Meet April Wheat | Singer/Actress/Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with April Wheat and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, how do you think about risk?
In general, I’m not a big risk taker. I like to keep things routine and for a while it showed up in my professional life. I went through a period where I was not booking anything and I got discouraged. I thought about quitting and then my community swooped in and reminded me about taking the risk. As actors and singers we are encouraged to always take the risk in performance. Sometimes it works, sometimes not but always take a chance. I learned that i can push through all self doubt and eventually I came to a season where I’m having more success. I would like to think all the rejection helped my hone my talents. All my mistakes helped my become a better performer and person. All entertainers know you will hear ten no’s before you hear one yes and I applied that to my life as well. So even if I’m discouraged, and scared I still take the risk. Sometimes it pays off.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider myself to be an musician. I am a singer, actress, and educator and I love to make people feel by profession. I am most proud of the fact that I am a working artist and I have gotten to the point where my reputation speaks for itself. I treat all my gigs the same, so I don’t necessarily have one thing I am most proud of because I try to bring the same level of energy for every performance. But I can say the first time I heard a song I was on play on the radio on my vacation I felt validated. Like I could call my mama and tell her I made it. Getting to this point was not easy at all. It takes a lot of self reflection and tough skin to constantly be vulnerable in front of strangers asking for a job. And for awhile, I got very discouraged and wanted to give up. But my community kicked in and encouraged me to keep pushing because my season was coming. And I’m glad to say, it’s here. It goes without saying that I put my head down, held the ladder for others to climb, watched, listened, and learned along the way. I want the world to know that I have worked hard to be as professional and reliable as I possibly can. I am a singer/actress who you can trust will get the job done and look good while doing it. I want the world to know that I am walking right into my season so get ready to see my name in lights!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many places I would love to take someone but the first place I’m taking them is to eat at the Breakfast Klub. It’s a Houston staple and the chicken and waffles can’t be beat. During the weekdays we can visit the Museum of FIne Arts and the Butterfly habitat. Maybe swing by Candelari’s for some Pizza. You’ve got hit at least one super popular spot like the Turkey Leg Hut or Taste. Have some drinks at the Flat and mosey on over to Phil and Derek’s for some live music. We would have to take in a show at the Ensemble Theatre, visit the row houses, and it’s not a vacation until you experience Houston all day BRUNCH!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have two! I want to shoutout St. Johns Downtown and The Ensemble Theatre! Both of these organizations have nurtured me as an artist and as a human. i am a transplant by way of hurricane Katrina and both of these organizations have been a source of stability for me for over ten years. I have had so many opportunities and so many people like Pastor Rudy Rasmus, EIleen Morris, Anthony Glover to help guide me on my artists journey and I am grateful.

Instagram: @watchdawnofa

Twitter: @dawnofap

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ryarquz_wHDXosOT7AORQ

Image Credits
Starlic Williams