DREAM GIG / ACTRESS + COMEDIENNE
areshia mcfarlin
Deep down inside, many would say that an inner thespian exists. Yes, dear, but are you getting paid for living your passion? If the answer is no, don’t fret. I happen to know a multi-talented actress and comedienne who goes by the stage name @AreshiaAreshia and she doesn’t mind providing a behind-the-scenes peek into a world where discouragement and rejection can make or break you.
Law and Order? Yes, you’ve seen her there playing a reenactment of Little Kim and Foxy Brown.
”I ain’t no snitch!”
If you’re a fan of Law and Order, you’ll recognize this line from the character Roxy Black, portrayed by Areshia in 2007—one of the first roles she auditioned for after finishing Columbia University at the top of her class. With an MFA degree under her belt, scripts to rehearse and call sheets with filming details, she decided to temporarily give the New York scene an extended twirl before heading back to California, where she previously called home for almost a decade. While initially ambivalent about making New York her home base, these days the only thing she’s second guessing are “my outfit choices, my hairdo for the night or the fact that my Spanx aren't working.”
Guest Cast | Law & Order - Season 18, Episode 17 - Areshia as “Roxy Black”
What does a day in your life look like?
Well, fortunately for me I have a "survival" job that I really enjoy that allows me to stay actively engaged in life and with people. People watching is integral to comedy. Each day I get to bring education (my passion) and sales (my talent) together as I hit the streets of New York City and make my way from one public or charter school to the next. Sometimes it's a great day—I meet folks who are glad I came and are ready to do business, and some days I get dissed by the school safety officer with nine-inch nails and maroon hair. On a really wild day I get caught up in a school lockdown where I have to decide if I want to be the hero in the story and save the children, or if I want to hide in the back of the closet so I can live to tell the story on CNN.
On the creative process…
[As an actress,] preparation for a role or stage performance can take months. Whenever I get a new script, my very first thought is, ‘How will I ever remember all of this?’ Once I kill that voice, I read through the script the first time without stopping to make sure that I know what the story is. After that, I go back and read my role numerous times so I can understand the nature and objectives of my character. Once I’m sure of what the story is about and what the backstory is, I focus on learning the lines. From there, I work to make it my own, and that means different things for different actors. It’s not until I’m deep in the performance where I learn new things in real-time about the character that the role really gets into my bones and comes alive for me.
“While I can admit that it does come rather easily to me, getting up on stage in front of an unpredictable crowd is nerve-racking. I have all sorts of destructive inner monologues before I perform.”
What are the sexy parts of being an actress and comedienne?
Sexy to me is standing on stage in 4-inch heels and tight jeans with a bright light hitting all the right spots on my "good side" and looking out into a crowd of raucous laughter. If it’s going REALLY well, I'm laughing too. Right there in that moment is what makes standup addictive. Once you hear "the roar," it’s a wrap! Laughter is sexy to me.
Areshia performing at Uptown Comedy in Atlanta during an event sponsored by Spelman College alumni. Her mother, Murdell McFarlin, is part of the host committee responsible for bringing in talent for this second annual event.
Also, the hair and makeup for sure. I can still remember the first time I ever had to show up on set with a super early call time because I had to go to hair and makeup. Now, many black actresses will tell you that’s not the part that they like because the stylist on set rarely ever gets our hair right. But I would always ask in advance what type of hairstyle the particular role required, and I would prepare in advance. Now, as for makeup, I really love a great makeup artist. It’s amazing what a good foundation and some highlights can do. I love being transformed. Performing for me is like playing make-believe for adults.
What are the misconceptions?
That I'm rich! I mean, don't get me wrong. I am a millionaire in my mind, just not in my bank account. People see a mic in your hand and automatically assume you must be getting paid to hold it. Perception is not reality. Perception does not pay. Standup pays, but it doesn't pay the rent...yet. Give me a year…it will. Another misconception is that standup is easy. While I can admit that it does come rather easily to me, getting up on stage in front of an unpredictable crowd is nerve-racking. I have all sorts of destructive inner-monologues before I perform. I've learned how to push pass the "noise." For me, it's worth it.
