Kenja L. Brown

Kenja L. Brown is a native of Chicago Illinois. Born 9/29/1970 and adopted by a single black female who needed to share all the love and knowledge she possessed with someone she could call her own. Kenja's mom started her presentation and acting skills at the young age of 3 by quoting bible verses, inspirational poetry and personal writings that focused on the religious aspect of their lives. Kenja grew up in the church sharpening her oratory, singing and acting skills. She would go on to taking all of that training that her mother instilled in her and creating several different outlets within the church to help herself and others release their artistry in the ministry. From singing in the choirs, starting a cheer team, conducting a dance group and producing a theatrical troupe that performed at several churches in the Chicago area. During her beginning college years, Kenja joined The Black Theatre Workshop at Columbia College in downtown Chicago. For 3 years, she was part of a outstanding and talented group of young adults that produce and performed shows weekly at the school and where ever their talents were requested, even traveling to Howard University to partake in the behind the scenes work of a live stage production with a all black cast. She soon left college for personal reasons and work with BTW became less and less. But that didn't stop her from creating for the church. She soon created a character named 'Mother Love' and that character got her seen in several churches and events for a gospel comedy segment. She inducted and trained an side kick for Mother and they became a yearly staple for special events. In 2011, Kenja left Chicago and moved to Texas. Kenja arrived on the theatre scene in Texas soon after seeing a popular musical at Jubilee Theatre and she knew from that point that it was time to get back to doing exactly what she was born to do. Other than that workshop, and a method acting class she happened to take at Jubilee Theatre in Fort Worth, Texas, Kenja hasn't had any other formal training. Her first opportunity was given in the production of 'God's Trombones' as an ensemble member at Jubilee Theatre. From that moment she has been pushing and performing. She was then so honored and delighted to be given the lead role of Mama Nadi in the premiere production of 'Ruined' by Lynn Nottage at Bishop Arts Theatre Center. That production won the local and prestigious 'Irma P. Hall' award for best play. She also played an important musical role in one of the yearly productions of 'Black Nativity' where she won her own personal 'Irma P. Hall' Award for Featured Actress. Next, she was offered a one woman role in the Women's Series 'Down for the Count' at Bishop Arts which allowed her editing and revamping skills to be put to use as the role was written for a woman of White Sicilian decent preferably. She was able to work with the author who selected her at the first table read and they sat together to adjust the role to fit a middle aged black woman, without changing the premise. Kenja has gone on to sharpen her skills in several other productions across the DFW area. From musicals to dramas, to stage readings and operas. Kenja has step up to the stage and taken on all challenges that have been placed before her to reach her theatre goals. Now Kenja is expanding her acting skills with film. She has been performing on the small screen with local writers, directors and producers. Most recently the new Lgbtq series 'Out in the South' as Josie. Kenja has never taken any role lightly, she puts her all into every role given not matter the size. She is continuing to work hard and move toward her moment and time on bigger stages and larger screens all while enjoying every piece of work that is offered to her.