Homegrown talent
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” -Pablo Picasso
By Jessica Lumpkin | Dothan Magazine
There is something very special about a father’s relationship with his girls. When Edward Fleming was asked to describe his daughter, he paused in admiration, carefully choosing the words he would present to an audience, if given the opportunity to introduce his little girl. In one marvelous statement, his voice rose with pride, “Coming to the stage is a very dynamic, energetic, soul-stirring performer that will give you the most persuasive entertainment effort, “Akia Shenise”—entertainer extraordinaire!”
Dothan native Akia “Shenise” Fleming is a fresh, versatile, daring, and fearless performer. She does it all—sing, dance, act, model, choreography, not to mention her diva-inspired skills as a make-up artist. Akia is also an “edutainer,” where she hosts speaking engagements and educates students of all ages across the nation. Her goal is to “build creative minds while empowering lives through the performing arts.”
A 2000 graduate of Dothan High School, Fleming received a full scholarship to Alabama State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts. Furthering her education, she also received a scholarship to Minnesota State University and earned a Masters of Fine Arts in Acting. Akia currently resides in New York City and is actively pursuing her career on the national scene. On February 18 “Akia Shenise” will return to Dothan to star and perform in one-woman show which she wrote called I Am Woman at the Historic Dothan Opera House.
“Akia was always very active, and loved to sing and perform” her father recalls. “She would make a microphone out of a remote control, a mic stand out of the vacuum cleaner, dance, sing, and be whoever she wanted to be. If she wasn’t creating her own characters, she was impersonating any and everyone she saw.”
Fleming has been performing in the Wiregrass and the state of Alabama at large since she was 8-years-old. Originally from Eufaula, Ala., she began formal dance lessons at age two, and over the years has practiced six genres of dance—ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, music theatre, and modern. At age 13, her focus changed from dance to theatre, and by high school she was successfully combining both talents, performing in 12 shows including the role of “lead tapper” in Dothan High School’s production of “42nd Street.”
“As a child I was inspired by watching Janet [Jackson], Michael [Jackson], and Paula Abdul on television, so I practiced all of their dance moves. Although, my greatest inspiration came from watching my grandmother, Lucille [Fleming], sing and perform in church. I began singing at my church, St. John A.M.E. of Eufaula, Ala. as soon as I could open my mouth. From there, my sister, Tarika, and I began performing at community and church events throughout Houston and Barbour Counties.”
During undergraduate studies at Alabama State University, Akia performed in many different plays, and was also a member of the Eclectic Dance Company, and the Elite Modeling Troop. In addition, she was voted “Best All-Around” at the Dramatics Guild Awards two years in a row—an honor given only to those students who encompass dynamic skill in every aspect of theatre including house theatre, stage management, costuming, and public relations.
Fleming also gained a great mentor at Alabama State, Dr. Tonea “Tommie” Stewart, former chair of the Department of Theatre Arts. “Dr. Tommie inspired me to take my craft to another level” Akia said. “She taught us that theatre is life, and to be the character, rather than act the character.” Stewart is a professional actress, educator, speaker, and is currently the Dean of the College of Visual Arts at the University.
“When I read the portfolio Akia sent, I could see she had potential, and was very professional in her presentation. After meeting her, I knew she was the right person to receive the scholarship. As a student she excelled on the stage, and held a strong presence off the stage as an honor student” Stewart said. “As she transitioned toward graduate school, the college at Minnesota State was equally impressed. Since then, her personality, humble spirit, and determined character have not changed.”
In graduate school, Minnesota State’s academic and performance-based challenge helped Akia prepare for New York City, the theater capital of the world. Two months after moving and constant auditioning, Fleming entered New York’s production scene touring in American Family Theater’s production of “Black Journey.” Further production credits include Grandparents around the World production of “Dinner at Grandma’s” as ‘Dora’, the Deacon’s wife, “Beehive: A 60’s Musical”, “Smokey Joe’s Café”, and “A….My Name is Alice.” She was also featured in Edward Vaughn & Associates production of “Four Divas of the Wiregrass” in 2010, and will team with Vaughn again in February 2012 in the upcoming production of “I Am Woman.”