What challenges have you had to overcome to achieve your goals as a performer?
I used to think that if I had a lot of money I could persue my dreams and "make it." That was in my 20's. I figured out really quickly that I wasn't willing to do nothing strange for a piece of change, so my road has been longer than most. I've since learned that even with money there's still going to be challenges. To be clear, money can make the road a little easier, but it won't get you there any faster or easier. I also have the nerve to be selective. Somewhere down the line I decided to be a clean comic and that I would only do work if it would be acceptable for my Mama and Jesus to watch. I talk about real and adult things, but I do it in a "clean" way. I don't want to look back at myself and be embarrassed by what I see. I may be embarrassed because a joke fell flat, but I don't want to be embarrassed by the joke itself.
What’s a lesson you had to learn the hard way?
Things rarely work out the way I think they will, but they will work out for my good.
What’s more important in this industry—who you know or what you know?
I would say that they are equally important. Who you know may get you in the door, but what you know will keep you there.
Advice I wish I had when I was starting out…
‘Look, Areshia, here's what you do, here's how you do it, here's when you do it. And if you do it exactly the way I tell you to, you won't learn a thing for yourself. Now, go get out there. You're really good, you have good instincts and when the time is right you WILL succeed.’ You see, I like motivation and guarantees.
Pro Tip:
What are your top 3 recommendations for someone looking for an entry into your industry?
Don't talk yourself out of it and don't wait for anyone else’s approval. If you want to do something, go for it! So what if it works out or not? Trying won't kill you. If it does, at least you can talk it over with Jesus when you meet him.
Create your own content. It's better to give than to receive. Don't go into a room with your hand out. Go into the room offering something and make them pay you for it.
Stay connected to God. With Him you can do anything. Without Him you're swimming in the ocean without a life preserver.
If I could call on just one favor to someone in the entertainment industry, it would be [Robi Reed] and this is what I'd ask [her]:
I used to live in Los Angeles where I got to meet lots of other actors, writers, directors, casting directors and producers. One of the last auditions I had was with a fellow Hampton University alum and casting director named Robi Reed. I didn't get the job, but what I did get was one of the the greatest nuggets of feedback I'd ever received. She said, "You have excellent comedic timing. When you get some life experience you're going to be great." Well, have I got some life experience now! Her comment has kept me pushing past all of my ups and downs over the years. I just say to myself, ‘Gurrrrl, roll back those hot tears. This is just that life experience Robi said you needed.’ Even though she's super big time now, I would ask Robi for an audition again...a do-over...just to see how far I've come.
Last Words on Career, Beauty, Life+Style
I had to sacrifice
Living far away from my family and friends to get here. I've [also] sacrificed the traditional ways of life, marriage, children, corporate career growth, bread, cookies, ice cream...
If I were interested in pursing this career path today, what should I stop and do right now as a first step?
Think of one thing that you found odd, funny, questioned, frustrated or disturbed you and write a joke about it. It doesn't have to be funny yet. Just write it down. Think over it [and] say it out loud over and over again. Then go tell somebody.
Favorite comedians
Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle and Bill Cosby. I don’t support what he [Bill] did; I think it’s funny what he said when nobody knew what he was doing.
What I’m vibing to…
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Favorite quote
"I ain't scared of you mutha-fuckas."
—Bernie Mac (I'm gangsta in my head)
My favorite beauty products
I really enjoy Trish McEvoy for my foundations, Fenty liquid lip colors, all things MAC and for skincare I use Indie Lee face wash.
Favorite website
SandraRose.com. I love celebrity gossip and the Roses bring the funny.
Favorite travel destination
This year I visited the Nihi Sumba resort off the coast of Indonesia. It was spectacular. It’s literally heaven on earth.
*Interview responses have been edited for context, space and clarity.
converse + connect
Who is your favorite comedian and why (and do you find “clean” comedy just as funny as the raunchy stuff)? Do you have other questions that weren’t covered about the entertainment industry? Or…if you know Areshia personally, does any of this surprise you?
For suggestions on other career paths that you’d like to see, leave a comment below or email me here with DREAM GIG in the subject line.
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