Archive

From Nylah

My name is Nylah, I'm writing you because I looked at your site and came across a young woman by the name of Adilah Barnes. I actually would like to contact Ms. Barnes because I'm a young actress and I just moved out to N. Hollywood to pursue a career in acting like so many others; but I've been researching and trying to get a good acting coach. So that I can start my career off in a positive way.  

I have researched Ms. Barnes and love her credits and the fact that she has coached some people I look up too. I don't know if you know Ms. Barnes or not but I read that she was now teaching in North Hollywood privately.  If you do know her, I would love it if you could call her and or forward this email to her. Just let her know that a young woman by the name of Nylah Bullard is looking to work with her.

I don't have a problem with mailing my headshot over to her and resume. I do have an agent here in LA. I'm not one who just sits around and waits for my blessings, I go make my own. If you don't know her please email me back saying so. I do appreciate your help if you decide to help me contact her. Any information would really help. A website, her personal email address, phone number office number, any thing. I'm just a huge fan and would like to work with her in the craft. I want to better myself and get to the next level in accomplishing my goals as an actress.

Thank You so much Mr. Parker.

From Bre'ly

Hello Adilah!!!

Greetings from Tokyo, Japan!! I received a contract to sing here for the next 3 months. I just arrived on Sept 7th!! I also landed a Twix commercial...Have you seen it yet?? I caught it once right before I left. It's national.....I've been getting calls from all over. Thank you so much for sharing you wisdom of the acting world with me!!! I've heard it's on Lifetime, Fox, and UPN so far...

Take care...I'll keep you posted on everything...

Be careful what you ask GOD for...... you just might get it!!!!!

Love,

Bre'ly  

Adilah,

Thank you so much for your encouragement and guidance.  You are so kind and giving.  You inspire me to be more gracious in life.  It really is a gift to give to people.  I felt lead to buy the current issue of Essence and I am glad I did.  Susan Taylor gave an affirmation:  I am a child of God, wise, guided and loved.  I choose health, wealth, happiness and sweet companionship.  She also said our urgent need is to align self-love and care with our dreams and responsibilities.  In the end, we will find that loving ourselves and pursing our dreams are the same glorious effort.

From Michelle

Adilah,

Greetings from good old Virginia! Hope all is well out in California and you are doing lots of great work!

It seems like every time I turn on the TV nowadays I see you..............from your Visa commercial, Roseanne reruns, and various movies. Speaking of movies, what did you think of "Iron Jawed Angels?" I thought it was excellent, although I don't think your character was featured enough. The more I read about the suffrage movement, the more I realize just what a vital part she played, not only for the women's suffrage movement, but in civil rights as a whole. I think working on "Iron Jawed Angels" has been a great learning experience for me. Not only did it put some more acting experience under my belt, but I learned about a part of history that we were never taught here in school (which is very unfortunate). I'm glad that HBO put together a teachers kit so children (especially young women) can learn about the struggles these women went through to obtain the right to vote.

So, how's it going with your book? I am really looking forward to reading it!

Things are starting to pick up here, as far as movies go. There are going to be two period pieces filming this Summer. One is "The New World" which is going to be filmed in Jamestown, and is about the struggle with the Native Americans and the British in the 17th Century. So far it stars Colin Farrell and Christopher Plummer. The other doesn't have much information, other than the title "The Final Witness." It had been pretty slow around here and then all of a sudden two movies this Summer. In fact, I've only done one movie since "Iron Jawed Angels." Keep an eye out for me in "Cry Wolf"...............I am playing a teacher. It is set to be out in the Fall of this year.

Hope all is great with you and yours! Please keep me in the loop about your book, and life in general. Once it comes out I will buy a copy and I would love for you to sign it for me. I also have an "Iron Jawed Angels" poster that I would like you to sign.

Take care and God bless.

Michelle

From Melanie

What a wonderful article! And very beautiful picture! 

