Margaret P. Bean
Author/Playwright/Director
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine Editor-in-Chief
Copa: Margaret, where are you from?
Margaret: I am a Native New Yorker - Born in Mineola NY and raised in Lakeview & Hempstead Long Island and presently I reside in Maryland
Copa: What schools have you attended?
Margaret: Well Rodney I attended public schools within the Hempstead School District I went to Franklin Elementary school which I mention this far back because I have met some amazing folks over my child hood who are very supportive of my endeavors "The Franklin Falcons" they drive from NY for every show, every Ladies event, Birthday celebrations and so I appreciate my child hood friends for their love and support. I also mention elementary school where I was not properly diagnosed with dyslexia (transposing of numbers) however; my 5th/6th grade teacher Ms. Bullock Brown took time to work with me and I made it through elementary with her great support, however; I manage to loose interest in school after getting left back in the 7 grade, I went on to attend Hempstead High School (Tiger 4 Life) which at the age of 16 I dropped out and made the choice to became a Mother at the age of 18. I went on to receive my GED after my first child was born. After so much educational disappointment I mange to overcome many obstacles and I began to work at a Law firm and I considered it a privilege and an honor to have been sponsored to attend Adelphi University’s paralegal program. Later on after my children were older and my career in Contracts was taking off I earned my Associates Degree in Business Administration from Strayer University as an Honors graduate, Summa Cum Lauda class of 2000. To further advance my career I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Strayer University in the area of concentration Acquisition’s and Contract Management. I am truly grateful to have been able to graduate a year early based on my work & life experience portfolio in 2009 with Honors and inducted into the National Honor Society Alpha Sigma Lambda.
I am just grateful to accomplish these educational achievements after starting and stopping and getting discouraged - I have four lovely daughters: Ta'Kisha, Miecia, Darrell and Danielle and five adorable grand children: Amajah, Semaj, Jahlil, Samir and most recent Asir, I needed to show them that you can do anything no matter the age, obstacles or setbacks, I was able to press forward and God did it - I can only attribute any thing that I have done to His guidance in my life. I encourage anyone who feels discouraged about school keep going you can do this.
Margaret: Well Rodney I attended public schools within the Hempstead School District I went to Franklin Elementary school which I mention this far back because I have met some amazing folks over my child hood who are very supportive of my endeavors "The Franklin Falcons" they drive from NY for every show, every Ladies event, Birthday celebrations and so I appreciate my child hood friends for their love and support. I also mention elementary school where I was not properly diagnosed with dyslexia (transposing of numbers) however; my 5th/6th grade teacher Ms. Bullock Brown took time to work with me and I made it through elementary with her great support, however; I manage to loose interest in school after getting left back in the 7 grade, I went on to attend Hempstead High School (Tiger 4 Life) which at the age of 16 I dropped out and made the choice to became a Mother at the age of 18. I went on to receive my GED after my first child was born. After so much educational disappointment I mange to overcome many obstacles and I began to work at a Law firm and I considered it a privilege and an honor to have been sponsored to attend Adelphi University’s paralegal program. Later on after my children were older and my career in Contracts was taking off I earned my Associates Degree in Business Administration from Strayer University as an Honors graduate, Summa Cum Lauda class of 2000. To further advance my career I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Strayer University in the area of concentration Acquisition’s and Contract Management. I am truly grateful to have been able to graduate a year early based on my work & life experience portfolio in 2009 with Honors and inducted into the National Honor Society Alpha Sigma Lambda.
I am just grateful to accomplish these educational achievements after starting and stopping and getting discouraged - I have four lovely daughters: Ta'Kisha, Miecia, Darrell and Danielle and five adorable grand children: Amajah, Semaj, Jahlil, Samir and most recent Asir, I needed to show them that you can do anything no matter the age, obstacles or setbacks, I was able to press forward and God did it - I can only attribute any thing that I have done to His guidance in my life. I encourage anyone who feels discouraged about school keep going you can do this.
Copa: Have you always had a desire to write when you were a child?
