Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Dunlap.
Hi Angela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Angela Barrow Dunlap’s story is one of creativity, persistence, and the transformative power of storytelling. It begins in a vibrant Detroit neighborhood where, even in second grade, young Angela gathered her friends around her, directing and orchestrating plays without realizing that one day she would become a renowned playwright and filmmaker.
The turning point came when she interpreted the role of Dorothy in a school production of The Wiz. The lights, the music, the transformation of ordinary life to something magical on stage, all of it captivated the young actress. From that moment on, Angela was irrevocably bitten by the theater bug.
Years passed, and her passion only grew stronger. In high school, she tackled the fears and dreams of adolescence with her first formal play, CHOICES, a narrative resonating with the anxious pulse of teenagers on the brink of adult life. The play was a hit, and it marked the beginning of Angela’s professional journey in theater.
Her debut as a professional playwright came with Why Good Girls Like Bad Boyz, a compelling exploration of love, choice, and consequence that spoke to a wide audience and solidified Angela’s place in the world of theater. The success of this production was the catalyst for a series of plays and films that would echo through the halls of performing arts centers across the country. Angela wrote about everything from the inner battles every person faces in Real Men Pray to the scandalous allure of The Other Woman: Charlie Wilson.
Each title in Angela’s extensive repertoire, from the laughter and admonishments in If These Hips Could Talk to the biographical deep dive of My Brother Marvin, illustrated her versatility and commitment to storytelling that both entertains and enlightens. Her work celebrated the ordinary in My Sweet Potato Pie and Church Girl, while also elevating the extraordinary in Pride & Joy: the Marvin Gaye Musical and Don’t Judge Me: The Greg Mathis Story.
However, Angela’s storytelling prowess was not limited to the stage. In 2018, she branched out into the silver screen with her first screenplay titled Couples Trip, bringing her insightful and engaging narratives to a new medium, and captivating a broader audience.
But Angela’s ambitions extend beyond the spotlights and box office successes. She envisions a future where she passes the torch of creativity to those walking the very streets where she commenced her theatrical romance. “In places like LA, training for the film and theater industry is a given, but here in Detroit, there’s a gap,” Angela explains with a sense of urgency. “I aim to bridge that gap, offering a sanctuary of learning to nurture not just actors but crews—everyone it takes to translate a dream from script to stage or screen.”
In her envisioned facility, Angela plans to cultivate the seeds of the next generation of storytellers, to ensure that the future of film and theater in her beloved city thrives. Through her mentorship and educational endeavors, Angela Barrow Dunlap seeks to empower a new wave of artists with the skills and wisdom to tell their own stories—stories of challenge, resilience, faith, and above all, humanity.
From the early impromptu performances on neighborhood streets to the bustling set of her latest film, Angela’s journey remains an inspiration for authentic storytelling. Her dedication serves as motivation, her works, a chorus for the voiceless, and her future endeavors promise the continuation of a cultural legacy—one that will echo through the heartbeats of Detroit and the stages of the world.
The remarkable journey from second-grade plays to critically acclaimed productions has brought us to a new horizon in Angela’s career. On Friday, January 19, 2024, at 7 PM, her latest work will premiere at the prestigious Riviera Cinema, located at 30170 Grand River Avenue in Farmington Hills, Michigan. This event promises an evening of enchantment and profound artistic expression characteristic of Angela’s work.
As Angela reflects on her journey, she often speaks of the awe-inspired by the pure magic of what happens on stage, where actors and script converge to bring stories to life. She remains a testament to the wonders of creative storytelling and the profound impact it can have on audiences and communities alike.
Theatergoers and film enthusiasts alike are invited to witness this next chapter in Angela Barrow Dunlap’s inspiring career. Tickets for the premiere can be purchased at www.angeladunlap.com, promising the chance to be part of the never-ending story of a girl from Detroit who turned her dreams into some of the most moving narratives of our time.