I am so proud to see that you are still out there making your mark on the world around you. I find that I often draw back to things learned in class and/or from conversations that we have had in the past when it comes to some of the work I am doing now. 

I am still not in an acting class. I am currently working with a troupe of actors from the Young Adult Ministry at Church. Since working with them, I have performed about five or six times including at a Youth Program at another church and last night at Bible Study. I also performed a monologue that I wrote myself last December. And I still working with props and stage design. This is definitely a blessing because I am stretching in areas that have not been really accessed even though those are things that God has been speaking into my spirit. It helps to have some quite time and begin to move even more junk and noise out of the way.

In working with other actors, I recognize the fact that I certainly have been blessed to have you as my teacher and to have the foundation that I had. Believe it really is. From you, I have learned so much including doing the homework and having integrity for your work. Additionally, having the courage to walk away from something that is not right for you. Someone else tried to cast me in a role of an older woman. I had to say that I couldn't do it even though I wanted to do a play and haven't done one since Nov. 2002.

Take care of yourself and my prayers are with you that things continue to prosper in your life.

Love you,

Melanie 

Melanie,

Greetings!

It is SOOO good to hear from you...

I would like to post part of your letter on my website bulletin board, if that is all right with you...

I am delighted to hear of your updates...

Keep on keepin' on...

Thank you so very much for your kind thoughts!

Adilah
p.s. And yes, the photo came out well...Check out Larry Coleman when you need a photographer again!:)

From Phoebe 

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Adilah, you are amazing. I can't believe how quickly you responded. Well ...yes I can. You don't get to where you are in this business without having that "quick action reflex" instilled in you. You are always teaching me something, Adilah, and I thank you for that. 

Thanks for the tip about the program. I know you've "been there, done that", so you have a lot to offer. Thanks so much for offering to help me. Can I say thank you enough?!

With love,

Phoebe 

From Annie

Ms. Barnes:

I had the opportunity to work with you on the film Iron Jawed Angels, filmed in Richmond, Virginia in the fall of 2002. I was one of two women accompanying you into the front of the Illinois section of the parade. I very much enjoyed meeting you and enjoyed your graciousness. I was wondering if it would be possible to acquire an autographed photo from you. If you need me to forward a postage paid envelope, please let me know.  

Thank you again for the opportunity to meet a truly genuine human being. I enjoyed myself thoroughly during my work on the film.

Annie

Annie,

Greetings!

It is a pleasure to hear from you...

What a nice surprise, too!

You know what is interesting? I have also heard from the other woman who "flanked" me as Ida B. Wells!

I will absolutely send you an autographed photo!

Sincerely,

Adilah

From Tamiera

MRS. BARNES,

THIS IS TAMIERA,

THE GIRL THAT YOU WERE ON THE PHONE WITH LIKE TWO OR THREE WEEKS AGO......WELL THE DAY THAT I GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH YOU I HOPPED OVER TO YOUR WEBSITE ABOUT TO DIE OF SHOCK FROM THE SUCCESS, AND THE HARD WORK, AND DEDICATION, THAT HAS SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN PLACED BEFORE YOU.....

I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT IF I GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM YOU.....THAT'LL BE ONE OF THE GREATEST EXPERIENCES IN MY LIFE......IN BY JUST ONE SMALL CONVERSATION YOU HAVE CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ON "LEARNING AND UNDERSTANDING THE CRAFT"...I ORDERED THE BOOK "RESPECT FOR ACTING"......SO IT SHOULD BE HERE SOON............AND ALSO THAT OTHER BOOK YOU TOLD ME ABOUT.....I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU VERY MUCH....IT'S GOING TO BE A LONG AND HARD JOURNEY FOR ME WHEN I LEAVE HOME AND ENTER THE REAL WORLD OF CALIFORNIA........BUT THIS IS A RISK THAT I HAVE BEEN DYING TO TAKE..........THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN.......AND REMEMBER NO MATTER WHAT

"THE BEAT GOES ON".............


