Yellow draped wrap front blazer with pleats & matching pants by Charles & Ron
Mariner Chain Necklace by Astrid & Miyu
Capri DueNecklace by Sif Jakobs

Corbin Reid was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN, where her dreams for acting began after receiving a BFA from the University of Michigan. She then moved to New York City to pursue a career on Broadway in “American Idiot, Sister Act,” and “Rent.” In 2014, she starred in the pilot “Words With Girls” produced by Issa Rae, which premiered at the HBO and BET’s Urbanworld Film Festival. Since 2015, she has landed a lead role as Ashley in the “Blair Witch” sequel and starred as a guest on shows like “Kingdom.” Most recently Reid has starred in Season 3 of Shonda Rhimes “How To Get Away With Murder.” Reid will also star in critically-acclaimed Starz series “Run the World.” which will premiere its second season on May 26th.

CAPIZZI X-GRANDE EARRINGS by Sif Jakobs
Blue crop top with long sleeves by Atelier Ndigo
Blue floral skirt by Kaftan Studio
Blue block heel boot by Kachorovska

Congratulations on your marriage to Jasson Crockett. You looked beautiful! How was the day of the wedding?
The day of the wedding was magical. My grandparents on both sides of my family were born and raised in Jamaica not far from where we got married in Negril. We got married at a gorgeous castle on the water with our family and closest friends. It was so dreamy and felt like my grandparents’ spirits were present and a wedding of their wildest dreams.

Who and what inspired you to pursue acting?
I started out in community theater around age 6. I initially got involved because I wanted to do everything my sister did. I remember watching her in a scene of a children’s play called “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” where her character gave this really moving monologue that made everyone cry and give a standing ovation. I was so moved and at a young age knew I wanted to do that. So, i did play after play whether it was community theater or plays at school and then eventually majored in it at the University of Michigan. Then worked professionally on Broadway in New York City, and now love telling stories in tv and film.

What was your most memorable experience acting on Broadway?
My most memorable experience on Broadway is rehearsing Billie Jo from the band Green Day into the musical “American Idiot,” which was my first Broadway job. I understudied the female lead role, “Whatsername.” Since the actress who played the role did the show most nights I had the privilege of working with just Billie Jo, at a rehearsal space in midtown helping him learn the show by playing opposite him. He is such a wonderful human being, and I learned something that day I will never forget; even talented world-famous rock stars doubt themselves and their talents on a regular basis. He would ask me “am I doing oK,” “do you think this is good?” I’m like 22 and in awe like “what the heck do I know, it’s great, you are the rock star!” But I related to him because that doubt that the artist has will never go away. It pushes us all to do better and be better constantly.

Sheer pink long sleeve top by Charles & Ron
Meraki Chain Necklace by PDPAOLA
Large Signature Gold Chain Necklace by PDPAOLA
Necklace by COEUR DE LION
Mini Dress by BEC + BRIDGE
Katya blue satin shoe by Kachorovska
*Feathers used here are not animal feathers

What were your biggest challenges during your time on Broadway?
When I played Joann in “Rent” we rehearsed with the original director of the original Broadway show. Again, I was in my 20s and still finding my voice, but he wanted to do things sometimes the way they had already been done by actors in previous productions, I wanted to do them MY WAY. The only way he would understand is if I showed him what it was I wanted to do. I learned that thanks to the advice of Billy Porter who Assistant Directed that production. It was scary as hell because I didn’t want to disappoint him and desperately wanted his approval, but as soon as I showed him instead of asking him he loved it, and from then on he trusted me to do what I wanted. A valuable lesson and made me a more fearless actor.

What character in the past have you enjoyed playing the most?
I really enjoyed playing “Gemma” in a film I called “My Fiona.” She was so layered and complex and dealt with the grief of losing a partner to suicide and suddenly becoming a single parent, who is heavy into her career as a lawyer. It was written and directed by a female film maker I respect the hell out of Kelly Walker. I had so much to play with and work on. It was heavy walking in that character’s life for two months, but as an actor who loves doing hard things, it was a challenge I greatly enjoyed.

What was it like playing Meggy Travers in the big hit series “How to Get Away with Murder?”
It was a dream come true. I am a huge Shonda Rihmes fan and, of course, Viola Davis. I was so nervous to meet Viola and she made me feel so welcome beginning on day one. I learned a lot from her from both talking to her and simply watching her work. I also for the first time learned what it was like to work with a bunch of directors of color and female directors and it was extremely exciting for me to experience and see.

What are you most excited for in your upcoming role as Sondi Hill in “Run the World?”
I am excited for the new level of independence that Sondi walked into in Season 2 in her career. She felt a bit confused in terms of where she stood in academia and if that was really what she wanted to make into a career. Without giving too much away, this season she finds herself having her voice being amplified on issues that matter and the response is so overwhelmingly positive that she decides to move her career in a whole new direction. It takes courage to change your mind like that and she is doing it boldly and fearlessly.

Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly
Dress by RC Caylan
*Feathers used here are not animal feathers

How did you prepare for your character in Sondi Hill? Do you feel that this character resonated with you?
I prepare for all of my characters the same way: I map out their entire life and being inside out. Their triggers, their family, likes and dislikes, hobbies, religion all of it. That way I can just be them and no matter what situation they are in so I can react effortlessly relate to Sondi on the fact that I have been young and ambitious in New York City, lived in Harlem, going after my dreams and trying to have it all with love and career and leaning heavily on my friends who have become my family.

What acting projects have you been most proud of in the past?
I directed, wrote, produced, and starred in a short film called “Blind Sight.” It is a thriller that I was proud did well on the film festival circuit. Directing it felt like a massive feat because it was something I hadn’t done before. I had a lot of wonderful mentors though and shadowed on my show Valor on the CW beforehand so I felt more capable going in. Since then, I’ve continued to develop my knowledge of that medium of storytelling by shadowing other directors in the industry including shadowing on an episode of “Run the World.” I really hope to direct one of my features that I have written again in the future.

How do you navigate the ups and downs of pursuing an acting career?
Self-care. Rejection is plentiful and so are politics. It takes a level of mental agility and toughness to operate in high pressure spaces at a high level and also pick yourself back up when a job you really want or love doesn’t go your way. I meditate, run, lift weights, woodwork, and spend time in the ocean whenever I need a reset sand to remember who I am.

What is your favorite thing about being on set?
The people. It is so fun to watch all the cogs in the wheel turn together to turn out a project we all enjoy. Your crew, and your cast become a little creative family.

What are you looking forward to in your acting career over the next five years?
I want to play the villain or Whitney Houston in something. I would love to make a big action film. I am athletic---anything in the Marvel Universe please and thank you. And, of course, I want to have directed my first episode of TV or one of my feature films that I have written by then.

What is your one advice to young actors?
Don’t give up. As cliche as that sounds. This is a game of endurance. Most people quit before they can really begin. Stay in it. Keep getting better. Keep learning. And surround yourself ONLY with people who want to see you win.

Social Media.
Instagram: @corbinmreid

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director:: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Corbin Reid
Photographer: Bret Lemke
Fashion Stylist: Christina Bushner at See Management
Hair: Saniyyah Sahar
Makeup: Saisha Beecham
Assistant to Makeup Artist: Tequana Colvin
Editorial Assistant: Skylar Elizabeth
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Alexis Yap, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine