Dionne Audain

Trust your gut, heal your wounds and broken places, dream and vision BIG

Tell me anything about yourself

I love to dance like nobody is watching! I think that says a lot about me.

I am the only child of my mother and father. I have 10 siblings between my Mom and Dad’s relationships after their marriage ended during my early childhood years.

I am single with no kids of my own.

What does your name mean and do you feel you live up to it 

It is derived from Dionysius, the Greek God of wine, also from the sacred spring.

The mythological Dione was the wife to Zeus and mother of Aphrodite.

One that carries laughter, peace and honesty. I live up to it in the utmost.

In another life what would you come back as 

Any one of my ancestors. I would love to experience life as they did.

Tell me something that made you smile or laugh recently

I am a pretty silly person so I am constantly laughing at myself. Just the other day I could not for the life of me open the pump on a soap bottle. For about 20 minutes I struggled and huffed and puffed, I just had to laugh at myself.

I finally got it opened though AFTER switching it out.

What is your favourite animal

I love animals, and have a lot of favourites, but as a kid

I had a pet goat named Meg so I would have to say a goat.

I also grew up with farm animals as well.

Tell me something that scares you ( we wont tell anyone ssssshhh) 

Nothing…that I can immediately think of. I have been through a lot of things –

some that almost took my life so…

How do you deal with stress and anxiety 

Meditation, chanting, stillness, naps, journaling and remaining present as much as possible.

How do you celebrate your achievements 

I am still learning this one. I treat myself, I share my wins so others see it is possible and I pat myself on the back.

What made you decide to start your profession 

A friend in grad school told me she took an acting class. My graduate studies was one of the most challenging years of my academic life. I was burnt out from undergrad and was determined to get a masters as my BA wasn’t enough for me at the time.

And I think if I had a creative outlet at the time it would have helped. Up to that point although I was a writer, model and actor I never considered it a viable career option.

Did it ever get to any point that you felt like giving up 

Absolutely! It just happens less and less now. I think doubt is always there but I also work on myself daily and the tools I have help me to deal with those mental stumbling blocks.

In what year did you decide to step up the game and why

2018 – I was blaming sources outside of myself for my not flourishing.

I really wanted to challenge myself and step up to the plate and bring my ‘A’ game better than I ever had by doing all that was within my power/control to create a shift in my work/life, and it did.  2019 was an incredible year for me including some rough spots.

Where do you see yourself  in 5 years 

In and on everything everywhere! Flourishing.

Would you have done anything differently 

No, everything has added up to who I am today and I am grateful for every valley and hill that has gotten me to this point.

Do you have any pearls of wisdom you wish to share  

Trust your gut, heal your wounds and broken places, dream and vision BIG!

Most Notable moments of your career to date

• Made the cover of the New York Times Arts & Leisure section for the art installation film Doppelganger written and directed by Stan Douglas that was in residence at the Venice Biennale for 6 months.
• *Will also be in London(31 January – March 2020) Victoria Miro Gallery, Tokyo and NYC-David Zwirner Gallery (now until 22 February) this year 2020
• National Kennedy Center Tour for 9 months
• Cannes 2018 – Cinefondation Official Selection for short student film “I Am My Own Mother” written and directed by Andrew Zox.
• Off Broadway understudy for a controversial stand up comedienne
• SWAT on CBS opposite Shemar Moore and alongside Isaach de Bankole
• Working on a few SNL skits one included dancing next to Justin Timberlake
• National Taco Bell commercial in 2019

Finally, this is the moment to shout out to a few people who have really encouraged, supported or even taken a gamble on you to allow your current success 

My mom, who stressed education, who is now deceased and my dad who has always encouraged me since I began modelling and performing at a young age.

My family on both my father’s and mother’s side, my mentors and guides, and so many others to list I don’t want to leave any one out.

Anyone who has doubted me, supported me, messaged me, texted me, shared a post or article of mine, listened when I was down or feeling discouraged, sent me random encouragement, money, loans…

you know who you are and I am forever grateful.

What can we look forward to next from you

Consistent work in TV, Film and new media, self-produced projects, more involvement with Montserrat on various levels, both home and abroad.

What’s the best thing about Montserrat in your eyes 

Our size being a small island, our history and culture, our pride in where we are from, our diversity, our prestige, our Volcano

as it has taught us so much about resilience and tenacity and rebirth.

What do you look forward to when going to Montserrat  

Simply being home on the rock, seeing my God family, seeing all that Montserrat has to offer.

What would you love to see for Montserrat in 10 years

More green initiatives, a bigger arts program, programs for the incarcerated and elderly, more ways to engage citizens and expats and harness the energy of visitors during major tourist seasons.

Montserrat Trivia time…..Without asking or googling- take a guess 

How big is Montserrat in Square miles?

29 sq miles. I know it’s a bit smaller than Rhode Island

Answer :39 sq miles or 102km sq

Who is our current Premier?

No clue

Answer: Easton Taylor- Farrell

How many schools do we have on island?

15

Answer: 14

How many beaches do we have?

32

Answer: 9 Beaches , 8 black sand and 1 white sand

Give me your aspirational date of when you think Montserrat will be independent, if ever?

2035

Finally, when you think of Montserrat, how does it make you feel

It makes me feel at peace, special, proud.