About
Raised in Miami, FL, Essence maintains light, rhythm, and flow at her core. She is a proud Blackorican actress and budding writer currently based in NYC. She fell in love for the first time when she had breadcrumbs on mac n’ cheese and the second time when she began doing theatre in the fifth grade. She has been fervently dedicated to both ever since.
Essence holds a B.A. in Acting from Pace University’s International Performance Ensemble where her true storytelling powers began to unravel through devising and collaboration. She has performed at NYC’s Theater Row, 3-Legged Dog, and The PIT, co-produced and developed original work, and played principal roles in award winning productions.
Essence aims to be boundless in her work and remains dedicated to exploring humanity through storytelling.
She has spent the last few years cultivating her artistry as a Teaching Artist with organizations like Child’s Play NY and G!rl Be Heard. Her roots in children’s theater and community blend together here as she aims to utilize theatrical storytelling as a vehicle of empowerment, education, joy, and social change. Teaching re-connects Essence with her inner child and her early love of performing.
Recently:
Three Sisters- Off Broadway
The Sheen Center for Though & Culture
Adapted & Directed By: Will Pomerantz
Essence made her Off-Broadway debut as Irina: the idealistic, determined, and youngest of the sisters. This new, sparkling adaptation celebrates Chekhov’s unparalleled ability to bring to life the surprisingly close proximity of the joy, absurdity, sadness, and yearning that makes us all human. Featuring an original score by Nancy Harrow and played onstage by live musicians.
Photos By: Russ Rowland
Upcoming:
Petty In Pink Promo Series
Petty In Pink
Upcoming film by Harold Hodge Jr.
Essence plays Blair in a Zoom class series for Harold Hodge Jr’s upcoming indie-teen movie, “Petty in Pink”. The series has reached over 40 million viewers across social media platforms.
Stay Connected!
Follow @pettyinpinkfilm on Instagram, Tik Tok, Youtube, and Twitter for updates and new episodes!
Photos By: Michael Elliot Photography
Past Work:
Snake Eyes
Written by Liz Schad
Directed by Joshua Snyder
Essence co-leads as cold-footed bride, Gwen, in this Dungeons and Dragons comedy short. Originally produced as an MFA thesis film, the project is now in the festival run and has received an award for Best Editor at the Istanbul Film Festival. Stay up to date by following Snake Eyes on Instagram!
Pride & Prejudice-
Lost Nation Theater
Written by Kate Hamill
Directed by Kathleen Keenan
Essence doubled as Jane Bennet and Miss Anne De Bourgh in Lost Nation Theater’s award-winning production of Pride & Prejudice. In addition to the production’s award for Best Play (Broadway World Regional Awards) , she was also nominated for Best Actress in a Play (professional) for her performance.
Fancy Maids
Teatro Sea, Rave Theater Festival
Produced By: Ken Davenport
Written & Directed by Harold Hodge Jr.
Fancy Maids was part of Ken Davenport’s Rave Theater Festival in August of 2019 and received multiple awards, including Outstanding Play! Essence played principal character Pinky, who manages to pave a path of freedom for herself and other African American women during the early 20th century.
Dark Matter
The P.I.T Loft & Pace Devised Theater Festival
Developed by Rum & Choke
Directed by Alyssa Kakis
Essence played the principal role of Dani in a deep, galaxy inspired delve into one of Earth’s most superficial beings. Essence co-developed Dark Matter with fellow Rum & Choke members in the Spring of 2018 within Pace’s IPE program . Since its conception, the piece has been performed at The PIT and Pace’s Devised Theater Festival, and continues to be developed for future audiences.
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Photos By: Robert Eddy, First Light Studios
Photos By: Michael Elliot Photography
Photos By: Daniel Rader
All One Forest
Summit Rock, Central Park
Produced By: Barefoot Shakespeare & She Doth Persist
Written by Joe Raik
Directed by Pheobe Brooks
Essence portrayed Alena & Moth in this original world premier at Summit Rock, Central Park. All One Forest brings together some of Shakespeare’s most popular people, places, and puns for a comedic foray into the “Forest”.
Photos By: Barrie Raik
CFH-Creating From Home:
Love Letters Made Easy
Written by Jeanne Beckwith | Directed by Kathleen Keenan
Essence plays Hannah in LNT’s Valentine’s Day celebration for theatre and comedy lovers. Live-streamed from LNT’s stage within Montpelier City Hall Arts Center, Love Letters has been reimagined for the 2021 experience and features virtual and on-stage performances.
*You can watch Essence play from 40:32-54:45 below
Featured on WhoHaha’s digial content studio, this is a playful plea to raise voter turnout in lieu of the global pandemic and 2020 election!
Created by Hannah Jane Doyon; Featuring Jaime Bartolett, Essence Brown, Hannah Jane Doyon, Kendall Edwards, Miranda Nicoles.
Enjoy our rendition of Dreamgirls’ “It’s All Over” from home…it has gained some modest attention on Tik Tok with over 7K views!
Featuring Essence Brown, Madeline Defreece, Harold Hodge Jr.