Rayna M. Lester
DeSoto,TX
Summary
Energetic Performer skilled in diverse dance styles and choreography. Excellent aptitude for learning new routines and coordinating practice sessions. Adaptable to varying audience sizes and performance lengths. Experienced dancer, actress, and singer with over 12 years of experience in the performing arts industry. Excellent reputation for resolving problems and improving customer satisfaction. Enthusiastic performer eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Motivated to learn, grow and excel in the performing arts industy. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level performing artist position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Worship Team Member
Faith Bible Church
DeSoto, TX
08.2017 - Current
- Volunteered in overseas locations and in various roles.
- Taught local peoples skills to improve living conditions.
- De-escalated and resolved conflicts between local peoples and missionary representatives.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Worked with others
- Helped figure out harmonies
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Accompanied morning worship services as a vocalist as part of worship team.
Special Events Volunteer- Singer
Faith Bible Church
Dallas, TX
01.2017 - 04.2022
- Provided general cleaning of venue spaces before, during and after events.
- Greeted customers with smile and provided friendly, knowledgeable service.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Trained and prepared voice, using various melodies and ranges such as soprano, tenor, alto and bass.
- Sang and danced with creative ensembles and troupes for dramatic and comedic performances.
- Interpreted different music by making use of voice production, harmony, rhythm and melody to present characterization.
- Applied knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
- Practiced singing exercises and studied with vocal coaches to develop voice and rehearse for upcoming roles.
- Generated singing exercises to develop voice.
- Used printed text and musical notations to memorize musical selections and routines.
- Selected appropriate pieces to meet performance needs and showcase skills.
- Achieved desired tonal and harmonic balance by communicating clearly with musicians.
- Accompanied morning worship services as a vocalist as part of worship team.
Theater Actor
Family Music Theatre
DESOTO, TX
01.2022 - 03.2022
- Studied and rehearsed roles from scripts to interpret and memorize lines and cues.
- Captured audience by channeling and exhibiting emotions, resulting in audience laughter, crying, excitement, shock and fear.
- Learned scripts to understand characters' relationships and develop role interpretations.
- Performed humorous and serious interpretations of emotional actions and situations, using body movements and gestures.
- Met with production director to discuss poses, movements and persona to portray.
- Studied scripts to successfully portray characters in dramas and comedies.
- Acted in productions such as The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Seussical, and After Hours, while performing alongside various actors and actresses.
- Collaborated with dance department in creating scores for choreography projects.
- Sang and danced with creative ensembles and troupes for dramatic and comedic performances.
- Collaborated with directors, producers, writing staff and performance teams to determine optimal performance strategies and perfect approaches.
- Committed to diligent rehearsal of lines both with partner and groups to optimize deliveries.
- Leveraged skills in gesturing, body movement and special voices to draw in audience members and build emotional engagement.
- Attended various auditions with 80% success rate.
Banquet Lead Singer
Faith Bible Church
DESOTO, TX
02.2017 - 02.2022
- Trained and prepared voice, using various melodies and ranges such as soprano, tenor, alto and bass.
- Interpreted different music by making use of voice production, harmony, rhythm and melody to present characterization.
- Applied knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
- Practiced singing exercises and studied with vocal coaches to develop voice and rehearse for upcoming roles.
- Generated singing exercises to develop voice.
- Selected appropriate pieces to meet performance needs and showcase skills.
- Selected music carefully in order to achieve balance of musical styles on program.
- Interpreted and modified music to personalize performances.
- Transposed music to alternate keys with speed and accuracy.
- Studied scores at length to learn music in detail and develop suitable interpretations.
- Provided musical background for live shows such as ballets, operas, musical theatre and cabarets.
- Sung at many holiday performances and special events.
Singing Lessons
Joshua Pippins (Desoto ISD)
DESOTO, TX
06.2021 - 01.2022
- Interpreted different music by making use of voice production, harmony, rhythm and melody to present characterization.
- Trained and prepared voice, using various melodies and ranges such as soprano.
- Applied knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
- Generated singing exercises to develop voice.
- Used printed text and musical notations to memorize musical selections and routines.
- Achieved desired tonal and harmonic balance by communicating clearly with musicians.
- Interpreted and modified music to personalize performances.
- Transposed music to alternate keys with speed and accuracy.
- Studied scores at length to learn music in detail and develop suitable interpretations.
- Studied with private lessons
Choir Singer
Desoto High School
DESOTO, TX
08.2020 - 01.2022
- Interpreted different music by making use of voice production, harmony, rhythm and melody to present characterization.
- Selected appropriate pieces to meet performance needs and showcase skills.
- Applied knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
- Achieved desired tonal and harmonic balance by communicating clearly with musicians.
- Selected music carefully in order to achieve balance of musical styles on program.