Cathy Nedd
CEO, NeddSites
1395 Antietam | Detroit, MI 48207
313-350-4241 | www.neddsites.com
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a female producer and playwright overseeing nationally touring productions — sometimes managing touring companies of 50 or more people — came with its own unique set of challenges. I often found myself wearing multiple hats at once: producer, creative lead, tour manager, promoter, problem-solver. Some days I was negotiating contracts in the morning and handling travel logistics or ticketing issues by the afternoon.
One of the biggest challenges was funding. Independent producers, especially women of color, often have to build everything from the ground up — securing investors, negotiating budgets, and constantly proving the value of work that hasn’t hit the stage yet. There were times when I had to be resourceful, stretch every dollar, and still make sure the quality of the production never suffered.
Another challenge was representation. Walking into rooms where I was the only woman — or the only Black woman — meant I had to not only deliver excellence, but also overcome preconceived notions about what a producer ‘should’ look like. I had to advocate for myself and my vision more than most.
Managing large touring casts and crews also came with logistical hurdles: transportation, housing, payroll, personality dynamics, and maintaining morale while keeping the creative integrity of the show intact city after city.
But every challenge sharpened me. It taught me resilience, leadership, and how to build systems that allow big visions to come to life. The road wasn’t smooth, but it prepared me for everything I’m doing now — bigger, bolder, and with far more wisdom behind every step.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a storyteller led by both vision and faith. I’m a producer, playwright, and creative director who specializes in bringing powerful, emotionally charged stories to the stage and screen. My work blends artistic excellence with a deeper purpose — I want audiences to be entertained, but I also want them to walk away feeling something shift inside of them.
I’m known for developing large-scale productions from the ground up, often overseeing every facet: writing, directing, casting, producing, marketing, and even the logistics of national touring companies with 50+ cast and crew. But what really defines my work is the heart behind it. Everything begins with prayer and an intention to tell stories that heal, stories that reveal God’s grace even in the darkest moments.
Three of my signature projects reflect that perfectly. Confessions of a Church Girl explores the spiritual battles we face behind closed doors — the tension between who we appear to be and what we secretly wrestle with. It’s bold, edgy, cinematic, and deeply spiritual, showing how God’s light reaches into even the most hidden corners of our lives.
Don’t Judge Me, starring Judge Greg Mathis, is another project close to my heart. It’s an interactive film and stage experience about redemption, second chances, and a promise made to God in a moment of desperation. Bringing that testimony to a major stage has been both an honor and a divine assignment.
And Pride & Joy: The Marvin Gaye Musical allowed me to help bring to life the story of one of the most iconic voices in American music. That production gave audiences a deeper look into the man behind the legend — his struggles, his brilliance, and the legacy that shaped generations. It remains one of the most celebrated projects I’ve been blessed to contribute to.
What sets me apart is that I’m both creative and operational — I can write the story, build the production team, manage the tour, oversee the marketing, and execute the vision from start to finish. But beyond skill, what truly distinguishes my work is my calling. I create with intention. I follow God’s lead. And I’m committed to telling stories that remind people they’re not alone, that their pain has purpose, and that transformation is always possible.
I’m proud of the productions I’ve built, but I’m even more proud of the impact — the emails, the tears in the audience, the people who say a show made them believe again, hope again, or forgive again. That’s why I do what I do.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories are of orchestrating little talent shows — what I now realize were full-on theater productions — right in my backyard. I used whatever materials we had around the house: cardboard boxes became sets, old linens became curtains, and the neighborhood kids became my cast.
I didn’t know it at the time, but I was producing, directing, casting, designing sets, and running rehearsals before I even understood those words. I just loved bringing people together and creating something magical out of nothing. Those moments were pure joy for me — standing outside with the sun going down, hearing the kids practice their lines, and watching our makeshift stage come to life.
Looking back, that was the spark. That was the beginning of everything I do now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dontjudgemelive.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dontjudgemelive?igsh=aWluNXEyZjdvMTQ2
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dontjudgemelive/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AngelaBarrowDunlap
- Other: https://www.angeladunlap.com/
