Explorers Issue August 2017 | Page 18

made TO SHINE MADEXXXX BRESHA WEBB MADE BY AJ LINTON I t’s clear that it’s Bresha Webb’s time to shine. Whether it’s through her hilarious social media skits, the relativity she brings to all the characters she plays or simply being a light she is truly the girl next door. She spoke with MADE about her newest role as Yvette on NBC’s comedy, Marlon, the importance of training for your career in the Arts, Jada Pinkett-Smith and three tips that prepared her for her moment. Marlon premieres August 16th on NBC. MADE: As a Baltimore native, you studied at the Baltimore School of the Arts from ages 8 to18. How has this extensive professional training prepared you for your current opportunities and why do you think formal training is important? BW: I think for both answers it would be respect for the craft. When I was four years old I came to my parents and I told them that I wanted to be inside of the TV. They thought I was insane, but started to pay attention to me and really wanted to make me understand the Arts and the discipline it would take to become successful through this field and not see it as an easy way out of the academic world. Going to that school made me into the artist that I am. Baltimore School of the Arts allowed me to study every facet of the Arts. I got a chance to learn firsthand from instructors who were working artists in their fields. That school taught me to pull on all of the tools needed to become not only a great actor but a well-rounded artist. MADE: Here at MADE, we understand that greatness takes time. Share with us the highs and lows of your journey so far. BW: As a Baltimore native, the only representation of someone that I saw that I could actually be and physically touch was Jada Pinkett-Smith. When I saw her, I saw me. She went to Baltimore School of the Arts and then came out to LA to become the big star that she is today. Seeing her journey really made a difference to me. Leaving Baltimore was really difficult. That was really my humble beginnings. I got to experience and see firsthand how God just really made a way in my life. From booking my first gig right out of college, I have been working ever since. The ups and downs of this career are really unpredictable. You never know when you are or aren’t going to be working. You hear “No’s” all the time, but it’s getting that “Yes!” that really makes it worth it. You’re able to work with amazing people and build amazing relationships doing what you love. Everyone goes through their peaks and valleys. My lowest point was not knowing how I was going to get to where I am today. The highs have been God showing me the many victories in my journey thus far to let me know that I’m definitely on my way. MADE: In a relationship-focused industry like Hollywood, we know it’s all about who you know. Can you share any strategies on relationship- building that helped you break into the industry? BW: It really boils down to being humble and made-magazine.com | 18