- Practiced singing exercises and studied with vocal coaches to develop voice and rehearse for upcoming roles.
- Transposed music to alternate keys with speed and accuracy.
- Used printed text and musical notations to memorize musical selections and routines.
- Studied scores at length to learn music in detail and develop suitable interpretations.
- Practiced 10+ hours per week to maintain and improve technical skills.
Wedding Singer
Gabriella Urban (Faith Bible Church)
DESOTO, TX
12.2021 - 12.2021
- Interpreted different music by making use of voice production, harmony, rhythm and melody to present characterization.
- Trained and prepared voice, using various melodies and ranges such as soprano, tenor, alto and bass.
- Sang with small group as lead vocalists.
- Applied knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
- Practiced singing exercises and studied with vocal coaches to develop voice and rehearse for upcoming roles.
- Generated singing exercises to develop voice.
- Used printed text and musical notations to memorize musical selections and routines.
- Achieved desired tonal and harmonic balance by communicating clearly with musicians.
- Transposed music to alternate keys with speed and accuracy.
- Sung for 12+ holiday performances and special events.
Soloist in Music Video
Self Employed
DeSoto, TX
05.2021 - 05.2021
- The link to my music video Never Enough Cover https://youtu.be/pXCtN866ZQg
- Memorized parts for each scene.
- Interpreted different music by making use of voice production, harmony, rhythm and melody to present characterization.
- Selected appropriate pieces to meet performance needs and showcase skills.
- Transposed music to alternate keys with speed and accuracy.
- Provided musical background for live shows such as ballets, operas, musical theatre and cabarets.
- Enhance and refine movements to properly enact intended vision.
- Choreographed solo dance performance in for contemporary dance, and ballet style.
- Picked up choreography moves easily and immediately incorporated changes in choreography or new moves by staying flexible.
- Sang and danced with creative ensembles and troupes for dramatic and comedic performances.
- Delivered edits with multiple camera angle choices, titles, graphics, audio and special effects.
- Understood my artistic vision and maintained alignment with vision throughout editing process.
- Played key role in facilitating projects and contributing to every stage of film and video production.
- Edited content in real time at events to deliver high-quality media content within short timeframes.
- Planned and scheduled crews members and equipment to accommodate filming schedules.
- Reviewed and edited film by selecting best combination of performance, sequencing and timing to tell story.
- Assembled various amounts of footage into seamless end product.
- Edited the music video for digital distribution by managing graphics, sound, music mix and color correction.
VBS Dancer
Faith Bible Church
DESOTO, TX
06.2018 - 06.2020
- Coordinated with choreographers to enhance and refine movements to properly enact intended vision.
- Developed professional relationships with different dance professionals, choreographers and performers by actively listening and effectively communicating.
- Choreographed solo, duo and group performances for contemporary dance company.
- Picked up choreography moves easily and immediately incorporated changes in choreography or new moves by staying flexible.
- Employed variety of instructional aids, methods and materials to provide for creative teachings, helping children grow spiritually.
- Adapted bible verses and lessons into stories and activities to help children comprehend scriptures.
- Applied teaching techniques to achieve curriculum goals within framework of church's philosophy.
- Organized and labeled materials and displayed students' work by ages and perceptual skills.
- Tested children's bible knowledge by asking bible trivia questions.
- Merged bible verses with current events to develop curriculum and address relevant topics children regularly encounter.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Demonstrated specific skills and activities for students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
- Cleaned, organized and restocked classrooms for upcoming classes.
- Worked well with children
- Choreographed and taught dances and moves to groups of up to [Number] other cheerleaders and dancers.
VBS Volunteer
Faith Bible Church
DESOTO, TX
06.2017 - 06.2020
- Employed variety of instructional aids, methods and materials to provide for creative teachings, helping children grow spiritually.
- Adapted bible verses and lessons into stories and activities to help children comprehend scriptures.
- Applied teaching techniques to achieve curriculum goals within framework of church's philosophy.
- Organized and labeled materials and displayed students' work by ages and perceptual skills.
- Tested children's bible knowledge by asking bible trivia questions.
- Merged bible verses with current events to develop curriculum and address relevant topics children regularly encounter.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Demonstrated specific skills and activities for students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
- Cleaned, organized and restocked classrooms for upcoming classes.
- Worked well with children
Ballet Dancer Student
Desoto Dance Academy
Dallas, TX
08.2017 - 05.2020
- Developed professional relationships with different dance professionals, choreographers and performers by actively listening and effectively communicating.
- Picked up choreography moves easily and immediately incorporated changes in choreography or new moves by staying flexible.
- Performed in multiple roles for Desoto Dance Academy productions by attending daily rehearsals to perfect execution of dance movements.
- Coordinated with choreographers to enhance and refine movements to properly enact intended vision.
- Led a few 15min rehearsals for Desoto Dance Academy ballet recitals.
