Conversations with Angela Wilson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Wilson.

Angela Wilson is the founder and CEO of the AngelWing Project, Inc. based in Glen Burnie, MD.  She leads the non-profit organization in their mission to “positively impact the community by providing uplifting, entertaining shows and events to inspire appreciation for and participation in the arts.” She is a producer, director, an award-winning playwright; and a creative artist with a vision. Since the inception of the AngelWing Project, the journey has been nothing short of amazing. The AngelWing Project (AWP) has touched many lives since becoming a non-profit performing arts organization in 2015.

Angela has always been creative and artistic with a penchant for the performing arts. Growing up she performed on a regular basis, singing, and acting as a child, taking drama classes in high school, and continuing to perform into her adult years. She oversaw drama ministries and wrote, produced, and directed church plays for several years. A natural teacher and artist, Angela found her niche in plays that are based loosely on actual events and tell stories of African American cultural experiences. She ensures that audiences are learning as they are being entertained and inspired. In 2019 her original play, Tears of the Soul was awarded at the DC Black Theatre Arts Festival as the “Festival Favorite” in the full length play category.

The AngelWing Project has residency at the Chesapeake Arts Center, a premier arts center in the region and they collaborate on many projects. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused AWP to be more innovative, looking at ways to perform and offer programming in an online format.

Angela says that she is just out here trying to spread positive vibes through art and giving back. She believes she offers a unique perspective in her art that people can easily relate to. While there is nothing new under the sun; she believes that what makes someone a true artist is that he or she is always finding new and different ways to express life.

Angela’s advice to aspiring artists and performers: “Understand what makes you unique, which is what makes you great. Identify your distinct perspective on things, and then figure out how to tell that story to the world through your artistic abilities.”

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been relatively smooth overall, a little bumpy at times but nothing that could not be overcome. Before starting the organization, I was writing plays and producing them with no real formal training except for what I myself saw, was a part of, and by dissecting what goes on back stage as well as onstage. Although a natural writer, I decided to really hone my skills to learn how to do writing and producing well. I joined writing organizations, dramatist organizations, took online courses from Broadway writers and producers, and I now comfortably refer to myself as a playwright and not just someone out here trying to write a play (there is a difference). Being a playwright has awarded opportunities for recognition and collaboration.

What has been difficult is learning to run a non-profit business while trying to get your name out there to have a following and an audience, finding people you can work with that want to support you in your success, and raising the funding to be able to get your shows in front of audiences. Additionally, I was working a full-time corporate job which meant I was working non-stop. So, I left my successful corporate career in 2020 at the rise of the pandemic. After working with a life coach, I started my own training and development consulting company, AW Consulting, LLC and dedicated more time to further develop the AngelWing Project’s goals. I made the life-changing decision to step out on faith and use my God-given gifts to do what I truly love, and that is creating something bigger than myself, helping people learn, and inviting talented people to be a part of it. Both keep me busy, sometimes it’s a balancing act, but both are flourishing and I’m just so thankful for that. AW Consulting, LLC offers training delivery, online training on demand, virtual training, and train the trainer. Although it’s a lot of work, I still have the flexibility that I did not have in my previous career.

I really can’t imagine living my life any differently at this point. So you will find me writing, producing, directing, creating training, networking, and yes trying to relax when I can. I have met so many talented artists that deserve to be on the big stage or big screen right now. It is a great pleasure for me to invite people to be a part of something special, to watch them bring themselves to the creative process, and to have their moment to shine.

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?
The AngelWing Project, Inc. does theater, but we are not just your average theater group. We are a non-profit organization working to inspire people and touch lives. We educate, entertain and empower. We teach through our plays, youth workshops, and roundtable discussions. We give to our community through our service projects like feeding the homeless, or coordinating a drive to give to the underserved. I think what sets us apart is that we create an environment that is very welcoming, inclusive, supportive, and giving. We are a family of creatives, actors, singers, dancers, writers, poets, technicians, and that is very exciting. What most excites me is when an artist or audience member expresses how their lives have been touched by our performances or from working with us. Our plays are our hallmark, some original some not; but always quality performances with powerful messages.

In my consulting company, AW Consulting, LLC, I meet with clients to help them find training solutions for their leaders and employees and then work with them through the process. I do a lot of work in the areas of Diversity and Inclusion which is part of my background. I was formerly a Director of Learning and Organizational Development and a Director of Diversity and Inclusion. I’m able to take my expertise, education and experience and marry that with my creativity so all of it is a part of who I am.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really believe in luck; I feel I’ve been blessed by the Creator to have wonderful a family and friends, and a network of people who lend a helping hand. In early 2017, I met with some friends and acquaintances and asked them to help the AngelWing Project get started financially and since then many of them still support us and I am more than grateful. I also believe that if you follow the path and dreams that God has placed in your heart and in your hands that true success will come. I’ve had many unexpected blessings like people giving me opportunities when they didn’t really know me, unexpected funding, and people offering their time and resources to our organization. I believe you should always be honest in your dealings with people, handle your business correctly, be sincere and generous and you will go far. Timing is important as well because sometimes we want to do something good, but the timing isn’t right so lots of patience is required. You also need to be ready when the right opportunities do arise and they will, but staying the course is important. Most of the time, it will be better than you ever expected. It has been a huge learning experience and as the expression goes, lots of blood, sweat and tears, and managing people’s expectations, but to be able to create something out of nothing and have people be truly inspired by it is a wonderful feeling. I strongly believe that we should never compete or compare ourselves to others because we all are so uniquely gifted and have something to offer, which to me is the beauty of life. We are all great in some way. Some may refer to all that we have been able to accomplish as luck, but I look at it as obedience, perseverance, timing, determination, blessings, favor, and good fortune.

By the way, we are also looking for an assistant part time Artistic Director to join our team.

Pricing:

• $15-$25

Contact Info:

• Email: angelwingproject07@gmail.com
• AWP Website: https://theangelwingproject.org
• AW Consulting, LLC Website:  https://awconsult07.com
• AW Consulting, LLC Email: awilson@awconsult07.com
• AWP  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelwingproject.inc/
• AWP Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelwingproject
• AWP Twitter: https://twitter.com/angelwingproje1
• AWP Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_xhiahI12_P2UJKTMV4Vfw