Meet Nayomi Braaf!

Co-Founder and Managing Director of Renegade Theatre Company!

I was fortunate enough to meet Nayomi at the Hartt School while we both ventured to earn our BFA's. Since graduating in 2016, Nayomi has been cast in numerous regional roles, attended grad school and now has started her own theater company in South Florida!

I asked Nayomi where the courage and interest to open her own theater company began. After a full day of working and teaching voice lessons Nayomi shared more about dream, that is now her reality!!

“Starting your own theatre company is a little daunting I’m not gonna lie especially during Covid- 19 and these unprecedent times. But I’m super excited to start this new venture and also create the place I’ve always wanted to be a part of. Renegade Theatre Company is all about inclusion and challenging the norm so the underdog has an opportunity to be seen and heard.
In the words of my Co founder and Executive artistic Director: “ We are a nonprofit theatre company and educational conservatory that creates bold, socially and politically motivated theatrical work, which helps promote the marriage of diverse artists with diverse audiences, while empowering the imaginations of children, teens and their families through live theatre, outreach programming and theatre education. We offer classes and training for students ages 8-25 along with full scale productions for all ages in addition to community outreach initiatives such as conversations about social justice, equality, race workshops on mental health and so much more.
Renegade Theatre Company (RTC) is created to deliberately interrupt the racial status quo by giving voice to artists of color and reflecting a world where diversity is the norm and not the “goal”.
But, we are more than just a company: we are a movement. At our core is Progressiveness, Audacity and Risk. Renegade is a call-to-action. We revitalize the voice of the underdog by giving the needed creative space and resources to kids, teens and young adults to thrive. The voice of diversity and inclusion in the arts and arts education is lacking and we are here to fill that void. We understand the importance of representation and diversity in the classroom, behind the scenes and on the stage which is why it is a fundamental value that drives all the work that we do so that all youth of every shade and from every background can truly feel heard and accepted when they enter our doors.”

Being a Black female artist I have always felt limited especially in Theatre. You are consistently listed as a the girl who comes in and sing the soulful part, rarely featured as anything else. You are usually the token, and no one else in the cast looks likes you, and although the theatre is supposed to be a safe space you don’t always feel that way. I do this so little black girls know they are more than just that. We strive to give our minority children within our community the confidence they deserve. Someone once told me that “it is easier to teacher white kids how to sing act and dance than it is to teach black or brown kids because they lack the confidence.” This is where they can get that.
But we need everyone’s help, in order to secure this future, we need you. Please consider donating to our revolution capital campaign.
”

— Nayomi Braff

*visit RenegadeTheatreCompany.org to help*