream role of mine and when they cast me, I was SUPER nervous. This would be my first supporting role in a show and all I could think about was making sure I gave a good performance. When the run was over, I felt really satisfied with my performance and made some really great friends along the way. If I ever got the chance to play the role again, I’d jump at the chance without hesitation.
Do you have a dream role?
So far, I've already achieved one by playing Medda but to name just a few more, I would love to play Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Anita from West Side Story, Persephone from Hadestown and Ms. Hannigan from Annie.
Who would you enjoy performing with?
One person I would love to get the chance to perform with is Debbie Allen. She has been my role model since I was 11 years old. I actually got to meet her one summer when I accidentally signed up to be in the Debbie Allen Summer Dance Intensive at Dallas Black Dance Theatre. After the age 5, I stopped dancing then I picked it back up when I did not want to take P.E. class at school, so I took dance instead. That is where I signed up for Dallas ISD dance program, however.something led me back to the dance studio where I spent my early years. At the end of the intensive, we were able to perform for Ms. Allen and she was quite pleased with our work. I even got a chance to take a photo with her, and I’ve admired her ever since. Debbie Allen is a true icon. You can’t just limit her as a stage performer: she's also a teacher, an artist, a producer and director. Everything I aspire to be one day. In the near future, I hope we’ll be able to meet again.
What performances have you seen that impressed you?
One performance I would have to say that has stuck with me is the National Tour of Moulin Rouge. Last year, I got the chance to experience the show from a backstage view, serving on the wardrobe crew conducting quick changes. Onstage, you see the thrilling dancers with their frilly can-Can skirts, but backstage there’s several people FULL ON sprinting back and forth moving costumes, set pieces and anything that needs to be done to keep this well-oiled machine running. One of the many jobs I had to do at the top of the show was to help one of the dancers (I believe her character name was Arabia, but I don’t remember her real name) into her Can-Can dress and remove her gloves in the wings as the show is going on. On my first day, the head stewardess introduced me to Arabia as I was helping her into her dress. Arabia started to have a full conversation with me in this 45 second quick change: asking me how old I was, how long I lived in Dallas and if I was a performer as well. I think I answered most of her questions, but I was so focused on making sure she was all set for the stage. I probably answered her in one-word responses to stay focused. All I could think about was how is this lady having a conversation with me right now?!? I’d be too far into the zone to talk to anyone, especially during a quick change! Once I got her into her dress she was back out on stage. From the wings I watched all these performers enjoying their time on stage and giving it their all. That performance just double confirmed for me that this is exactly the place for me.
What are your career goals?
As cliche as this may sound, I WANT TO DO IT ALL!! I hope to be on Broadway one day and star in a show that feels like it was made for me. One of my life goals is to write my own musical. I also want to see myself on the big screen and even direct films. With my earnings from these accomplishments, I plan to develop a school where children can start to hone their craft in whatever art form they choose. Whether it be performing or visual arts, I want to create a career for myself where I am successful in doing what I love, while inspiring others to do the same.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
One thing that not many people know about me is that for a very long time, I absolutely hated the way I sang. I felt that I was too loud and even some vocal coaches from when I was younger told me that my voice was something that wouldn’t get me far. It wasn’t until I got older and developed more of a “I'LL SHOW YOU” mentality that I started to admire my voice and not care about how people viewed me. I have a gift and I plan to share it with the world.