TAMIERA

From Vince

Dear Adilah,

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, wisdom and expertise at your actors' workshop during the 2003 Hollywood Black Film Festival. I was a finalist in the storytellers competition and had to leave early to attend a writers' workshop that evening. But I was torn because I found myself being so filled and inspired by the discussion in your class.

I wish you much continued success and hope that we cross paths again soon.

Sincerely,
Vince

Greetings!

Thank you so much for your e-mail.

I am very happy to hear that my workshop, "Career Development of Actors: Taking Control of Your Career", held value for you.

Please let me know if I may serve in some way in the future (ie acting classes, private coaching, etc.).

Continue forward!

Adilah
p.s. Congrats on being a finalist in the Storytellers Competition of the Hollywood Black Film Festival!!!

From Neil

Hi Adilah,

We are probably looking at the Tuesday rotation. I will zip you an email to let you know.

You will get an air check for your records.

I loved your show. I loved your voice, your articulation and your ease of communicating the the truth and information based on the questions you were asked. I also enjoyed the laughing and interplay between you and Ted.

Keep up the great work!

Peace,
Neil

Neil,

Good morning!

Thank you so much for the positive feedback on the Ted Terry Show on BlakeRadio.com. Ted is very professional and a good interviewer. (Trust me, I have had many that were not of the same quality.)

I enjoyed my interview with him...For the most part, I generally enjoy doing interviews and feel fairly relaxed in that milieu. It is icing on the cake when the interviewer, such as Ted knows his or her chops! :)

Thanks again!

Adilah

From Kent

Mrs. Barnes

Thank you for writing me back, i am in Jacksonville, Fl and i am not an actor but in the music business (i don't have the courage to be an actor). I enjoy listening to actors and musicians talk about their craft and how they are making it, especially black entertainers. In my business, rappers and singers comprise themselves all the time by performing music that they know is not good for our community but they do it anyway, to make money. I have little respect for these people, so when i hear you say that you would not consider certain roles (like Monster's Ball) i develop a great respect for you because that means you are willing to sacrifice money for dignity and as a black man i hate to see any black woman compromise herself publicly. Keep up the good work and Thank you

Sincerely,
Kent 

Kent,

Thank you SOOO much for your wonderful feedback...

It matters to me that others appreciate the level of integrity I strive to maintain...

Best to you in your career!

Adilah Barnes

From Judith

Adilah,

What great work you are generating.

Good luck with it all. Please let me know when your book comes out.

Am very interested to hear the story about your mother. Personal narratives are one of my passions.

Take care.
Judith

Co-chair, National Storytelling Conference Chicago, July, 2003
773-288-7217

From Sand

Adilah, woman, you are amazing! We just got in a moment ago, and I've already got on my I Am That I Am T-shirt!

We were blessed by you and those women tonight. Each one of them embodied you so wholly. I went through so many emotions watching you all up there-- pain, pride, pure joy. Zora and her men had me cracking up! All of the women-- and the minor characters-- poured forth from you and grabbed us. Thank you for creating and bringing this gift to fruition, for sharing these women and yourself with the world. Your talent and skill-- I am just in absolute awe. Ric and I are still talking about you. Your voice of song is amazing, your presence is astounding, your beauty is mesmerizing.

I think the audience was just so caught up in how those women shone through you-- BECAME you-- that we were just sitting there mouths agape at one point. And that you could switch in such distinct voices so quickly in that way was almost frightening. Deliciously so. What an anointing we got tonight!

I wish you could see them/you from our vantage point.

And in the end, It was so lovely to meet you, by yourself, Adilah. I was filled just to see you. I was supposed to see that show tonight. It's another light along my path, another warm embrace, another affirming hand guiding me, nudging me. I cannot wait to see the play on your mother! I hope you'll be performing that one locally. Why don't you perform locally more? What a gem the city is missing out on.

Have a beautiful, peaceful night. I'll talk to you soon.

Love, Sand

From Teri

Just a note to say you are an inspiration, someone who has the courage to live their dreams. You go girl!!!!! Teri 

PS. I am still amazed by your youthful appearance. ...You look thirty something... 

