When the entertainment community is looking for a director, actress, contributing writer, casting director, playwright, screenwriter or teacher, they need to look no further than Dara J. Bragg. Bragg is giving performing artists in the five boroughs and beyond a one stop shop to further their careers and learn about the entertainment business.
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A native New Yorker, Bragg is a multi-faceted, community-minded investor. Bragg’s commitment to sustaining creative arts starts with her. Her vision and talent touch theater, film, media comedy, and fashion. She has written, directed or produced over 100 plays, co-founded BAB’s Film works and Theatrical Productions, Youth For Christ and Females Making Moves and the founder of Deekyshaeel Entertainment & Just Blessed Productions. In addition she has been a contributing writer for SGIB Magazine, IFashion Magazine and Street Info Magazine. Bragg has added author to her resume for recently writing a children’s book, Jenise Doesn't Want to Go to School.
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In 2012 the play, “A Christmas without Him” was such a hit with audiences she and her co-writer Of Destined Creativity Productions restaged it in 2013. In 2015 The Jennings Family Reunion hit the stage and in 2016 A Jennings Family Wedding was created which was 3 of 4 Sagas. A Jennings Family Crises is another play which is in pre-production. In addition, Dara and her daughter Koya, Lady B Productions have written and produced a play entitled Why Me??, a thought-provoking, powerful play about the injustice, inequality and systematic racism faced by people of color, This stage play is touring locally in the Tri-State area. The National Tour first stop will be in Atlanta.
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It is also important for Bragg to give back to the community so she has dedicated her time to various film festivals, church events and charities. In 2011 she founded “Success in the Arts” Seminars (SITA). SITA brings established local entertainers together with aspiring artists to lead a series of panels and workshops on the ins and outs of the entertainment business and to also give a focused overview and impart secrets and skills on how to successfully start and enjoy longevity in the industry. For seven years attendees experienced the “real” from many of New York’s industry alumni including author and actor, Kim Wayans, actor Julito McCullum (The Wire, Akeelah and the Bee), Kiki Haynes (co-star or Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse) casting director, Wendy McKenzie (casting director for “Notorious B.I.G., Secret Lives of Bees, The Blind Side) Lawrence St Victor, actor (Bold and The Beautiful and Conrad Dimanche (then A&R President of BAD BOY Entertainment, currently Founder, PMP Worldwide) to Name a few,
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Never one to rest on her laurels and again providing a platform, in 2017 Bragg created the Success in the Arts Theater, Film and Performing Arts Awards to recognize New York City’s rising stars. The SITA Awards supports a community of independent artists who embody passion, creativity, uniqueness, and innovative original ideas within their works. The award’s show is quickly becoming the go to venue for artists to introduce their work and it is garnering the attention of community leaders, businesses and the general public. In addition there is an opportunity at the award’s show to network, get exposure, and direct contact with influencers.
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Dara has generated a great deal of buzz and has been sought after to produce, direct, facilitate or teach at an event or stage production in all boroughs. Sharing her creativity, talent and expertise for over 20 years, Bragg continues to find new and innovative opportunities to advance the world of dance, theater, music, acting, producing, directing, modeling and sharing her vision of self-expression in positive and meaningful ways. And although the first 20 years have been electrifying for Bragg…the next twenty will tell even more for the betterment and empowerment of the performers, storytellers and visionaries she loves so much.
My motto: “Passion can take you to where you are able to succeed.”