Margaret: No, I had my eyes on Law. I had the privilege of working for Morris A. Cohen, Esq. and he sponsored me to attend Adelphi University for their Paralegal Program, unfortunately at the time I had to stop for daycare reason(s), I had
two young children at that time and my course in life didn't allow me to complete the program. So no, writing books was not a part of the desire.
Margaret: No, I had my eyes on Law. I had the privilege of working for Morris A. Cohen, Esq. and he sponsored me to attend Adelphi University for their Paralegal Program, unfortunately at the time I had to stop for daycare reason(s), I had
two young children at that time and my course in life didn't allow me to complete the program. So no, writing books was not a part of the desire.
Copa: At what time did you develop an interest in becoming a Playwright?
Margaret: During a Radio interview In November of 2016 the anniversary of my last two books, the question was raised what's next - well "A Play" just popped out and I had no idea that in December 2016 I would sit down to the table and begin to write a play - at that time it had no name but I did have a concept on Relationships and has I continued to write it out "The Game Changer" constantly stood out and thus the beginnings of Margaret P. Bean Presents "The Game Changer" Stage Play - I sat down with some of my girl friends and we did a table read and they were like this is amazing, so I made some final touches and went with it...scheduled auditions in April 2017 and it just took off we had folks to travel from Kansas, California and of course the DMV to audition, it was an overwhelming response and I just went with it and it began to take shape the phenomenal cast put in the work at rehearsals for months to prepare for the first two shows which were held September 8 & 9, 2017 at the Bowie Performing Arts Center in Bowie MD. and then I set out to take the Message to the Masses, thus the tour started with back home to Hempstead NY December 2017 and then back this way to The ARC theater in DC last April 2018 and now we are gearing up for an encore show in Jamaica, Queens NY October 12, 2019. This will be our 5th time to the stage and I think I am addicted to stages. I get excited at just the thought that we are going to take the stage again and I look forward to it. The cast have been with me since inception for the most part a few folks went on to do other things but my core cast members continue on with me and so we look forward to greater venues and more masses to reach.
Margaret: During a Radio interview In November of 2016 the anniversary of my last two books, the question was raised what's next - well "A Play" just popped out and I had no idea that in December 2016 I would sit down to the table and begin to write a play - at that time it had no name but I did have a concept on Relationships and has I continued to write it out "The Game Changer" constantly stood out and thus the beginnings of Margaret P. Bean Presents "The Game Changer" Stage Play - I sat down with some of my girl friends and we did a table read and they were like this is amazing, so I made some final touches and went with it...scheduled auditions in April 2017 and it just took off we had folks to travel from Kansas, California and of course the DMV to audition, it was an overwhelming response and I just went with it and it began to take shape the phenomenal cast put in the work at rehearsals for months to prepare for the first two shows which were held September 8 & 9, 2017 at the Bowie Performing Arts Center in Bowie MD. and then I set out to take the Message to the Masses, thus the tour started with back home to Hempstead NY December 2017 and then back this way to The ARC theater in DC last April 2018 and now we are gearing up for an encore show in Jamaica, Queens NY October 12, 2019. This will be our 5th time to the stage and I think I am addicted to stages. I get excited at just the thought that we are going to take the stage again and I look forward to it. The cast have been with me since inception for the most part a few folks went on to do other things but my core cast members continue on with me and so we look forward to greater venues and more masses to reach.
Copa: Please share with our readers the titles of your books and plays.
Margaret: My first book which was written in 2004 is titled "Seeking God's Wisdom & Spiritual Guidance," it is a journal style book with short inspirations and journal pages for Women to read and be inspired to write their own books. I drafted "Raising the Standard in Your Walk with the Lord" in 2008 and it kinda set on the shelf until 2015 I brushed it off updated it and published it and within 76 days I wrote my third book titled "Madison St.Clair's Turning Points, Short stories, Poems & Silent Moments" which is very different from my other two books it shows the diversity in my writing and I look forward to writing more from Madison's Soul Stirring perspective.
