Since starting her company in 2007, Mita Vain has seen it’s popularity grow steadily and reach heights she never imagined. 2012 proved to be an especially historic year for Mita Vain Inc., as this was the year that her company made waves within Chicago’s ever difficult theater community.
Mita’s vision of creating and delivering one of a kind productions has led her to develop a web series based on true circumstances entitled , Relationship Status, an improv game show, an entertainment newscast, and several full length features. Her efforts in writing, producing & directing the web series on her own have not gone unnoticed by industry insiders. In addition to creating these wonderful projects, Mita has demonstrated her acting chops playing lead roles in various stage plays, short films, and music videos.
2014 finds Mita taking on her biggest production yet: a stage play called Redemption, which opens this weekend at Chicago’s Athenaeum Theatre.
Tell me about VAiN Productions?
VAiN Productions is a company that focuses on innovative techniques to entertain. It can be done with stage plays, film shorts, events or anything my team and I think up that is “outside of the box.” We look to work with people who are eager to try “new” concepts. I get tired of the “proven” methods at times, and I like to spice things up!
How does social media fit into all that you do?
Technology has advanced so much just over the past 15 years that it’s almost impossible to run a company without using some form of social media. Social media is a good way to reach your consumer. I’m definitely not a social media guru, but I know a few things. I think the “key” is to learn HOW to use Social Media to advance your business and that’s where experts come in.
A lot of people know you in the modeling world. Has it been difficult to gain respect in the theater community?
No. I don’t think so. I think people know me as an individual first. They know I’m risky, multi-talented with various aspirations. I think being a woman is the challenge. I feel like I have to fight harder to earn respect in any industry as a woman, honestly. I don’t think it’s fair, but it’s true. Women fight harder for the same positions as men with half the experience or education. I feel like I have to be a “b—-” to get people to move. I digress; most people knew I was a writer before modeling. Even on my Facebook page, there was my poetry and a few of my short stories. Sometimes our paths aren’t as clear as we would like them to be but they’re ours. I think that Redemption will earn me respect as a director/producer and I want my work to speak for itself. Anything worth having is worth fighting for.
You do a lot of writing. What’s your creative process like?
I get inspiration from all over. I can see a couple fighting in the street and in my mind I create a whole story, even though I may not be able to hear what they’re arguing about. Sometimes I can close my eyes and characters just form. I’ve jumped out of bed so many times to write down a phrase or character or beginning of a story. But I don’t write to please anyone else. I have to write for me. It has to be risky and real. I don’t like all happy endings and the fairy tale romances. It’s not what I know to be true. When I start, I have to finish. I can’t leave something undone because my mind will be on to the next idea and the emotion I had when I started one project isn’t going to be the same once I start a new project. So I have to finish.
What can you tell us about your latest endeavor, Redemption the Stage Play?
REDEMPTION is a piece that incorporates film with stage in a very interactive way. Not only that, but we put the cast in the audience at times to make the story have that much more dimension. It’s like the audience is in the play as well. I call it a 3-D Experience or an interactive experience, which is what I’m known for with my events. I like for people to be involved and not just a bystander. It’s more fun that way!
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I have to say that I am most proud of myself for moving to Los Angeles in 2007 where I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t have a job lined up or a place to live lined up. I just packed my things and left. I needed a change of pace and a new environment and I LOVED it! I met some really great people there although the majority of people will tell you people in LA are phony. I was blessed to cross paths with my friends and I wouldn’t change a thing about the move. I learned a lot about myself by moving. I learned how strong and driven I was. I learned how to survive on my own and I learned how much people let fear stop them from chasing their dreams. I learned so much!
Who inspires you?
Wow! That’s a loaded question. I find inspiration in a lot of different people and things, some of which you’ve never heard of. There was a little girl at La Rabida Hospital who was terminally ill and she was so happy! She reminded me that life is too short to stress or second-guess yourself. My sisters all inspire me in different ways. I watch them with their children and I am in awe of what they get accomplished on a daily basis. Kids are a job! Then they look at me with same awe and I’m like, no…I don’t have kids, I don’t know if I would be the same with kids but I do know I want kids. I look at my 17-year-old cousin starting his own T-Shirt line and I think that’s amazing that at his age he has the maturity to want his own company. I can go on and on. Life inspires me!
Any favorite Affirmations?
I have a few. “What you put into the Universe you get back, so put nothing but positive energy out and watch what you say, because your words have power. “
“Today is the beginning again…journey through it wisely.”
“It’s all about how you choose to look at life. You have the power to change.”
What do you do to unwind?
I watch TV or listen to music. Shopping is a great release! I love new toys or clothes or shoes! I like to attend poetry sets and comedy clubs…really anything but work. *smile*
Any advice or words of wisdom for inspiring entrepreneurs?
I think that we all have our own path and that we shouldn’t look at someone else and say “oh she’s/he’s lucky” or “I want to be like him/her.” I believe we all have gifts from God and we have to first be happy with who we are before those gifts can truly manifest themselves. You have to listen to yourself and not let others convince you of what you yourself know to be false, because people will try, and it’s not always meant to harm or deter you but sometimes, without trying people can be discouraging. Be careful who you share your dreams with. ALWAYS protect your dreams! ALWAYS remember to give God thanks & Praise!
What’s next for Mita Vain?
A vacation! This took a lot out of me! This was no walk in the park, so I need to release some tension. No, seriously I have a REDEMPTION II coming next year and we are trying to work out a performance of REDEMPTION in Atlanta this April. I am working on a movie titled, Clash of the Vampires, a few shorts, Dead Profile and Fool Proof which we are submitting to film festivals this year. Also, he web series, Relationship Status which will hopefully be up by the fall, and a few other projects that are in negotiations. I stay busy and I have an amazing team!
Redemption the Stage Play opens tonight (2/28) at Chicago’s Athenaeum Theatre with two shows additional showing tomorrow (3/1)
For more information on Mita Vain or Redemption the Stage Play, please visit her website for Vain Ent. or the Facebook page.
