Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Pruitt.
Hi Charles, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi! I am from Birmingham, Alabama originally. All my life I knew that my purpose lives within my talents and skills. It’s always been my way to express myself and expressing myself boldly has always been my style. I graduated from Lawson State Community College where I studied Music. From there I went to Alabama State University where I majored in Music Performance and was apart of the University Choir. It wasn’t until my junior year of college that I switched my major to theatre and minor to dance. I knew that I wanted to express myself on stage and share my gifts a different way than just singing in the choir. I wanted to L.I.V.E I wanted to “Come Alive”. My first role ever was Tom Collins in “RENT”. One of the most challenging roles I’ve ever played. From there I couldn’t leave the theatre. I couldn’t leave the stage. A piece of me had found purpose. While attending ASU I pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. This brotherhood helped to mold my creative mind and creative abilities by utilizing my skills on and off the stage. I booked my first professional theatre contract at 6 Flags theatre in Atlanta before graduating and literally had to beg the director to let me walk the stage and return to rehearsal. I joined Step Afrika Dance Company based in Washington, DC but didn’t stay long. That same year I got my very first teaching job at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School as the Musical Theatre Director. Fun fact: the very first week of school my classroom caught fire and burned the basement of the school. While some may have been happy to miss work I took that as a motivation to keep going and to prove that I have something to give to the next generation. I taught there for two years. There I built a program that was undeniably recognized for its hard work and commitment to the arts. My students became my family. We won theatre competitions every year and I knew that my teaching style was one to reckon with. From there I started the theatre program at McAdory Middle School in McCalla, Alabama. While working here I became the dance coach of the Jackettes. I have always been determined to strive for great no matter the job and that’s exactly what we did. I never expected those performances to go viral and that alone was vastly changing my life through social media and getting my teaching abilities noticed around the world. One day teaching I got a call from a regional Broadway theater located in Atlanta, GA for a role in the Broadway musical production “The Color Purple”. I prayed about it and jumped out on faith. I left my teaching job and started a journey that I will never regret. From there I went on to perform in regional Broadway and professional theaters around the southern region. I was recognized by casting directors around the world and was signed to GL Berg Entertainment where I booked my first dancer/singer contract for Carnival Cruise. After being at sea for 9 months I decided to move to Atlanta and started back teaching, I became the Theatre Director at Coretta Scott King Young Woman’s Leadership Academy. There I ran a fierce theatre program that was recognized for our student shows and ticket sales. I became the first to start the Teacher/Faculty Dance Team and also became the first Competition Cheer Coach. While teaching at CSKYWLA I started back performing in regional Broadway shows highlighting the City Springs Theatre Company where I also began teaching Jazz and Theatre intensive dance classes to the conservatory program. After 2 years there I moved to Nashville teaching at Nashville Classical Charter School. After 7 years of teaching I took that as a sign to move into a new phase for myself so I hopped back out on faith to use my talents and live in my purpose! The last year of my life I’ve been blessed to work with so many directors and choreographers around the world. Tours, Broadway productions, teaching shows, teaching classes. Doing what I love. Leaving an impression on the next generation.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“For every level of growth/success, there’s another level of pain/risk.” It’s never easy to follow your dreams. It’s a risk that’s taken each and everyday you wake up. My journey has never been easy. I’ve taken losses but it’s all apart of the game. It’s what makes the journey worth living for. But taking those tests and turning them into a testimony has always been my style. We all struggle and guess what … struggles are going to continue to come. But it’s how you GROW through what you GO through that builds your character.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an artist! I’m a teacher! I’m a son, brother, and uncle. I specialize in theatre performance and student leadership. I am known for transforming every school I ever worked with theatre program while creating an inclusive environment for students and faculty. I’m known for living in my purpose on and off the stage. No matter the job big or small do it well or not at all. Every role I give my all whether that’s dancing, singing, modeling, teaching. I never stop until my goals are met. I believe that I am the 3 R’s to success. I am reasonable, reliable and responsible. I am booked, blessed and busy. And I am a child of God with a firm belief that what’s for me will be mine no matter the circumstances.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The bible is the best source to help me do better in life. It’s a constant reminder. It’s a refresher. It helps me to remember my “Why”. It helps me to remember the purpose and stay grounded.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @iamcharlespruitt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CZLbyZV9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@09cpruitt?si=SnO6-vtrSeFQOkcw
