Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Wade
Anita, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Baltimore, Md. I am the eldest of 6 kids but I’m also an only child (those who get it get it ). The only time I’ve lived away from this city is when I attended Bowie State University and even then I was only one marc train ride away. I am a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority incorporated. I’ve been an educator for 10 years , somehow. I like to think of myself as a simple dynamic Black woman. I’ve been on stages in one facet or another since the age of two. I started out doing ballet, I sang in church and for the Paul Lawrence Dunbar School choir and I was on the step and stroll team in college. I’ve been a comic for almost as long as I’ve been a teacher. I started doing comedy in October 2015 ; despite receiving encouragement to try years prior from peers. If it weren’t for an old boyfriend who had comedic ambitions, I may have never set foot on a stage. I went with him for weeks to a local comedy open mic , watching the others and feeling inspired to share my own perspectives. One day I got up on stage and I’ve worked hard to stay there ever since. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some legendary people from the Baltimore and the DMV art scene. I have had the chance to travel across the east coast doing comedy. I even ventured into acting and writing. The ability to express one’s God given talents is an honor and a privilege that I feel fortune enough to been given.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road but it has been one that I’ve enjoyed for the most part. Being an artist and having a demanding career is something that requires a lot of mental fortitude. There was a time in my life where I struggled to balance my passion for the classroom with my love for my art. I struggled with ” how do I become a notable figure if I have to get up for work or grade papers and lesson plan etc…” Then there is the feeling of rejection, “how can I not take it personally when the people who claim to care for me choose not to support what I’m doing?”. Learning to accept that my gifts may not always be appreciated or even recognized by others may be the most difficult obstacle I had to overcome.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a comedian, actress and vocalist. I love to fuse my love for music with my comedy. One project that I am proud of is my role as “Sophie in DC Black Broadway’s Da Golden Girlz. It is a reimaged dinner theater play based off of the Iconic Golden Girls sitcom. I have been touring with the acting troupe since 2019. This last summer I had the pleasure of co-writing one of the episodes which was performed on a Carnival Cruise through the Caribbean. I host a monthly comedy Showcase called Ms. Savage’s class ( which is an Ode to my original stage name ” Randi Ben Savage”). I also host a weekly comedy Open mic which features an interactive music trivia game called ” Who’s Crooning”, currently located at Capital Lounge; on the historic Pennsylvania avenue strip. If I’m completely honest, I’m still looking for that thing that sets me apart from others. I pray that through my walk with God he’ll reveal that to me. I can only strive to be the best me I can be everyday, continue to move with a moral compass and be a person who brings honor to my family.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned so many things from Covid 19. First, how one overcomes adversity is really all up to them. During the height of covid I was working three jobs and taking two classes. I cooked almost every day. I created a group on Facebook for other comics in Baltimore to stay connected and to continue to practice their craft virtually ( it didn’t take off but the intention was still good ). I learned that family is not to be taken for granted and something as simple as a hug can be worth the value of gold. While covid was a global tragedy, I think many of us needed that time to reset and align with our purposes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Anitawade
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heymisswade
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anitawadeexperience
- Other: https://linktr.ee/cackle.n_and_croon.n
