Today we’d like to introduce you to Dre Marquis.
Dre, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
At a young age I had no idea I would be acting. I always thought I would be a marine biologist. However, Growing up in a single parent home and living on the south side of Chicago brought me to different places where art of all mediums (dance, music, acting) influenced me. I began acting at the age of 16. I then attended Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL where I received a BA in Theatre. I went on to pursue my career further by receiving my MFA in Acting from DePaul University in Chicago, IL. I have been blessed to work on shows such as Chicago Fire, Chicago PD and Netflix’s Easy and signed to an incredible agency known as Hayes Talent. I am a huge advocate of community building, unifying our neighborhoods, and education. Since graduating in June 2018 I have been working as a professional acting coach and educator throughout Illinois. Most recently, I have started a small business brand known as HumbleStART. This new company will take 95% of all proceeds from apparel sold and give it to Chicago Public Schools for students who are pursuing higher education to assist with scholarship money for college, books, food and other expenses. My goal is to inspire and uplift the underprivileged communities and to create a unified front for education.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has not be an easy path. However, I’ve learned the easiest paths are the paths that steer you away from growth and strength. I was almost kicked out of college twice. Considering acting is a full time job, it has been difficult to continue to provide for my family the way I would wish to, however, our faith has kept my loved ones and I covered and living our best lives. Then there’s the waiting and the creating while you wait, and the negative energies that come and go of course. Yet, I know despite the issues, restrictions and barriers one may face it’s only a test! You will ALWAYS make it through!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Actor story. Tell us more about the business.
Again, I am huge on giving back. I believe giving back as much as possible to your community, even if it’s just your time, benefits everyone. I work a lot with the youth in the city. I believe the seeds we plant now will help nurture and inspire them to work toward rebuilding what economic hardships and gentrification has stripped from many communities. Many kids don’t have mentors either. And when I say mentor I mean those that you can call on past the 9-5 work day. I had great mentors coming up that pushed me and kept me level headed. We have lost a lot of that love for one another and I want to assist with pushing us back in that direction.
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
I plan to continue to pursue Film/TV here in Chicago. Eventually, I will make my way to Atlanta and LA. There is no telling though. I’m along for the ride wherever the universe sends me. And I’m going to do it with a smile.
Contact Info:
- Email: deandrembrown1228@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humblestart_brand/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dre.p.marquis
Image Credit:
Ninmah, Jason McCoy Photgraphy, Popio Photography
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