Today we’d like to introduce you to Clinton Roane.
Hi Clinton, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Mechanicsville, Virginia – a country town about two hours outside of Washington, D.C. During my upbringing, being on Broadway or in the TV/Film industry seemed so unattainable, but I always knew deep down it was meant for me. During my senior year at Howard University, I wrote and performed my own one-man show. I didn’t really have much stage time as a student, so writing this show was my own form of “protest”. This was also my first time really writing a story. The process was exciting. I felt powerful. I finally felt like a true storyteller. This was a feeling I spent years chasing to feel again. Shortly after graduating from Howard University, I made my Broadway debut in “The Scottsboro Boys” which helped launch a career in the regional and NYC theater scene. I was blessed to perform in a number of shows around the country and in London, but I was still chasing that feeling I felt in college. That feeling of creating a story. That feeling of knowing my words can affect someone’s life. In 2014, I wrote my first pilot and never looked back. I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew I loved the process. One pilot led to another pilot. And another. And another. Then, I branched out into writing a film. Inspiration never stopped hitting me and my love for creating exciting new worlds grew more and more. Moving to Los Angeles and starting a new chapter as a writer hasn’t been easy to say the least. But slowly, the right industry people have come into my orbit. People I trust and people who believe in my vision. With things finally starting to align, this has been the most artistically fulfilled I’ve ever been in my life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My life as a creative has never been smooth. I wish I had one of those immediate success stories, but that’s just not my journey. Through it all, I’m appreciative of the struggle. I’ve learned so many lessons along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In this new chapter of my life, I’m fully embracing the title of being a multi-hyphenate. I’m fully embracing that I love storytelling using different mediums. From being an actor telling other writer’s stories to being a writer creating worlds for audiences to get lost in, or being a singer writing songs about situations that people can relate to, I’m fully owning that my voice matters and hopefully, my work inspires others.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that community is important. If it wasn’t for my tribe of friends and family (chosen and blood), I’m not sure I’d still be pursuing the arts. They have believed in me on days I couldn’t find the strength to believe in myself and I can’t thank them enough for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ClintonRoane.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamclintonian/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAmClintonian
Image Credits
For the headshot of me in the white crewneck shirt and the afro, please credit Stephanie Koenig. For all of the other photos, please credit The Emma Experience.
