Actress Dana Dayne performs
in
"The Giz"
in
"The Giz"
by Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine's Publisher/CEO
Copa: How long have you had a desire to perform on stage as an Actress?
Dana: I never really had the desire to do stage acting. I have only done independent films and television shows on the ID Channel and TV One. I must say that it’s truly starting to grow on me. I’m really enjoying it more and more!
Copa: Have you been in many productions?
Dana: My 1st stage production was last year it was the stage play “Decades.” It was produced by Gill and Pam Nelson of “Timeless Entertainment.” It was an amazing experience & it made me look at stage actors in an entirely different light. It is much harder acting on stage than it is acting on a television or movie set. I definitely learned a lot from rehearsals working with Gill & Pam. It was a true blessing that has prepared me to step out on the stage of the MGM this Sunday August 19 performing as a cast member of “The Giz.”
Dana: My 1st stage production was last year it was the stage play “Decades.” It was produced by Gill and Pam Nelson of “Timeless Entertainment.” It was an amazing experience & it made me look at stage actors in an entirely different light. It is much harder acting on stage than it is acting on a television or movie set. I definitely learned a lot from rehearsals working with Gill & Pam. It was a true blessing that has prepared me to step out on the stage of the MGM this Sunday August 19 performing as a cast member of “The Giz.”
Copa: What is it that you want to convey to your audience?
Dana: You can do whatever you want to do in life as long as you never stop trying. Great things take time and often times everything is a process. I want people to look at me and say if she can do it, so can I. Roadblocks are just setbacks and whenever you are setback you can always make a comeback!
Dana: You can do whatever you want to do in life as long as you never stop trying. Great things take time and often times everything is a process. I want people to look at me and say if she can do it, so can I. Roadblocks are just setbacks and whenever you are setback you can always make a comeback!
Copa: What role will you be playing?
Dana: I am playing Dorothy’s Grandmother.
Dana: I am playing Dorothy’s Grandmother.
Copa: How did you feel when you received the news that you would be cast in the “The Giz?’
Dana: Producer/Writer Lovail Long and Producer/Director Vernon Williams called me on conference call and offered me the role. I was like hell yeah!!!!! I felt blessed and I was very appreciative. I immediately got on the phone and told a partner of mine that we had to push our project in the Dominican Republic back a little bit until “The Giz” is over. The call really surprised me, but only because it’s a Go-Go Musical and I’m not a part of that industry. It made me feel good to know that they looked at me as an actress that was good enough to represent them at the very 1st stage play at the MGM Casino.
Dana: Producer/Writer Lovail Long and Producer/Director Vernon Williams called me on conference call and offered me the role. I was like hell yeah!!!!! I felt blessed and I was very appreciative. I immediately got on the phone and told a partner of mine that we had to push our project in the Dominican Republic back a little bit until “The Giz” is over. The call really surprised me, but only because it’s a Go-Go Musical and I’m not a part of that industry. It made me feel good to know that they looked at me as an actress that was good enough to represent them at the very 1st stage play at the MGM Casino.
Copa: What do you think about your costume?
Dana: I like it! I’m not your typical old fashion grandmother. Don’t get me wrong I’m going to look older though and that’s for sure. You just have to wait and see me for yourself. 
Copa: What is your technique to get into character for your scenes?
Dana: Grandma lives in North Carolina, so I have been reading my script in a southern accent from the day that my script was handed to me. I am very busy on most days and I would just bring my script with me and look at throughout the day. I would even read my script when I was taking a bath. Any extra time I had I was in my script. My husband would be my rehearsal partner at home. I keep telling people to arrive early on show day, because some of us are only in the 1st scene and I am one of them. I promise you though I will set the tone for a simply amazing show! 
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Vernon William and Lovail Long
Copa: What does the future hold for Dana Hicks-Hungerford also known as Dana Dayne to most of the world?
Dana: My hands are in so much right now. A lot of people don’t know that in 2019, I will be ready to break out with my stage play that I wrote over 7 years ago. It brings AIDS, HIV & Mental Health Awareness to the forefront. It was put on hold for a reason, but GOD is showing me that it’s about to be my season! I’m currently working on a National Campaign building my jewelry brand “Ultimate Jewels.” I have some amazing things in store as far as my television acting career. I’m also going to have my own segment aired on “Punta Cana Hits” in the Dominican Republic. My partner and I are bridging the consumer gap internationally. I have always dreamed of being an author and telling my story. Knowing that I’m going to shock most of my own family and friends it’s time for my story to help someone else. I am excited about being a co-author in “Release The Debt” this book project is produced by Bonita Parker. I can’t forget to mention I’m learning so much from working side by side with my amazing husband with his companies. I will stop there and just say that GOD is directing me and that’s the only path I’m going to follow. Rodney Branche thank you for being awesome and having me as a Lifestyle Columnist for “Copa Style” Magazine! 
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~Copa