Margaret: My first book which was written in 2004 is titled "Seeking God's Wisdom & Spiritual Guidance," it is a journal style book with short inspirations and journal pages for Women to read and be inspired to write their own books. I drafted "Raising the Standard in Your Walk with the Lord" in 2008 and it kinda set on the shelf until 2015 I brushed it off updated it and published it and within 76 days I wrote my third book titled "Madison St.Clair's Turning Points, Short stories, Poems & Silent Moments" which is very different from my other two books it shows the diversity in my writing and I look forward to writing more from Madison's Soul Stirring perspective.
Copa: What is your favorite subject material and why?
Margaret: I would have to say Relationships rather it be Man & Woman, Mother & Daughter things that inspire growth and introspect of one's self. I want to see people have healthy relationships with love and inspiration to grow together. Learning to Love one's self is a process and it needs to be taught, read and valued that you are important that life isn't all bad and so start with yourself and build from there.
Margaret: I would have to say Relationships rather it be Man & Woman, Mother & Daughter things that inspire growth and introspect of one's self. I want to see people have healthy relationships with love and inspiration to grow together. Learning to Love one's self is a process and it needs to be taught, read and valued that you are important that life isn't all bad and so start with yourself and build from there.
Copa: What are 2 of your favorite plays, books and what was it about them that gathered your interest?
Margaret: The Game Changer Stage play is my first written works and I must say I am a big fan of my written words that have been giving life by some great cast members and every time I see the Actors on stage bringing the script to life it gives me great joy! and the responses from the audiences brings great self accomplishment and satisfaction but most important a life that as experienced this is now forever changed in someway from what was presented and so that in and of it self is success for me.
I have had the opportunity to Act in Ntozake Shange's "For Colored Girls who Have considered Suicide when the Rainbow was enough" as the Lady in Orange and so that would have to be my second favorite. I had taking off the Directors hat and
put on the Actors hat and I give it up for those who have chosen the field of Acting you all are phenomenal but to learn and present 5 heart felt emotional monologues for 10 shows each night it was different but amazing but back to the Director's hat for me.
My favorite book is the Bible for it governs my life. I have read several self help books by TD Jakes, Riva Tims Tyler Perry, and Bishop Glen Staples they all have written some great books that have inspired me to write, revamp and press forward in all things that I do, so I am ever grateful for their transparency and holistic approach to sharing powerful life changing messages in their written works.
Margaret: The Game Changer Stage play is my first written works and I must say I am a big fan of my written words that have been giving life by some great cast members and every time I see the Actors on stage bringing the script to life it gives me great joy! and the responses from the audiences brings great self accomplishment and satisfaction but most important a life that as experienced this is now forever changed in someway from what was presented and so that in and of it self is success for me.
I have had the opportunity to Act in Ntozake Shange's "For Colored Girls who Have considered Suicide when the Rainbow was enough" as the Lady in Orange and so that would have to be my second favorite. I had taking off the Directors hat and
put on the Actors hat and I give it up for those who have chosen the field of Acting you all are phenomenal but to learn and present 5 heart felt emotional monologues for 10 shows each night it was different but amazing but back to the Director's hat for me.
My favorite book is the Bible for it governs my life. I have read several self help books by TD Jakes, Riva Tims Tyler Perry, and Bishop Glen Staples they all have written some great books that have inspired me to write, revamp and press forward in all things that I do, so I am ever grateful for their transparency and holistic approach to sharing powerful life changing messages in their written works.
Copa: How would you describe your particular writing style?
Margaret: I would have to say that I just write from my inner being expository, persuasive and definitely narrative to bring forth words that edify, inspire and encourage. I share realities with disclaimers of course, it may look like you or sound like you but guess what it's not you but stories that simple inspire the reader to want to read more and then to encourage the reader to write their own inner desires of their hearts...so Soul Stirring and Thought Provoking!