Please let me know when you have your next showcase.

From Tammi

Hello Miss Barnes

I got your name from Pete Navarro after he attended a reunion last year at
UC Santa Cruz.
I've watched and enjoyed your work for a long time, especially on Roseanne.

I'm interested in auditing your acting class if that is allowed. Please
send me any information regarding your class and LAWTF that you think might
be helpful.

I look forward to hearing from you.

All the best
Tammi  

Greetings...

Thank you so much for your interest in my class!

Please thank Pete for passing my name on to you...

I am glad to hear you have enjoyed and followed my work...

Audits are allowed. They are $35 and they are working audits so you will participate in improvisation, do a couple of exercises we ask our auditors to do and if you have a prepared monologue, you will have the opportunity to share it so that others may get a sense of where your work is and to receive a "tweek" from me.

We meet Tuesday nights from 7-10pm. Please wear comfortable clothing, bring writing materials and arrive on time.

Do check out my website at www.adilahbarnes.com for more info!

From Peggy

Adilah,

I just saw in the Palo Alto Weekly (a day late) that you performed at Stanford, May 9.

I had been curious to know what you were doing (I had seen you in "Roseanne" a couple of times, so I knew you were doing exciting things!) Now that I know your website, maybe I will be better able to keep up with you (although the website only shows the dates through April, and so doesn't show the Stanford date...)

You may or may not remember me, Peggy Bilz (now Burgi.) I took a few classes with you at ACT, and AD/SM'd "Danny and the Deep Blue Sea" for you. I have kept up with a few of my classmates from ACT over the years- David Acevedo, Geoff Fiorito, Mitch Mullany (he had his own TV show, and wrote and starred in a (regrettably awful) movie) among others.

I am doing community theater when I can--I'm married with three kids now--I met my husband in the first show I was in after ACT, and now we take turns being in shows.

Let me know if you are going to be up in this area again soon--or at least update your website!! I live in Sunnyvale, which is just a little north of San Jose.

Love,
Peggy

From Clara

Adilah,

I enjoyed reading your journal. I look forward to seeing your work. wishing you lots of success with your new film for HBO and all that you do. Best wishes, Clara

Clara,

Thanks so much for visiting my site!

You've reminded me I must post my latest public journal entry!

Adilah

From Marilyn

Adilah, I've been reading all these write ups and news releases of yours
and Cuz, you are NOT bored! Girl you are OUT THERE.

.....have I told you lately how very, very proud I am of you. Can't
wait for your book to come out next year!

From Jane Doe

Adilah,

Your credentials are SO impressive. I am very lucky to have you in my life and as an email mentor. Thank you for being you. God Bless you Adilah!!!

xo jane doe 

Everyone,

Greetings!

I had the privilege of interviewing Ms. Virginia Capers on my radio talk show, Adilah, on Blakeradio.com's Rainbow Soul, Channel 5. She was a diva (such eloquence of speech including many languages) , trailblazer (one of the first African Americans to attend Julliard School of Music) and a first in numerous other ways (including being the first African American woman to receive a Tony Award that was not shared) during her 50 years as an entertainer.I believe it may have been her very last radio interview.

I am so pleased that the Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival honored her with our Eternity Award in year 2000 when she was still able to walk up to receive it.

Please tune in beginning tonight Thursday, 5/20 around 10pm PST. The show will run in rotation through Monday night about every 12 hours.

See the show schedule below to see the Blakeradio line-up that will be in rotation with our interveiw. You will see the shows that come before and after mine and can judge time accordingly since most shows are about one hour long...

I invite you to listen in through next Monday evening on Blakeradio.com, Channel 5's "Rainbow Soul".

This interview I will especially treasure because Ms.Capers has now moved on. This interview was indeed a history lesson and Ms, Capers was indeed a walking history book. If you have no idea who she was, I particularly encourage you to tune in...

