Meet Rita J. Taylor | Author/Playwright/Producer/Director/Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rita J. Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rita J., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The desire to control the narrative of the stories or events being created particularly coming from a faith based perspective. Also, my love for business and my desire to open doors and opportunities for people who otherwise might not have certain opportunities presented to them.
 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of my businesses is RTaylor Productions and under this company we write, produce and direct plays as well as collaborate with organizations on fundraising projects that has included bringing in productions which normally includes my cast and crew. I’ve also done script consultation and directed campaign commercial.

What sets me apart? Hmmm
I don’t know if this would be considered as being set apart from others but I do know there is a grace and favor from God on my life that he has gifted me with to do what I’ve been blessed to do.
Also, the longevity with cast members. Some has been with me from the inception, 2013 and others for several years after that. Although seasons and spaces change over the years, I know if I called them in need they would come if they’re available.
Also, moving from a space of integrity which isn’t something you always find easily in this industry. This is what I’ve been told keeps people coming back to work with the company.

Looking back I’m most proud of my journey with producing plays in multiple cities starting with little to no money. It’s been a ride.

I’m excited about new paths and directions God has been and is taking me on. I’m so grateful to be an author (which I never planned on being) of books based on some of our plays and for what is coming from those that I’m not at liberty to speak on now.

My path to where I am now started in my parent’s living room. I use to mention often after watching television that I was going to be a director. I wanted to be in movies or do something to create. I love studios and television and movie sets. It’s just something about taking a story and putting all these pieces together along with others to create art and hopefully positive life changing stories.

So, my home church CBCJ gave me space by allowing me to put on programs which included plays for Christmas, Black History etc. This is where it all started and I will forever be grateful!

It definitely has not always been easy. It’s been a good ride but not without tears, frustration, financial loss, however in the end it has been fulfilling..

My biggest challenge has been at times securing finances. As an Executive Producer you’re hands on with making sure you acquire the necessary financial backing needed along with a few other duties, but primarily your focus is securing the capital. Unfortunately, being a woman producer and director I’ve been challenged a few times and not taken as seriously as my male counterparts until I put my foot down and the work spoke for itself. These are just a couple but I overcame through prayer and remaining focused on the end goal. There were times I said I was done but in those moments I had to remember the purpose of the call. Doubting me just adds fuel to me lol.

Lessons learned: The best stories told and the best results comes from being authentically you.
You can be inspired by others and their businesses but your business model and practices has to be unique to you and the call on your life, otherwise you will function from a cookie cutter mentality. Strive to be different by being okay with being who God called you to be.

I want the world to know I’m here with purpose in mind.
Our brand has been to operate in excellence, authenticity and with stories told from a lens of faith without compromise but stories that aren’t always told in boxed in spaces. .Hard conversations from the script to the stage and beyond.

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?
I need to get out more lol.

We’re definitely going to hit up a mall to do some shopping .

Ensemble Theater to see a play and if they didn’t find it boring I love opera so we would probably go see a show at The Hobby or Wortham Center downtown.

I love a good old school hamburger so either Cream Burger, Sparkle, Becks Prime or Fleming’s Steak House.
Lancaster Hotel has a good burger too😊

Kouzans Creole Kitchen (Love their food)
Five Central
Davis Street
Corner Bakery, Taste of Paris or The Toasted Yolk for Breakfast.
A nice park to relax.
Art Gallery ( Love black artwork)

Dessert: Jeni’s Ice Cream on Westheimer or Marble Slab. I’m a huge Marble Slab fan!

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?
There really has been several over the years but I would shoutout my family especially my parents.

My former church, who allowed me the space to create and practice on them,The Church by Christ Jesus in Lufkin, Texas.

Curtis Von, Cassie Levy, Thomas Meloncon and others.

Website: Info@ritajenterprisesllc.com

Instagram: Rita J Taylor

Linkedin: Rita Taylor

Twitter: RTaylor_writer

Facebook: Rita Taylor

Image Credits
Breaux Moments Jade Optics