Tige Charity  Putting Her Faith Out Front!

Tige (pronounced TIE-jee) Charity is a woman of many talents. Since childhood, she’s been a gospel singer. The Baton Rogue native has performed with her home church as well as with Junior Fountain and God's Generation. As a group, they released several CD’s and were featured on Dr. Bobby Jones' International Gospel Artist Retreat Showcase. She’s also performed in several musical plays. Most recently, as a performer, she released her own demo CD, Vessel of Honor (available through www.tigecharity.com). But, Tige came to the attention of DivaSoulSista through former One to Watch, Lydia Martinelli. Lydia came across the multitasking Tige when she was looking to cast one of her short films. You see, Tige has channeled her talents into her own casting company, C & C Casting. So far she’s cast several features, short films and even a reality show. I sat down with Tige and discussed her many projects. 1. I’m going to start by discussing your casting. It is intriguing to me that someone who has been performing so consistently from an early age would make the decision to go behind the scenes and start a casting company. What prompted you to make a move in that direction? I guess I never viewed singing as performing. I always viewed it as my ministry…doing what I was created to do. Even when I was cast in various plays, I viewed it as a time to minister. After working thirteen years in Corporate America as a Claims Specialist / Litigation Specialist I desperately needed a change. A friend of mine who is a producer / writer introduced me to the world of casting. I’m enjoying working behind the scene and interacting with actors. Casting can be overwhelming at times but when the job is done it’s quite rewarding. 2. What do you get out of your casting business that you don’t get from performing? It helps me see things from a different perspective. The thrill of working with producers, directors, and actors. I really enjoy the audition process of casting. Most of the time I wish that I could offer everyone who auditions a role. I love seeing people’s passion and drive for what they do. My husband is an actor with a degree in theater, and he has really taught me to appreciate the arts and craft of acting. 3. What projects are you currently casting? I just finish casting a feature film entitled The Mannsfield 12, produced by director Craig Ross Jr. and starring Tony Todd (Candyman), Mike McCary (Boys II Men) and Joe Torry (Motives). I'm also working on another feature film entitled Gordon Glass produced by actor Omar Benson Miller. I will be casting a short film entitled Layla produced by Lydia Martinelli, and a television romantic comedy entitled The Only Man I Love, Tucker produced by actor Tucker Brown. I also have several theatre projects that I’m casting for the COLSAC Theatre in Los Angeles. 4. Of course, let me be clear, casting is what you do in addition to performing. I know your demo CD Vessel of Honor is available through your website and you have a series of upcoming live performances. In this month alone, you’ll be performing in Connecticut, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. No matter what else you do, it seems that singing is your true passion. Would you agree? Absolutely, without question. Most definitely! Did I say absolutely?! 5. Tell me about your ministry, "Music to the Ears, Medicine for the Soul". It’s a music ministry. It was birth along with the Vessel of Honor CD. I plan to release a few more projects under the ministry. Hopefully, it will soon be a gospel label where I produce other Praise & Worship gospel singers. But for now, my music is the primary emphasis for my ministry. In fact, I'll be making several appearances duirng the month of Augus. I'll be in Las Vegas as part of Al Sharpton's National Action Network's 4th "American Women Changing America" banquet on the 5th. On the 22th, I'll be part of the A Gospel Night Out In The Valley at Dessert Charities in Lancaster, California. And on August 24th and 26th, I'll be participating in God's Generation 10 year Anniversary Celebration in West Haven, Connecticut. 6. Over the last few years, Christian entertainment has gained in popularity. It’s as if studios and entertainment executives finally realized that there is money to be made by catering to the faithful. From the success of the Left Behind series (the books and the films) to the phenomenon that was The Passion of the Christ to the extraordinary success of Tyler Perry, faith in general —and Christianity in particular— has gained a foothold in the entertainment industry. What do you think that Christian performers, writers and producers can do to insure that this isn’t just a passing Hollywood trend? Continue to seek, create and market your own movies. Don’t always be so quick to go in someone else’s world and expect them to change the way they do things. If the studios and executive producers like what you’re doing, they’ll come to you. I believe I heard Tyler Perry say in an interview that he refused to waiver in his faith. Stand up for what you believe and trust God. I’ve learned that God’s favor can take you places that your talent and abilities never will. 7. How has your faith helped you in your career, especially here in Hollywood, where it seems like faith isn’t always appreciated? It has been challenging but I have decided that after I’ve done all to stand, I will continue to stand. When I feel like I’ve been completely beat down I cry out to my Lord and Savior and get refueled. I stand on God’s promises and He said He would never leave me nor forsake me. I believe that! 8. Your interest is so diverse: casting, singing, acting, and ministry. Ideally, how do you see all of these facets coming together? Every aspect of what I do gives me the opportunity to share the love and kindness of Jesus and to live the life that I sing about. I practice treating people the way that I like to be treated. When I’m casting, singing or acting I try to give my all and then some. I also draw encouragement from Mandela’s 1994 Inaugural Speech. In the latter part of his speech he said, “You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t fell insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory that is within us. And as we let our light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear; our presence automatically liberates others”. 9. Outside of your upcoming singing engagements and casting for The Only Man I Love, Tucker Brown, what else is on the horizon for Tige Charity? Wow, that’s a good question. I’m hoping to record a full CD project, which hopefully will lead to more singing engagements. I’m also hoping that more casting jobs are on the horizon. However, I was recently asked to be a part of a gospel musical play, and that is something I’d really like to do more of. 10. What advice would you have for other people of faith entering the entertainment business? Never sell out! Stand up for what you believe in and don’t allow this industry to shake your faith. Get with other believers who share your faith and encourage each other. The Bible says that iron sharpens iron and that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. Be a solder for Jesus!

Previous Ones to Watch
Daheli Hall - One to Watch (July 2006)
Carolyn McDonald - One to Watch (May 2006)
Lydia Martinelli - One to Watch (April 2006)
Alicia Simmons - One to Watch (March 2006)
Karyn Beach - One to Watch (February 2006)
Arastao Maree - One to Watch (January 2006)