Tiana Shuntae Alexander
I will never forget the first time I saw Tiana Shuntae Alexander on stage. It was just about a year ago in a production of Elf presented by the Firehouse Theatre at an outdoor arena in Coppell. It was a cold night, and I was shivering under my coat and blankets trying my best to enjoy the show despite the weather and all the distractions. Suddenly, this powerhouse presence appeared on stage with a voice so beautiful and strong that I believe traffic stopped on the George Bush for a few minutes. That was quite an impression, and I became a Tiana fan on the spot. This has been quite a year for Tiana. She played the lead in Hello Dolly and just recently rocked the house as Magenta in Lyric Stage’s The Rocky Horror Show. With Tiana’s talent, she will never have to “dream it,” she will most definitely “be it.” She is pure star power.
When was your first time on stage?
I was three years old at my mom’s job picnic and she asked
me to sing for the talent show. I told her I don’t know what
to sing. She said sing Michael Jackson (since I came home
playing the BAD album everyday) I said OK, went up there
forgot the words and sang “I love you” from “Barney and
Friends.” Received a standing ovation (because there
weren’t any chairs) but to a three-year-old that was
everything to me.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
I wanted to be an actor around the fourth grade. My
elementary school Art teacher, Mrs. Usery allowed us to join
clubs. I was a part of the Dallas Children’s Theatre after
school drama club. Once I realized as an actor I get to sing
and dance; oh it was a wrap!!
Who is your greatest mentor?
My greatest mentor cannot be narrowed down to one
person but to everyone who has made an impact on my life
and helped me along the path I’m on. I am grateful to all my
teachers, directors, choreographers, music directors and my
parents. They’ve all been great to me!
What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?
The role I have enjoyed the most thus far would be my most
recent portrayal as Magenta/Usherette in The Rocky Horror
Show. Getting to open and close the show in lingerie had to
be the most freeing and liberating experience and getting to
perform for “Good Morning Texas” wasn’t too bad either.
Don’t dream it, be it!
Do you have a dream role?
My dream roles are number one to be a Muse in Hercules
and The Witch in Into the Woods.
What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?
I would love to be on stage with Lillias White, Patina Miller,
Audra McDonald, Angela Bassett, Bernadette Peters. I also
can’t forget my girl LIZZO and Beyonce.
What performances have you seen that impressed you?
One performance that I got to enjoy was Trouble in Mind at
the Dallas Theater Center. Everyone in the cast did an
amazing job giving us a beautiful show atop of the subject
matter. I was down for the ride as soon as they showed that
amazing lighting of a door opening backstage.
What are your career goals?
To be the best I can be, to receive multiple accolades
(G.O.T.E.), NAACP, BET, MTV. You name it I want it. To also
share what I’ve learned along the way. When I shine, we all
shine.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m great at “mimicking” people. I don’t do it intentionally on
purpose. Something could be said, and the tone/inflection is
so unique that I want to internalize it. Just so I may pull from
it or use it when doing character work.
