Today we’d like to introduce you to Raél Ba
Hi Raél, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born and raised in Baltimore, I am now a working film, tv, voiceover and commercial actress in Los Angeles. I am also a development specialist in the entertainment and education industry.
My journey in the arts started super young, I’m talking like 4 years old. It was at that age that my mom enrolled me in my first ballet dance class. However, my passion for stories didn’t really bloom until I was accepted in the prestigious theater arts program for my local performing arts middle school and then later the performing arts high school. From grades 6-12 I had classes in everything from Shakespeare, piano and ballet to French, opera and international literature.
I went on to get my Bachelors of Fine Arts from Pace University in Manhattan followed by an additional degree from Yale University School of Drama’s program – The British American Drama Academy in England, UK. During college I started booking small roles in TV shows and indie films in New York City and have been working professionally ever since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My career story and personal story are both all about overcoming obstacles. I had a lot of odds stacked against me even as a child. I was from a rough city, born an only child low income to a single mother who fought daily to keep us above the poverty line. After my mother’s hard work paid off and we were able to stay afloat and finally have a home, she was suddenly diagnosed with stage 4 and passed away 6 months later, making me an orphan.
Then suddenly here I was at 14 years old with no money, no parents, no siblings, a ward of the state and not a single connection to someone in the entertainment industry. Yet I still believed that one day I’d become a successful working actress in Hollywood. With all those odds, to some that may have looked like childhood delusion. But to me they were odds I was determined to persevere through.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
While I specialize in storytelling, I have rooted my work’s value to support social advocacy, philanthropy and to inspire the next generation. I’m known for acting in movies with a philanthropic message such as my lead role in the HULU original biopic “The Gentle Giant” highlighting the life of George Floyd through his baby sister – Bridgett’s- eyes. Or my lead role in the award-winning black art house film “Why We Love”. Or even my role in front and behind camera for the Oscar winning biopic “King Richard” based on the life of the late father of Venus and Serena Williams.
This type of work is what I am the proudest of. Anytime I can use my art to entertain while also teach an important life lesson or bring awareness to societal issues, that is the kind of project I want to be a part of. I think what sets me apart is my deep knowledge of education and story development that I get to bring to a film production and vice versa. Knowing how to communicate, teach and develop one’s perspective is a uniqueness I have found in both of the industries I work in.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have had several mentors since college and each one has had a huge impact on my professional and personal growth. Some mentors came unexpectedly while others I seeked. When networking, I lead with my passion to learn and help others as my only motivators. Most working professionals want to give the next generation the ability to learn the lessons they wish they knew when they started. With this in mind, networking was actually a lot easier.
My advice would be start by following closely the career journey of someone in your field that you admire. Search for opportunities to meet and learn from them such as take their class or attend a panel they will speak on. When the time is right introduce yourself to them, inform them of your passion for what they do and inquire about helping them out for free in exchange to learn. Simply taking the risk of putting yourself out there is truly the hardest part. From there show up, be reliable, do the extra work, observe a lot and be brave. You got this!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raelba.com
- Instagram: @raelba_
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raelba
Image Credits
Photographer –
Serin Matous
@sermports