Margaret: I would have to say that I just write from my inner being expository, persuasive and definitely narrative to bring forth words that edify, inspire and encourage. I share realities with disclaimers of course, it may look like you or sound like you but guess what it's not you but stories that simple inspire the reader to want to read more and then to encourage the reader to write their own inner desires of their hearts...so Soul Stirring and Thought Provoking!
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Copa: When did you start to book speaking engagements and what are your usual topics?
Margaret: I've had the honor and privilege to start publicly speaking in 2004 at Churches for Women's events, Anniversary services, Sunday Morning worship services, Facilitate workshops and things of that nature, however; once my books were written my Publisher created my web page to incorporate Speaker and Workshop Presenter and letting folks know that I am a energetic and gifted speaker and my message is "Self Discovery through Life's Adversities" offering speaking programs that deal with "Overcoming Procrastination" which I speak about in my book Raising the Standard in your Walk with the Lord, there is no time for mediocrity or procrastination it's time to use your gifts. Procrastination robs many people of taking instinctive action on the road to their destiny. " Give yourself permission to be Great" Whatever your shortcomings may be, there is still greatness for you to fulfill, if only you give yourself permission to do so. Another topic "The Comeback Power In You" There is an endless realm of possibility if we pick ourselves up and regain a sense of purpose. During my New York book signing I had the opportunity to speak for one of the largest churches in the New York area about Entrepreneurship and giving back to the community it was truly an honor and privilege to go back home and speak to family and friends. I have been humbled and honored most recently to participate as an Honoree/Panelist for the One through One mentoring program in New York on Entrepreneurship and so I am grateful for the many doors that have opened and look forward to greater opportunities to Host, Speak and Facilitate workshops to an array of audiences. I am actually hosting a 1-day Seminar titled "Boss Women Make Power Moves" Saturday September 14, 2019 and I have gathered some phenomenal Entrepreneur woman: Khadijah Bridgette Davis of Ustyle Magazine, Angela Joy Clemons, Film Director/Author, Angelique Long, Realtor Buyer Specialist, Setoria Key, Singer, Songwriter/Entrepreneur and Renee Hackney, Owner & Founder of Social Butterfly Inc. these Boss Ladies are being gathered to to Encourage, Inspire, Build and Strengthen Others. Empowering Woman who have dreams visions and aspirations to use their gifts, talents and skills, start that business, write that book, buy that real estate....Registration is going on now via Eventbrite.com so I am encouraging ladies to grab a girlfriend and come out to jump start that Business make it a reality! Fella's, you all are more than welcome to register as well. |
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Copa: What does the future hold for Margaret P. Bean and her world of writing?
Margaret: Well Rodney, currently I am working on a mini play segment for a Play Festival and so I will be conducting Auditions for this on June 22, 2019 at the Bowie Library. The Game Changer Stage Play is gearing up for the encore performance October 12, 2019 in NY and with every show there is revisions and revamps to the show so making changes to the script. I have another play titled "Toxic" in the works for 2020 and my aspirations for film have caused me to become a certified Studio Camera Operator for FPA which is affording me the training and opportunity to learn from the ground up the production side of things for that future Movie I have in mind.
Margaret: Well Rodney, currently I am working on a mini play segment for a Play Festival and so I will be conducting Auditions for this on June 22, 2019 at the Bowie Library. The Game Changer Stage Play is gearing up for the encore performance October 12, 2019 in NY and with every show there is revisions and revamps to the show so making changes to the script. I have another play titled "Toxic" in the works for 2020 and my aspirations for film have caused me to become a certified Studio Camera Operator for FPA which is affording me the training and opportunity to learn from the ground up the production side of things for that future Movie I have in mind.
Margaret P. Bean, Multi-published Author, Playwright & Director
- My written works are available on my website, Kindle ebooks, Amazon.com Madison St. Clair's "Turning Points" Short Stories, Poems & Silent Moments" Raising the Standard in Your Walk with the Lord
- The Game Changer Stage Play will resume 2019 along with some other dynamic productions
Visit my website for the latest: www.msmargaretpbean.com
~Copa!