Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlana Dunn
Hi Marlana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town in Western Pennsylvania. Having three brothers, my childhood revolved around sports. I played softball and took gymnastics (which was considered a sport to the boys). However, aside from the tomboy me, I loved to sing and play music. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always answered, “I want to be Reba McEntire”. I read her biography when I was in 4th grade and was enthralled. She is the truest multi-hyphenate. When people try to bring me down about having many skills and not focusing on only one thing, I always have her at the forefront of my mind. She is a true diva.
As a freshman in high school, I did my first musical; thus, started my transition away from playing sports and into singing and dancing. I took my first dance class at the age of sixteen when I was able to drive myself to the studio and pay for the classes. I soon learned that the stance of a ballerina was different than that of a gymnast or a catcher blocking home plate!
I went on to compete in the Miss America Pageant System earning scholarship money toward my college education. I attended Point Park University where I received a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and minor in Jazz Dance. Following my education, I traveled the world with Stiletto Entertainment on Holland America Cruise Lines as their lead singer/dancer.
I lived in NYC for many years performing regionally and then landed a role in one of the biggest Broadway shows at that time. I was on the Broadway National Tour of Jersey Boys (Mary Delgado & others) for two and a half years. Upon leaving the show, I moved to Los Angeles. I have been here for the last nine years working as an actress in theatre, tv/film and commercials. During the Covid lockdown, a lot more was being asked of us as actors, so I started looking into graduate programs. I’d been wanting to get my masters for some time and if I had to do all this extra work, I wanted to do it well!
Looking back on my childhood, I never thought the hours spent outside with my brothers exercising the extensive use of our imagination and world building would lead me to become the storyteller I am today. I am a professional actress/singer/dancer who has added director/producer/cinematographer/editor to her roster of hyphens. I have my own one-woman Patsy Cline Tribute show. I love sharing my passion for the arts with younger generations and recently have joined the conservatory faculty of the number one performing arts charter school in the state of California. I am a Fitness enthusiast: CPT and Yogi instructor. I am wildly curious, very passionate about what I do.
In May of ’24, I received my MFA in Film & Television Production from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Currently, in film, I now work in documentary as an editor and cinematographer, narrative as an actress, director, producer and editor. True to my performance roots, since graduating, I am about to do Jersey Boys again for the second time in SoCal early fall in San Diego.
My love for humanity and storytelling is at my core. My films are said to be comfort food for the soul. I am so grateful do what I love for a living.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. True to the life of an artist, there have been some wonderfully high highs and conversely, low lows. In those low times, there is much growth to be had so I try not to get woefully stuck in them. Rather, I work through those emotions and seek out the light. The biggest thing I stay mindful of is though I am not famous (a stamp of success in the eyes of many on-lookers), I have been a working actress for over 20 years. I defined success for myself when I graduated from my undergraduate studies. I find that people love to define it for you and judge, especially those not in it. I am very proud of the work I have done and continue to do in this incredibly challenging industry and grateful to for all the love and support from friends, family and collaborators I receive every day.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As previously stated, I make comfort food for the soul. I would say I’m an actress first. It’s what I’ve done the longest and am most rooted in within my practices. I find so much joy in looking for the truth of the character I get to breathe life into within the world of the story. I am known for my honest, grounded and sometimes heart-breaking characters who have poignant comedic timing. I must say, I bring all of this into the other positions I am in as well within this industry. I’m so bless to have acting as my foundation.
I am very proud of all I’ve done and most recently, finishing my Master Degree. I look forward to my continued storytelling journey.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I don’t quite know where the film/theatre industry is headed. I think she is trying to find herself among streaming and socials, etc. My curiosity keeps me interested in change so I’m trying to embrace AI as a tool but it makes me nervous for sure. I will happily read or watch any recommendations on the matter to ease my mind! Ultimately, I believe if we keep storytelling at the forefront of all we do beautiful things will come from that- as humans, our souls and lived experiences are at the core of storytelling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marlanadunn.com
- Instagram: @marlanadunn
- Facebook: marlanadunn
Image Credits
Photographers: Jacob Piller, Jason Niedle, Henry Cohen, De’Lon Grant
