Dear Dream of Dréa Community,
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to pause and thank you for being part of a year that was expansive, affirming, and deeply rooted in purpose. Your presence, encouragement, and belief in this work continue to matter more than you know.
A year of incredible acts
In February, Dream of Dréa launched its inaugural Promising Actors/Artists Camp (Dream PAC). Working with artists from pre-K through high school was a powerful reminder of why this work exists. Watching these young artists grow in confidence, craft, and collaboration—and then conclude their experience with a performance at Albany State University—was a full-circle moment of joy and responsibility.
This year also marked the creation of The Artist Alchemy, a digital community designed for dedicated artists committed to mastery, consistency, and intentional career-building. Seeing artists show up, engage, and support one another across disciplines has been one of the most affirming developments of the year—and a foundation I’m excited to continue strengthening.
Summer brought unexpected and meaningful recognition. In July, I was honored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. during the inaugural Delta Films event presented at the 57th National Convention. I also received a grant through the Her Pro Bono program of Our Village United, reinforcing the importance of infrastructure and sustainability alongside creativity.
In October, I had the distinct honor of being invited by my alma mater, Georgia Tech, to speak during Homecoming weekend. I am especially grateful that I was compensated for my service in advance, reflecting respect for the value of my work before even arriving on campus—a reminder of the importance of setting and receiving professional boundaries.
2025 expanded my entrepreneurial and leadership journey as well. I was accepted into the Milestone Circle program with the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and sponsored for membership in the Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project (WEOP)—spaces that sharpen strategy while honoring mission.
In service to the broader theatre ecosystem, I had the privilege of serving as an adjudicator and theatre respondent for the American College Theatre Festival, in partnership with the Kennedy Center. While the festival has since made the decision to part ways with the Kennedy Center following the institution’s renaming, I respect that decision fully and will continue supporting the American College Theatre Festival whenever called upon. The work—and the artists—remain the priority.
And then came a milestone that reshaped everything: being accredited by Festival de Cannes and signing an international distribution contract. This moment stands as a testament to patience, persistence, and belief in telling stories that travel beyond borders.
As we look ahead, I’m especially excited about the launch of "The Dressed Set" cohort—a curated space for artists ready to be intentional, prepared, and in community as they move toward mastery. (Apply to join HERE) While I didn’t record as many Hyphens Haven podcast episodes this year as planned, meaningful new conversations are ahead to document the journey of "The Dressed Set", and I look forward to sharing them with you.
Thank you for walking alongside Dream of Dréa in 2025. Your support made this year not just successful—but aligned. I’m stepping into the new year with clarity, momentum, and deep gratitude for what we’re building together.
With appreciation and anticipation,
Dréa Lewis