“My purpose is to be a light by illustrating my struggles through entertainment, and empowering others to be whatever they want to be.” Akia stated.
Akia says I Am Woman is a tribute to the many facets of womanhood. Fleming is the author of this musical performance, and she hopes the audience will experience beauty, pain, strength, courage, and love during the show. “Akia Shenise” will paint a vivid picture with familiar songs, stirring monologues, and uplifting dances—a fantastic voyage sure to have the audience laughing, crying, dancing, as well as inspired..
“I pray daily for all of my students” said Dr. Tonea Stewart, “And I know that Akia is in God’s hands. She is very giving, very talented, and eventually I am positive she will be a strong actress on Broadway. No matter what, Akia will undoubtedly succeed.”
Fleming is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the band Gypsy Moon Experience, Soul Steps LLC Step Team, and the choreographer for R&B group Krowz Hill. She is also launching a solo music project spring 2012.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 Akia, I am so happy you are sharing the gifts that God gave you with others. (Your Mother)
This is awesome! I hope she gets to come by some classrooms when she's in town in February, please, please!
"Akia Shenise" is starring "I Am Woman" Feb 18, 2012 at the Dothan Opera House. VIP- $ 30 General Admission $20. Children- $10
The February premiere of “I Am Woman” is a tribute to the many facets of womanhood. Fleming is the author of this musical performance, and the…audience is sure to experience beauty, pain, strength, courage, and love. “Akia Shenise” will paint a vivid picture with familiar songs, stirring monologues, and uplifting dances—a fantastic voyage sure to have the audience laughing, crying, dancing, as well as inspired.
You Don't Want to miss this event!
Patty Pratt She will be at our school on Feb. 15@ 1:00!
I am featured in Dothan Magazine online Jan/Feb Edition 2012.
So proud of you, Akia! God has even more in store…
Just a blessing!
This is so awesome. You make me want to work more harder towards my dream. =) I love you cuz and keep up the great work.
Thank you! You can get there. I'm still working and will not stop!
Love you too!!!
You go woman, I'm excited to hear what you will soon be coming out with
!
Akia, this is fantastic! This is something to truly be proud of! I really hope that Jordan and I can make it up to Dothan to watch you perform; I know that if we were to miss it, we'd be missing out on a great show! Congratulations, girl!
Keep doing your thing! See you in Febuary!
So proud of you! You are a true star.
So proud of you… Keep it up, I am going to make this performance…. Love you!
But God! I am soooooo PROUD of you. I pray that you stay HUMBLE, FOCUSED and that you continue to allow the Lord to use you. I love you Sis!
YES BUT GOD!!! Thank you sis for all your support and love since I was about to talk and walk love u too!!!
wow looking good how you doin it bigg i see
That's what's up my friend. That is what's up.
From: Woody Sills.
As the manager of Akia, I appreciate all the love she getting from her home town which she talks about all the time. I've been in the busines for 42 years and must say she the real deal. I met Akia about two years after she came to New York and we've been working hard together on completing her musical journey. She works on her talents 24/7. I have other acts but she is the most focused.To If you can, please come out and show some love. Support this home coming with applause.
Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G Touch.
I am very happy and proud to see this because watching you at church and Antonia page was what actually broke be out of my shell to dance and act. love ya lots wishing you even bigger success in the future to come.
amazing kia keep it up praying for more great success in the years to come
Akia,
God has blessed you in more ways than one. You are definitely a talented young lady. Continue to strive to do what you enjoy. May God keep you for many years to come.
Awesome, Akia! Happy for all of your many achievements. Glad to have walked the halls of Bessie Benson with a star then and a star now!! Continue with your good works!!
You go girl!! Keep up the good work and God bless!
Ms. Akia, your father always talks about when I see him and ask him how is his family. I can that you are and will always be an inspiration to young women that would like to follow your footsteps. Your parents are very proud of you. Keep doing what you are doing and I do look forward towards your solo music project, I know you can do it.
You know I will be there purchased my VIP ticket from my double cousin Maria Freeman…..you are an awesome, gifted woman of God…be blessed…Shirley