Meet Frank Arthur Smith

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Frank Arthur Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Frank Arthur, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

I competed in speech and debate all throughout high school. How to speak clearly and confidently, consistently, was the main skill I learned. Even if people didn’t compete in this activity, it’s never too late to brush up on your public speaking skills! Small exercises, like challenging yourself to speak for a minute straight, without disfluencies, or to debate both sides of a topic with limited time to prepare, keep you on your feet, and give you a surprising amount of belief in yourself.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am the creator, writer, lead actor, and often director of an independent queer comedy series called OPEN TO IT. The show is about a couple that experiments with an open relationship, and the silly, sexy situations that arise. We have drag queens from RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE including Laganja Estranja, Manila Luzon, Pandora Boxx, and Honey Davenport. And plenty of witty, attractive actors! But the show isn’t all chest – there’s also a lot of heart.

It takes a village to produce a series. I am so proud of our team, which is 75% LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC, along with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. The Deafies in Drag, globe-trotting drag queen sensations, are standouts of our Pride Special.

Season 2 premieres in all territories later this year! You can catch up now on Season 1 at opentoitseries.com

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Determination. Resilience. Kindness.

Determination: don’t give up on getting what you want. Compromises are always part of the game, but staying focused on a task is the only way to complete it. No one will care about your goals more than you. There’s power in embracing that idea.

Resilience: people will always tell you no. No’s are hard. But at the end of the day, a no is just redirection to the yes. And you want to align with people who see you, and all you are.

Kindness. Be good to the people around you. Even on a tough day! Hopefully, they do the same for you, as often as they can. Art is meant to bring joy.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

I take a break – it’s a marathon, not a sprint. If I don’t have the answer, I am honest about that, and take a beat, so I can regroup, and figure things out. I don’t say things I don’t mean, for the sake of making people happy. I tell my truth, and proceed with authenticity – but also, grace.

Overall: be a human. Have fun. Live your life. Goals are terrific. But you can still be a complete person while achieving things.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Headshot – Troy Barboza
Stills – Nacia Schreiner

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