Digital Cover: Dara Reneé
Talent: Dara Reneé
Photos: Sergio Garcia
Stylist: Enrique Melendez
Makeup: Robert Bryan
Hair: Nina Potts
EIC + Words: Anthony Vu Cao
Producer: Chrissy Wang
You may know her as Kourtney from Disney+ series ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’ and the young and charismatic talent Dara Reneé is "one to watch" in the entertainment industry.
Dara Reneé was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Baltimore where she founded a non-profit performing arts school, Encouraging Youth To Dream.
Credits for Renee include fifth season of ABC Television series ‘Black-ish’. She also had a guest role in ‘The Kids Are Alright’ and star in the ever so popular Disney+ series ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’. Renee also wrote ‘Here I Come’ on ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’.
We caught up with the young multihyphenate talent to talk about her projects, her inspirations and aspirations.
Hello Dara – How are you?
I'm doing really good! Can't complain! Blessed and highly favored Amen!
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I'm a theatre kid who’s still learning how to be fabulous! I love to sing, dance, and act! And I'm diving into creating poetry and music.
Who did you look up to growing up? And Why?
Growing up, I looked up to, my Mom. She showed me the true meaning of kindness and love. She taught me how to be a warrior in this industry, and I couldn't be more grateful! Wouldn't be here without her! Shout out to my Mom!
You act, you sing, you dance, and you host; Can you rank your favorite from 1-4 (1 being top favorite) and why?
Between singing, dancing, and hosting, I can't rank my favorite because all are so special to me. They have all contributed to saving my live in their own way. They taught me how to be myself and how not to be afraid to be different! Couldn't have asked for a better outlet!
How is your relationship like on and off screen with the “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” castmates?
We are literally a family! We talk all the time, we have sleepovers, and they all are so special to me! I can't even put into words how much I love them. Couldn’t have asked for a better squad to work with.
How do you most closely relate, if at all, to your character, ‘Kourtney’?
Kourtney is literally "me", and I'm not even joking because Kourtney was only supposed to be in one episode. So, when they decided to extend my stay, I incorporated my own mannerisms within the character, and it was beyond fun!
You were the host of “Disney's Magic Bake-off”. Tell us about your experience on the show and which episode resonate to you the most?
"Disney Magic Bake Off" was such an amazing experience! I got to work with issac Ryan Brown who's absolutely hilarious and is like family to me. I also got to work with Gracie Gomez, who taught me so much about baking! And last but definitely not the least, the bakers, who continued to "wow' the crowd in every single episode! My favorite episode would have to be the Modern Day Princess episode! Because I simply love the messaging behind it.
How do you balance your professional and personal life?
LOL What personal life? Just kidding! I try my hardest to incorporate self-care, however I just love what I do so much that it doesn't even feel like I'm working! So, it's almost like performing and being on stage is my self-care.
Are you involve in any philanthropic or charity causes?
I actually own a performing arts studio for kids in Baltimore, Maryland. I love them so much and they continue to push and inspire me every single day!
What advice would you give to young aspiring actors and entertainers?
The advice I would give inspiring young actors would be, to have confidence and courage behind your choices, know that there is only one you and only YOU can do YOU perfectly!
What can we look forward to next for you?
I'm creating a lot at the moment which I am very proud and grateful to say. Working on a few scripts, and writing a lot of new music. Can't wait for people to see what I've been cooking up! GR8T
