Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Nicholas-Lippman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was a kid, I thought I was going to be a lawyer… changing the world one courtroom at a time haha. But God had other plans. In 7th grade, I performed my very first monologue and that’s when my life completely changed. The response I received, the way I felt on stage… I knew right then… “I’m meant to be a performer. I’m going to change the world through art!” And that’s where it all began.
I continued to perform and even write my own material (poems, stage plays, screenplays, etc.) all throughout Junior High, High School and College. I moved from Sacramento to Los Angeles, transferring Universities and graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts & Dance …first generation in my family to graduate from college might I add! I’m so proud of this accomplishment and the way I’ve inspired my five younger siblings to do the same (yes, I’m the eldest of six)! I come from a very underprivileged background; so graduating from college, moving to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams/purpose…. it really is a big accomplishment. As many of my peers would say, “I made it out.”
Post-college, I continued to perform in multiple theatrical productions which lead to me finally earning my Equity Union status after understudying for the role of “Cookie” in CTG’s rendition of “Head Of Passes” starring Phylicia Rashad at the Mark Taper Forum (one of my dream theaters to work at by the way! So grateful for that blessing. I’m still claiming and believing I’ll work at the Geffen Playhouse one day)!
In 2016, I became one of the chosen 14 to perform in ABC’s Diversity Showcase! That’s when things took a turn for me career-wise. I am a true Thespian at heart and lover of theater; however, it’s always been my plan to also transition into TV/Film (hence moving to LA and not New York. I believe LA has more film/tv opportunities for artists as opposed to NY which is more theatre-based). After performing in the ABC Showcase it opened doors for me in terms of representation (I have a great manager and agent) and gave me my introduction into pilot season!
After two amazing but stressful years of pilot season auditioning haha, it was in 2019 that I booked my first TV credits which include a recurring role on Freeform’s “Good Trouble” and a co-star role on “Grey’s Anatomy”! 2019 was also the year I became a SAG Union member! So I’m Union all across the board and so so blessed and grateful! I’ve worked so hard and I know this is just the beginning!
But something I want to be known, I truly believe in not waiting for Hollywood to give you the opportunities. I’ve worked VERY hard at my craft and live by words spoken by my Pastor Hosea Collins, “whatever you have, put it to work and God will bless it.”
So, after a long four-year process, in 2018, I debuted my one woman show, A ROSE CALLED CANDACE to rave audience reviews! Since then, my show has had multiple successful runs in Los Angeles and made its OFF-BROADWAY debut on Theatre Row in New York City this past fall, 2019!
I am excited to share that I’m producing my show in LA again, January 26th at The Broadwater Second Stage in Los Angeles. Tickets are on sale now at www.arosecalledcandace.com. Again, not waiting for Hollywood but instead moving by FAITH and making my own way!
Hope you all out there can come out and support!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This question makes me chuckle and shake my head haha. Easy… it definitely has NOT been.
God has stretched my faith beyond what I could ever imagine. From being homeless and living out of my car to not having money for food to not booking the gig(s) to failed relationships… the list goes on and on.
And being transparent, I’m still struggling. I don’t know how I’ll pay my rent next month or if my show will sell out… everything I do is by FAITH and putting in the work.
I always tell people, life of an artist is HARD. This has to be something you REALLY want and believe you are called to do. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Pursuing a career in the entertainment industry is literally a faith walk because it is an industry that is unpredictable. One minute you can be on a hit show, recurring, and then the next, the show is canceled or your character is killed off lol. You just never know.
But something I do know… I AM called to be an artist. My purpose in life is to change the world through my art. I want to inspire… I want to make a difference… I want to leave a LEGACY. And knowing that all I endure and go through is not about ME. It’s never about us. We are meant to share our testimonies… our stories… our art in hopes to uplift someone else.
So no matter how hard it gets and how many more obstacles/challenges life throws my way… I WILL NEVER GIVE UP. Because there is someone out there… who needs to hear my story… witness my art. And if I can touch/impact just one person… then all the pain and hardship is worth it.
Please tell us about A Rose Called Candace.
A Rose Called Candace is a one hour storytelling experience that covers my journey as an artist & woman of faith navigating family, fear, faith, and ultimately, personal freedom.
It is a raw, courageous and intimate performance that definitely shatters expectations of what’s possible with a one woman show. I bare my soul on stage in hopes to inspire others to find their bloom.
So come on this journey with me January 26th! More info @ www.arosecalledcandace.com!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe there is a purpose and reason for everything. God makes no mistakes. So, I can’t speak on luck but I can speak on FAITH.
Faith has played a huge role in my life and career. Without it, I wouldn’t even be alive right now. Believing in something/someone bigger than myself who has a plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11), is what keeps me going when I don’t have money… when my heart is broken… when I don’t know where my next gig is coming from, etc.
It is God, who tells me that as long as I BELIEVE…whatever I ask… will happen (Mark 11:24). So I rest in His Word and promises and BELIEVE that my dreams will come true. They already are.
Pricing:
- Tickets to my solo show, A ROSE CALLED CANDACE, are on sale NOW! $35 Early bird tickets/ $45 Regular admission!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.arosecalledcandace.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candace.nicholas.lippman/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candacenicholaslippman/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Candacethepoet
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