Quarantine Q/A: CHANEL BRAGG

Chanel Bragg
photo by Ryan Pottle

by Gil Benbrook

Our series of "Quarantine" interviews that focuses on individuals involved in the Phoenix theatre community and their reaction to our current stay at home mandate continues today with a conversation with Phoenix actress Chanel Bragg. 

COVID-19 has affected us all in many ways. The theatre community has been harshly impacted with show closures and postponements. We hope this series of daily interviews will be a way to provide some personal insight to what people are doing during this period of time while highlighting familiar individuals from the theatre community in town.

Was there a show you were in or involved with or preparing for when the stay at home order started?

"Yes. I was just finalizing rehearsals for  a high energy Cabaret show titled 'Girl Power with Brock Pro Entertainment. We were performing at The Peoria Center for the Arts on St Patricks day! We had been rehearsing for months and were devastated we could not share our exciting show with an audience. The rep was incredible. I was singing Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston to name a few of the Fierce women I covered. I love musical theater, but I also classify myself as a soul singer so it was a pleasure to delve into the material."

How have you been personally impacted by our current situation?

"Well other then losing all foreseeable income earned through performing (lol), it's hard to focus on loss of wages when I just miss hugging my mom you know? I haven't seen my nieces and nephews except for face-time, and those that know me understand I'm very family oriented. My band, The Phoenix Afro Beat Orchestra, had to stop recording our third album. I was directing The Wolves over at Spotlight Youth Theatre and we could not continue our rehearsal process although we were nearing our designer run.  I also am in mourning for Hair with the Phoenix Theatre Co as we have zero idea when we will be able to mount it. My situation is unique in that I must actively practice social distancing due to my pre-existing health conditions. I am considered high risk. I am a severe asthmatic since the age of 8. Additionally, I am a kidney cancer survivor. (This has left me with one kidney.) Social distancing allows me to fiercely protect my body. SOAP BOX ALERT!!!!! So please continue to wash your hands, wear a face mask, and practice social distancing people!!!!!  You may be saving my life."

How has your daily routine changed?

"Weirdly enough, I am just as busy. The only thing that has changed is that I am not driving to and from places. I have been very fortunate that my mind has been occupied by all things artistic since our shelter in place directive. I am waking up at the same time I typically do. I'm a bit of an insomniac, so unfortunately that has gotten worse. I love attending Zoom meetings in my pajamas, so I guess not getting dressed is a change in my routine! My skin loves that I haven't worn makeup, so that is a bonus. I have had more time to experiment with my hair, so I am unsure how much of a need I will have for a stylist when this is all over!"

What do you feel will be different when theater restarts?

"I think it will be a challenge to convince patrons that it is safe to go inside, and to not fear sitting in close proximity to others. Personally, I would struggle with it as well. I have stopped eating or shopping at certain places where I felt best practices during quarantine were not being enforced. For example, if my local Taco Bell wasn't using gloves and a mask at the drive through window, I did not return. I feel it will be up to the responsibility of the theater to disclose all measures that are being taken to ensure safety to make patrons feel safe again."

When do you think that’ll happen?

"I am unsure.  I personally would like the theaters to remain closed until we have more information on how to scientifically proceed."

Chanel Bragg backstage in Disney's Newsies at the Phoenix Theatre Company
photo courtesy Chanel Bragg

What have you been doing to stay creative during this time?

"I have remained pretty busy by revamping my demo- reel, Professional Bio, and Theater resume. In the last five weeks, I have been fortunate to participate in several play readings both locally and out of state It was a pleasure to play with South West Shakespeare and The Bridge Initiative as I haven't worked with them before. I was blessed to work for several weeks with The Phoenix Theatre Co's "Behind the Curtain" Webisode. I got the esteemed honor of judging a virtual acting competition for the National Honor Society. I got to record in the studio a Christmas jingle that will be shopped to various networks in need of music. I have participated in social media campaigns for Arizona Theatre Company, TheaterWorks, and Spotlight Youth Theatre. I am currently on the planning committees for various budding projects with different performance troupes as well as theaters throughout the valley. I have sang in several Virtual Cabarets, as well as ran an audition prep workshop for my diversity group The United Colours of AZ Theater. I am teaching virtually for Free Arts for Abused Children and The Phoenix Theatre Co. I am being interviewed for a local Artist Highlight with ASU and Gammage. I am very aware at how  lucky I am to be so interwoven within my theater community in my home state."

Any binge tv shows you’ve watched?

"To resist the urge to just sit and binge Netflix, Hulu, Amazon or etc., the TV is turned off in the AM. However, before we go to sleep, my boyfriend and I will watch a couple of episodes of a series until it is complete. We have tackled Schitt's Creek, Wutang Saga, Grace and Frankie, Zoey's Incredible Playlist, and caught up on This is Us. Currently, we switch simultaneously between Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Mindy Project. 

Any new hobbies you’ve taken on?

"So much baking and cooking! I never had time before so my boyfriend would typically hold down the kitchen. I have learned how to make so many things in quarantine. I think my corned beef and cabbage was the best dish I have made. I also am very proud of perfecting my banana nut bread and chocolate walnut cookie recipes. I have been practicing my ukulele and taking dance classes online. I also attempted painting for the first time in quarantine and it didn't turn out half bad."

How has this experience changed you?

"I am afraid that this experience has weighed negatively on my psyche. I have had more panic attacks than I care to admit. I do not want to walk out of this pandemic with an anxiety disorder. So I stay busy, I try  to pray and meditate and focus on the positives. I steer clear of social media as much as I can as the news can be triggering. But positively, it has reaffirmed how much I value human connection and not taking interaction for granted. I am hugging everyone so friggin hard once I can."

What is the one thing you’re most looking forward to when the stay at home order is lifted?

"Hugging my friends, playing with my Nieces and Nephews, movie Marathons and a bottle of Moscato at my bestie's new house. Cooking with my mom and showing her all my new tricks, and performing with my full heart and soul for every project I am in."