Ms. Capers was born September 22, 1925 and passed on May 6, 2004. Her star-studded homecoming celebration was held on May 12, 2004 in Los Angeles.Included in those who honored her at the podium during the service with James Avery (Fresh Prince of Bel Air), Dawnn Lewis (A Different World), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Dream Girls and Moesha) and a host of others who came up to share their personal remembrances.. What a celebration and emotionally felt day that was!

I tip my hat to Ms. Virginia Capers...

Enjoy,

Adilah

From Valerie

Hi Adilah:

We were in "The Bridge Party" at MSU together. I played the funeral home director. I saw you in the VISA commercial. You looked great! Later this summer I will be playing Titania in a local production of "A Midsummer's Night Dream." I wish you were here and that I could afford for you to be my acting coach like you did for Benjamin Bratt. (SMILE) LOL.

You wouldn't happen to know where I could find an audiotape on how to read Shakespeare. I have a couple of books, but no tape. 

Take care 
Valerie 

Valerie,

It is sooo good to hear from you!

Of course, I know who you are...

I am glad to hear you saw my VISA commercial!

Congrats on the new role...Regarding an audiotape, I am sure the library might be useful...Of course a bookstore like Samuel French, would be good, too...However, I do not imagine you have one in your area...Nonetheless, I imagine you can go online and order from Samuel French Bookstore as well...

Stay in touch!

Adilah

From KD

Adilah,

I LOVED the play! I watched it my writer friend Michael Owens and he commented on how much he liked your body language of each character. I liked the way you used the whole stage. I kept asking Michael, "How does Adilah remember everything! She is SO good!" 

Thank you SO much for letting me view the tape! Now, I want to see it live! Let me know when you are performing it again.

I'm glad to see that my letter has jump started your friends into action. I hope HBO will listen to us. 

See you on Wednesday!

K.D. 

From Nair

 
Nair,

Please see my responses below.....

Hi Mrs. Adilah,

Are you familiar with the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in West Hollywood?

If so, are they any good,


I have heard different things about the Strasberg Institute. They are reputable and I think you ought to audit for yourself to see how they work for you...

and is the "method acting" still valuable among many of todays actors?


Yes, many of today's actors use "method acting". It is a timeless approach to bringing truth to our work...

What about Playhouse West in North Hollywood?

I am not familiar with what they do there...

Are they any good as well?


I am not certain. Again, I think you need to check them out for yourself.

It's not that I'm not eager to study acting under you, I just plan on getting me a solid actor training before I come and study under you.


You do not need to do that. You may come as you are and I will meet you wherever that is...:)

Also, I'm planning on acting in some national commercials before I transit to film and TV acting.


It is not necessary to do commercials first...

Is commercials a good way to get seen by some top industry professionals?


Do not worry about getting seen. Concern yourself about doing good work.

My goals is to become a screen actor, not a stage actor, and I do need the on-camera experience, right?


I suggest beginning with stage to learn how to act on your feet...

Didn't many great actors get there start by doing commercials first, at least that's what I read in the latest issue of Backstage WEST.


Not necessarily...Do what you are led to do and take one step at a time!

Adilah


Sincerely,
Nair - Actor

From Terrence

Adilah,

Love your updated website. Glad you kept that earthy color backdrop and your remarks on working with other actors is unique. Very informative in letting others know how these actors are on the set. Your classes, book journey, scenes from the plays you were in. Everything simplified. No clutter or color scheme distractions that I see in many websites with thousands of dollars spent on them.

Did I send you the Tongues Unchained review?.

Terrence

From Kamali

Hi Adilah,

I just wanted to say I really enjoyed our time together the other day. You have an amazing mind and I'm really glad I met you! It's so good to talk to positive people in this industry. Hope all is well today, and I look forward to class on Tuesday. What you had to say helped me clarify some things and strengthen some beliefs I already had (kind of like confirming that I know some of the things I think and I'm not crazy because other people think them too!)

