LEAP

Doreene entered the entertainment industry through the world of comedy. As a New York stand-up and improvisational – sketch performer, Doreene fell in love with creating characters that embraced both her Jamaican roots and New York upbringing. Working in the Off-Broadway scene, someone gave her the bright idea of coming to Hollywood…things are easier there. Well, she’s been there saving face ever since!

Taking a message she once received from her mother, “Learn as much as you can as fast as you can – give as much as you can as fast as you can,” Doreene worked her way through the trenches of the Hollywood system.

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Doreene entered the entertainment industry through the world of comedy. As a New York stand-up and improvisational – sketch performer, Doreene fell in love with creating characters that embraced both her Jamaican roots and New York upbringing. Working in the Off-Broadway scene, someone gave her the bright idea of coming to Hollywood…things are easier there. Well, she’s been there saving face ever since!

Taking a message she once received from her mother, “Learn as much as you can as fast as you can – give as much as you can as fast as you can,” Doreene worked her way through the trenches of the Hollywood system. Deciding to take a seat to the stand-up world, she forged ahead in the world of improvising and joined many local groups. She wrote jokes for a few fledging sitcom writers before getting her second bright idea–write a spec, become a real writer. So, between auditions, bookings, and other creative means to earn a living, she started taking her writing seriously.

That notion led to work as a Story Producer, Development/Talent Executive, and as an Arts Administrator. Through her journey, she has had the privilege of participating in the intricate details that bring all the elements of a project together from concept to airing on the small screen. She took part in the prestigious Hanks & Miller Screenwriting Program sponsored by Bill & Camille Cosby, which she then administered for 14 years, discovering and opening doors for advancement for Writers of Color in TV and Film. For her efforts the State Governor, Senate and the Mayor’s office honored her.

Her writing has placed in notable screenwriting competitions including the Austin Film Festival, Diverse Voices, and The Industry Next 4: Diversity Film, Screenplay, & Music Festival.

In her search for normalcy, Doreene looked for a deeper meaning to life. She wrote and published the self-help book “Spiritually Speaking… Get Over It!” This book serves as a guide for those who want enlightenment, but don’t think they have time to walk the path. She then traveled the country facilitating workshops to assist individuals to get back on track in living the life they were born to live.

At this stage of her career, Doreene is an M.F.A. candidate in TV and Feature writing and seeks to merge all her worlds. To tell nontraditional stories in conventional ways. Cultural stories that she has heard, experienced, and developed throughout the years. And stories that step outside the cultural norm, into the realms of the mystical and magical, and allows an audience to see the vastness of their own consciousness. And how they can learn and grow under the guise of entertainment. “Learn as much as you can as fast as you can – give as much as you can as fast as you can.” Knowledge is nothing unless you find the humor in it and then – share it with others.

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