Meet Debra Atkins | Writer, Director, Actress, Producer and Published Author

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

Hi Debra, why did you pursue a creative career?
Actually, this process was more of a calling instead of me pursuing this kind of career. I actually had other plans for my life, and this happened to be something that God obviously thought I would be good at. Maybe because He understood the love and passion I had for His people.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I first started writing and producing skits for the youth department at the church (Mt. Calvary MBC) that I was attending at the time, and in July 1989, I stepped out on faith, along with the help from my family members and some close friends and produced my very first stage production outside of the church at the Fifth Ward Multi-purpose Center. Which at that time consisted of us performing several different skits.

Since then, I have written and produced hundreds of poems, short stories, original skits, sketches, one-act plays, and full-length productions. Over the years we have performed the plays at different churches, venues, schools, colleges, and theaters throughout the Houston, Texas area and in some of the surrounding cities, and in several towns, that have led us all the way to Syracuse, New York and to Ponca City, Oklahoma.

In addition to writing, directing and producing, my stage productions have created theater and acting opportunities for many children, young adults, and adults over the years, and in many cases, we have helped launched many of their acting careers by introducing them to the stage.

Even though it has been thirty-three years, it seems just like yesterday when I took the first leap of faith and wrote and produce my first stage plays outside of the church. I often tell people that I did choose to do this, after all I never even went to school for it, but yet God chose me to write, direct and produce inspirational stage plays, and now it has become my ministry and my passion.

Of course, I had other plans for my life, but since God ordains the path that He wants for our lives, He just expects us to trust and obey Him. One of the reasons I believe God chose me for this type of ministry is because He already knew I wouldn’t have a problem obeying him, and because of the heart that He has given me towards helping those that are hurting in their everyday relationships.

All I ever wanted was to write and produce stage plays that have positive messages, where people could come and get entertained, encouraged and be inspired to fulfill the journey that God had placed them on, and I believe that I have accomplished that very thing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, it really all depends on what best friend came to town, because I have such an array of friends that love to do all kinds of different things, and because I live in Humble/Houston there are so many really good spots we could go to. All the way from eating good sea food at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen to eating some good old soul food at the Farmer’s Fresh Meat Market. We definitely would go visit the Galleria Mall in Houston, and like I said it all depended on the friend. Because I love all sports, we could easily catch an Astros, Rockets or even the Houston Texans game, and when it was all said and done, we would definitely go and worship at my church, the Light House, under the great leadership of Pastor Keion Henderson.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I could actually name that have been so instrumental in this career, but you would not have enough room in your interview. But first and foremost, my family, my husband, my daughters, my sisters and brothers and so many of my friends have carried me through this year after year. My husband Sam, and my daughters Jenice and Samitra are my biggest supporters. There is no way I would have survived all of these years without their help. But I would like to give a special shout out to one person in my life for always continuing to believe in me when there were times, I didn’t even believe in myself, and her name is Marsha Hudson.

Website: www.wtaoproductions.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/debra_l_atkins

Linkedin: www.linkedin/debralatkins

Twitter: www.twitter.com/wtaoproductions

Facebook: www.facebook.com/debra.l.atkins

Youtube: www.youtube.com/dawtao