Tracie Collins (born October 22, 1975) is an author, business strategist, entrepreneur and public speaker.Christian Ayers, “Black Renaissance: Cold Piece of Werk”, '’KBCW, CBS SF Bay Area", January 18, 2015 As a writer, Collins is best known as the writer, director, and producer of her fourth stage production Cold Piece of Werk, which addresses human trafficking / sex trafficking, specifically in the East Bay (San Francisco Bay Area) city of Oakland, California.Liz Saint John, “Tracie Collins, Cold Piece of Werk”, "Weekend Magazine: Tracie Collins, KCBS Radio” April 15, 2015 This awarded Collins a Mayoral Proclamation from the City of Oakland, declaring March 14th 2015, Tracie Collins Day.
Early life
Collins was born in San Francisco, as Tracie Monae Enis, the daughter of Frankie Charles Enis, a bus driver for San Francisco Municipal Railway (SF Muni or Muni) and El Wanda Braynen, a legal secretary. She is the eldest of three siblings. Collins credits her father for introducing her to the theatre. Collins took acting classes at the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) in San Francisco."How Tracie Collins Is Creating Opportunities For Black Women Behind The Curtain". KISS-FM Radio.
Career Collins was an actress in the three productions.Kris Stewart, “New Play Shines Light on Human Trafficking in Oakland”, "East Bay Express", March 11, 2015 Previous work includes: The V Monologues: A Black Woman’s Interpretation (2013), Knocking at Love’s Door (2014), and Girlfriend Chronicles (2014). In 2009, Collins’ earliest theatrical performances include portraying "Lorelle" in Dream GirlsRachel Sawn, "From Motown to Oakland", "East Bay Express", June 17, 2009 and "Pam" in Misery Loves Company at Black Repertory Group Theater in Berkeley, California.
In 2009, Collins set up a company, Tracie Collins Productions.
in 2010, Collins was cast as "Tonisha" in The Postwoman, a film by JD Walker. Also in 2010 Collins organized a fashion gala for larger women, called "Kiss the Curves"."Oakland show a plus sign for fashion". Daniela Province, The Chronicle, February 14, 2010 In 2011 the show moved to Hollywood."KISS THE CURVES and STRUT YOUR STUFF; An interview with Tracie Collins, 3/01/2011". PLUS Model Magazine.
In 2013, Collins directed the play "The V Monologues: A Black Woman’s Interpretations at Kaiser Center Lakeside Theater in Oakland, California. She has since written three more plays, a one-woman show Who is Tracie Collins?, a romantic comedy Knocking at Love's Door,"Successful playwright Tracie Collins still wins while fighting sexism and racial stereotypes". Rolling Out, By Lorenzo Gordon | December 4, 2015 and Cold Piece of Werk, all of which she produced and directed at the same theater.
Collins has explored women's rights, racism, and issues of social injustice.Sandra Varner, “New play brings truth to power for young women”, "Talk 2SV with Sandra Varner", February 28, 2015 Collins cast mostly San Francisco Bay Area actors in her productions.
Collins wrote Cold Piece of Werk after witnessing young girls walking on the streets of International BoulevardJason Victor Serinus, “Play puts Oakland’s sex trade in theatrical spotlight”, '’San Francisco Examiner'’, March 9, 2015 and wanted to call attention to the human trafficking in California epidemic taking place in her neighborhood.Tamara Palmer, “Oakland Child Trafficking Epidemic Inspires Play”, '’NBC Bay Area'’, February 10, 2015 Oakland, California Mayor Libby Schaff proclaimed Saturday, March 14, 2015, (opening night of Cold Piece of Werk) as Tracie Collins Day.Shelah Moody, ”International Women’s Month Salutes Tracie Collins”, '’Streetwise Radio", March 14, 2015
In 2015, Tracie Collins Productions was nominated for an Oakland Indie Award,"Congratulations to the 2015 Indie Award Nominees!". Oakland Indie Awards. but did not win. Also that year, production began on the film version of Cold Piece of Werk."Weekend Magazine: North Korean Threat, SF International Film Fest, And Human Trafficking". 99,7 NOW Radio. April 19, 2015 April 15, 2015
Collins currently has several television and film projects in development.
Personal life
In 2016 Collins lives in Atlanta, Georgia, and is the mother of three children.Shannon Stroud, “Play examines sex trade in Oakland”, "The Pioneer", March 10, 2015
References
External links Tracie Collins Official website Tracie Collins on Twitter