For Seattle-born actress Devotion Charles, the theater has always been an extension of her community. In a recent conversation with host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae,” Charles reflected on her deep roots in the city's arts scene and her upcoming role as Valerie Johnston in "Smart People," a production by Acts On Stage opening this Friday, March 13th.

Charles’s acting journey began at age 14 at Rainier Beach High School, where a pivotal encounter with Acts On Stage founder Michelle Lang-Raymond sparked a lifelong passion. After taking time away from the stage to focus on motherhood, Charles found that returning to the arts allowed her to rediscover a core part of herself that loves being creative and telling stories through art.

In "Smart People," Charles and her fellow cast and crew explore complex themes of identity and race during the era of Barack Obama’s first presidential election, a story Charles is particularly excited for the audience to see unfold from multiple perspectives.

"Smart People” runs from Friday, March 13th through Sunday, March 22nd at Acts On Stage in White Center, Washington. Get your tickets at actsonstage.com.

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