Anyways have a good weekend

Kamali

Hi Adilah, 

Sorry to skip out of class so early...... I was out of it due to an eye injury I sustained the day before... 

OK Monolgue update: 

1.) Cowboy Mouth by Shepherd looks good.....curious as to why your recommended that one for me?

2.) I looked over Harold Pinter's works.....some of his stuff doesn't seem for me...any play/character in particular you were talking about? 

3.) Any other Shepherds in particular you were referring to? ditto for Mamet as well 

4.) Also, I was really feeling that one the "Lezge" (I don't know If I'm spelling his name right) did from Top Dog/Underdog.....I might check that one out as well. 

Kamali,

Greetings!

Not to worry..

I hope your eye is feeling better today...

I am glad to hear Cowboy Mouth interested you. I thought you might find it off-centered, risky and possibly interesting...

No Pinter piece in particular...Again, I thought you might find his style challenging...

Regarding other Mamet and Shepard pieces, try American Buffalo for the former and Lie of the Mind and True West for the latter...

Okay...I am willing to hear you read Top Dog/Under Dog, too!

We are making progress...:)

And when shall we meet?

Adilah

From Nair

Hi Mrs. Adilah, 

I finally ordered my Greyhound bus ticket to N. Hollywood, and I will sadly not be getting any financial support from my family and relatives. I'm coming to L.A. with my strong passion and desire for acting, that's all! I will be at the bus stop on July 17th. I'm so scared about homelessness, I really am! Is there anyway you can help me, I just don't want to die before I pursue my acting career goals. Is there anything you can do to help me, do you know of ANYONE needing a roommate? Please let me know as soon as possible, I'm so scared but I'm feeling excited about reaching my acting career goals! None of my family care, and they told me they won't even get a penny.

God bless,

Nair - Actor

Nair,

Good morning!

I am glad to hear you have your heart set on coming to Los Angeles but I am a bit concerned by the way in which you are planning to go about it. Moving here is not to be done lightly. It requires proper preparation before you arrive.

Firstly, if you are coming without a nest egg to see you through for a few months for rent, food, transportation and other needs, how do you expect to make it as you find your place here?

The fact that you have fear that you may become homeless says to me that you have not thought everything out well and that you are harboring some degree of doubt.

Coming to Los Angeles blindly to "make it" is not recommended.

I do not think it wise.

I can point you in the direction of resources for possible lodging (i.e. checking the union boards that always have listings), live-in nanny services, etc.) but you need initial monies to have a roof over your head. I am not currently aware of anyone seeking a roommate at the moment so you will need to be able to afford some kind of lodging when you first arrive (i.e. staying at a hostel, etc.).

Your passion and drive to come here to pursue your dream count for a lot. However, I suggest you make sure you think this move very carefully before you board that bus.

Keep me posted on your plan of action.

Sincerely,

Adilah

From Deardra

I missed some of my own show because I was trying to hook up the equipment and actually disconnected the radio for a while but I caught enough of it to see my good and bad points. But your show, your show was GREAT!!!!!!!!!

Ted did a wonderful job and the entire show was clear and informative and both of you came of swell.

I really enjoyed it.

Congratulations on a marvelous show, Adilah.


Deardra

From Ali

Adilah,

Thank you so much for lunch today! I had a nice, relaxed time. You know what? It's always a treat to see you -- in person and good to talk to you. I value it - let's try doing this at least once every month. Okay? 

Susan Taylor is special - I love her and Pat Tobin and heck..., everybody!

Smile at this: Two acquaintances came up to me and asked, "Is that your client? How'd you get Adilah, for a client?" :) I'm proud of you -- My wish for you is that you'll do everything and much more than your mind can strategize or conjure up... you'll be happy forever! 

Thank you for the beautiful card, the Mercedes Benz Teddy and on another note, I'm glad that you too got the "Black Bag" courtesy of Essence. Inside: A nice-fitting tee-shirt, pen, mug, spiral note book and key chain. 

Chi Ching!!!!

Love,

Ali