Monique Coleman POWER AND GRACE

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Monique Coleman first achieved international fame and rabid fandom for her breakout role in Disney’s “High School Musical” franchise, in which she starred alongside Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron, and Ashley Tisdale for director Kenny Ortega. In an iconic re-envisioning of her fan-favorite ‘Taylor’, in Dec. 2022 Monique wrapped production on “High School Musical – The Musical Series” 4 for Disney+, which shot immediately following production as the lead of “Love Marry Kill” for BET+.

Monique also recently wrapped production on “Give Me an A”, an anthology film produced in the wake of the 2022 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. The project comprises several short films - one of which Monique leads - that tell a cohesive narrative in response to the harrowing overruling. Monique hosted and executive produced “Gimme Mo” for Discovery Life, which focuses on empowering youth and raising voices. Her groundbreaking show went on to earn her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Host.

Beyond her work in front of the camera & on the set, Monique dedicates much of her time to philanthropy, particularly for the UN (she was named the first-ever United Nations Youth Champion and hosted the 2022 #GirlHero Awards for the United Nations). With the UN, she’s raising awareness of challenges facing the youth of the world, as well as being an Ambassador for the Starlight Children's Foundation. Additionally, she has worked intimately with Michelle Obama for 2020’s DAY OF THE GIRL.

RAINE: What was the initial spark of creative inspiration that led you to pursue a career in the arts?

MONIQUE COLEMAN: I came out of the womb singing and dancing. I can’t remember a time when performing, storytelling, dancing, and being creative weren’t the most important things in my life. I read the phone book like it was a novel and was constantly putting on performances for my family members. In third grade, I had an amazing teacher who recognized that my inability to focus in class (and extremely talkative nature) were likely linked to the fact that I was actually an artist! I began training in multiple disciplines. Thirty-five years later, I love it just as much as I ever did.

RAINE: How did your initial career as an actress expand over time and broaden out to include several other creative pursuits and projects?

COLEMAN: Acting was initially an outlet for my emotional expression. It allowed me to explore parts of myself that I didn’t feel safe enough to express in my “real” life. Over time, I came to recognize the limitations around only portraying the roles that were available to me. I also wanted more control over the stories I was telling.

That led me to expand into other avenues that would allow me to have a greater impact, including writing, producing, hosting, and directing.

RAINE: What’s the one piece of advice you would give to any aspiring creative looking to make it within their chosen field?

COLEMAN: Instead of focusing on “making it”, focus on the work and your passion for why you do what you do. Pursuing a creative field will have many challenges, and when you place more significance on your destination instead of the journey, you’ll never be satisfied. Cultivate a strong work ethic, build a supportive community, and never stop learning or growing in your respective field.

RAINE: You have built a large portfolio across acting, activism, and philanthropy. What are the key factors you are looking for when choosing which projects to endorse or devote time and effort towards?

COLEMAN: Purpose. I like to choose projects that are either personally meaningful, or empowering to young people, women/girls, or the planet.

RAINE: Do you have something you are working on right now that you have a particular passion for?

COLEMAN: At the moment, I’m really passionate about self-development and integrating the lessons I’ve learned over the years to discover how I can use my experiences to make a difference in any and all things I pursue moving forward.

RAINE: How does it feel coming back into the High School Musical fold for the upcoming season of the Disney+ series with its meta take on the franchise?

COLEMAN: Honestly, it was an incredible experience to be back on the set of High School Musical! I had the most fun, and it truly felt like a celebration of the original series and the characters that we gave so much of ourselves to. The cast of actors in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series are all incredibly talented, and I couldn’t be happier with Disney’s decision to reference High School Musical from a real-world point of view instead of simply revisiting East High as we know (and love) it from the movies.

RAINE: With so many creative outlets available to you, what are your best strategies for avoiding burnout?

COLEMAN: I do my best to prioritize selfcare, which includes hydrating, meditating, exercising, and doing things that bring me joy. I also try to communicate when I’m feeling close to approaching burnout and ask the people I’m working with to extend grace.

RAINE: What do you see the future holding for you both creatively and professionally?

COLEMAN: I have SO many aspirations that range from improving my martial arts, breaking into action comedy, directing projects for kids, and landing a beauty campaign! I care more about the quality of the work I do and the impact that I make, rather than the specifics of what those projects are. I hope to lead a life that is creatively fulfilling and inspiring to others!