Special Events Volunteer- Dancer
Faith Bible Church
DESOTO, TX
04.2012 - 04.2019
- Provided general cleaning of venue spaces before, during and after events.
- Greeted customers with smile and provided friendly, knowledgeable service.
- Coordinated with choreographers to enhance and refine movements to properly enact intended vision.
- Developed professional relationships with different dance professionals, choreographers and performers by actively listening and effectively communicating.
- Choreographed solo, duo and group performances for contemporary dance company.
- Picked up choreography moves easily and immediately incorporated changes in choreography or new moves by staying flexible.
- Incorporated variety of movement styles into percussive dance routines for stage performance.
- Incorporated creative movement techniques into ballet routine.
- Choreographed and taught dances and moves to other dancers.
- Sang and danced with creative ensembles and troupes for dramatic and comedic performances.
Ballet Dancer Student
SALT Co-op
Dallas, TX
09.2016 - 05.2017
- Developed professional relationships with different dance professionals, choreographers and performers by actively listening and effectively communicating.
- Picked up choreography moves easily and immediately incorporated changes in choreography or new moves by staying flexible.
- Performed in multiple roles for SALT Co-op productions by attending daily rehearsals to perfect execution of dance movements.
- Coordinated with choreographers to enhance and refine movements to properly enact intended vision.
Dance Student
Raqad School Of Dance
Dallas, TX
08.2012 - 06.2015
- Developed professional relationships with different dance professionals, choreographers and performers by actively listening and effectively communicating.
- Picked up choreography moves easily and immediately incorporated changes in choreography or new moves by staying flexible.
- Performed in multiple roles for Raqad School Of Dance productions by attending daily rehearsals to perfect execution of dance movements.
- Coordinated with choreographers to enhance and refine movements to properly enact intended vision.
Dance Student
Dallas Black Dance Theatre
Dallas, TX
08.2011 - 06.2012
- Developed professional relationships with different dance professionals, choreographers and performers by actively listening and effectively communicating.
- Picked up choreography moves easily and immediately incorporated changes in choreography or new moves by staying flexible.
- Performed in multiple roles for Dallas Black Dance Theatre productions by attending daily rehearsals to perfect execution of dance movements.
- Coordinated with choreographers to enhance and refine movements to properly enact intended vision.
Dance Student
Destiny Day School
Atlanta, GA
08.2009 - 06.2010
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Developed professional relationships with different dance professionals, choreographers and performers by actively listening and effectively communicating.
- Picked up choreography moves easily and immediately incorporated changes in choreography or new moves by staying flexible.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lester Christian Academy
DeSoto, TX05.2024
Skills
- Public speaking
- Self-Motivated
- Dependable and Responsible
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Effect Active Listening
- Multitasking Abilities
- Planning and Coordination
- Decision Making
- Team Worker
- Sight reading
- Outgoing
- Choreographed dance moves
- Dance promotion
- Tap and jazz
- Audition preparation
- Contemporary dance
- Stage Performance
- Ballet
- Problem-Solving
- Excellent Communication
- Organization and Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Team Leadership
- Calm and Professional Under Pressure
- Upbeat and Positive Personality
Additional Information
- Awards: , Georgia Tech OMED Tower Award Recipient (May 1999, April 2000, April 2001, April 2002), Pi Mu Epsilon National Mathematics Honor Society, National Dean's List; GT Dean's List, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Maryland Distinguished Scholar- Honorable Mention, Merit Scholastic Award from MD Gov. Paris Glendening
Timeline
Theater Actor
Family Music Theatre
01.2022 - 03.2022
Wedding Singer
Gabriella Urban (Faith Bible Church)
12.2021 - 12.2021
Singing Lessons
Joshua Pippins (Desoto ISD)
06.2021 - 01.2022
Soloist in Music Video
Self Employed
05.2021 - 05.2021
Choir Singer
Desoto High School
08.2020 - 01.2022
VBS Dancer
Faith Bible Church
06.2018 - 06.2020
Worship Team Member
Faith Bible Church
08.2017 - Current
Ballet Dancer Student
Desoto Dance Academy
08.2017 - 05.2020
VBS Volunteer
Faith Bible Church
06.2017 - 06.2020
Banquet Lead Singer
Faith Bible Church
02.2017 - 02.2022
Special Events Volunteer- Singer
Faith Bible Church
01.2017 - 04.2022
Ballet Dancer Student
SALT Co-op
09.2016 - 05.2017
Dance Student
Raqad School Of Dance
08.2012 - 06.2015
Special Events Volunteer- Dancer
Faith Bible Church
04.2012 - 04.2019
Dance Student
Dallas Black Dance Theatre
08.2011 - 06.2012
Dance Student
Destiny Day School
08.2009 - 06.2010
High School Diploma -
Lester Christian Academy
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