Today we’d like to introduce you to Aviance Catholic.
Hi Aviance, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
My name is “Barbie” Aviance Catholic, and I am the Founder, Writer and Director of Black Barb’z Entertainment & Community Outreach Inc. (BBE Inc).
How I got started? I first gained interest in acting back in 2014 when I decided to join an acting, modeling and talent organization where I received professional training and performed in multiple showcases in front of live audiences. This particular experience increased my level of interest in the art of acting, causing me to take on acting classes at institutions such as the FAMU Essential Theater, the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, and the New York Acting Ensemble. By 2017, I decided to write my first script for a Pastor’s Appreciation Event to bring something new to the program. When the idea occurred to write a play script, I felt strongly about my ability to create a captivating storyline since growing up as an only child I always had a very broad and creative imagination that has stuck with me throughout adulthood. For this production I recruited 14 church members as cast to carry out what would be my first production and first time directing. After the performance, my cast and I received such great feedback from the audience that I instantly fell in love with both playwriting and directing which motivated me to continue writing other original scripts for all types of events. Over the years, I have recruited other actors creating my own cast who are amazingly talented and supportive and assist in bringing my writing and ideas to life. Today, we perform skit and play productions for a variety of events throughout Orlando, FL. I have also started writing commercials for local businesses and producing short films.
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 not always been a smooth road. It certainly takes time and skills to build your brand when pursuing success within the entertainment industry. Marketing and receiving the proper funding to create productions and execute community events is a challenge as a new Non-profit Organization but we are striving and learning day by day how to maintain, improve and continue pursuing our business goals. We have faced many obstacles and challenges along the way but our faith and great impact within the community gives us the strength to remain focused and continue pursuit.
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?
Black Barb’z Entertainment and Community Outreach Inc. is a Non-profit Organization located in Orlando, FL that specializes in providing custom scriptwriting for all event types and platforms. Whatever theme, idea or concept the customer desires, we can create a script and play performance to go along which makes us unique. Our mission is to create meaningful customized scripts and entertainment that educates, inspires, and offers life-changing experiences for individuals, communities, and businesses. BBE Inc.’s vision is to bring inspiration and innovation through custom scripts and theatrical entertainment to people that will bring awareness and result in positivity and life-changing experiences worldwide.
One of our most popular productions is a short play entitled “Freedman Delayed” which we have performed at multiple outdoor Juneteenth Festivals. This production was written and produced to help educate people on the history of Juneteenth and provide knowledge about the official day of freedom from slavery on June 19th, 1865. This past June 19th, 2021 BBE Inc. had the amazing opportunity of performing three Juneteenth productions throughout the city in one day, providing an experience that heals, educates, and enhances the soul which is our motto.
I also had the pleasure of writing, directing, and producing my first short film entitled “The Struggle to Victory” which won several awards in the Christian Film Festival. The film is located on YouTube, and we have plans to do a full feature. The other part of my business is the Community Outreach portion which includes planning public events that assist the needs of the Community. Our most recent community event was this past November 2021 where we hosted our First Annual “Warming Up the Homeless Event.” This event was held in the downtown Orlando area featuring clothing, shoes, jackets, socks, blankets, toiletry items and a hot meal for homeless individuals, families, and people in need. With the help of donors and supporters, the event was a success, and we were able to reach our goal of giving back to over 100 homeless individuals and 15 families. Our upcoming events planned will target children, families, entrepreneurs, networking interests and much more. We also look forward to creating more scripts, film and productions in the year 2022. One of our goals is to create more children plays geared towards helping them cope and find solutions to things they deal with in school and even in the home and hopefully be able to bring these productions to schools and perform live in hopes to help make a difference.
How do you define success?
I define success as being able to fully operate in your passion and purpose. Doing what you love full-time will in turn create a healthier and more comfortable lifestyle. I am determined to continue working hard daily to reach this level of success.
Contact Info:
- Email: Barbieblackent1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bbeco_inc?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackBarbzEntertainment/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/lzwWROwxII0
