Putting Your Personality into a Character

Make it Sparkle Video with Venus Tyané
Actress, Director & Teaching Artist

3:20 (runtime)

Director’s Notes

Theatre Actress, Director & Teaching Artist Venus Tyané shares her experience from the show "Air Raid", a split-stage performance in English and German set in World War Two.

• Venus portrayed the only black character who sings a duet, "Baby, It's Cold Outside", with a character who doesn't believe in racial equity.

• Her upbringing in Germany influenced her ability to see different perspectives, allowing her to bring a nuanced performance to her character.

• Rather than presenting her character as an angry black woman, Venus showed her as strong, understanding, and eager to introduce change.

• Her character's aim was to understand the viewpoint of the opposing character, striving to find common ground despite their disparate backgrounds.

• The audience resonated with her character, Laverne, demonstrating to Venus that incorporating personal aspects into a role can significantly influence the performance.

About Venus

Venus Tyané studied Musical Theater in Berlin, Germany. She has worked as a performer for many US productions, including Nickelodeon and Stories that Soar! She has performed in various large productions internationally, from Friedrichstadtpalast to Jazzclub Neukölln. Venus-Tyané worked as the Musical Director for the performing arts school JMEM Berlin, and the subsequent touring production. She has toured throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Estonia, Czech Republic, India, South Korea and Japan. She has a passion for the arts and people’s stories as expressed through their various cultures and is dedicated to making a positive impact that has a world ripple effect.