In the world of theater, few individuals stand out as uniquely as Makelia LaRee Wingard, also known by her stage name, Ms. FedUp. A talented writer, producer, and director from Troy, Alabama, Makelia has captivated audiences with her powerful stage productions since 2012. With a deep passion for storytelling, she skillfully intertwines life’s challenges and triumphs into each script, offering audiences more than just entertainment — she provides them with transformative experiences.
As a devoted mother and entrepreneur, Makelia combines her creative genius with an unwavering dedication to her faith, family, and the future of the performing arts. Through her work, she not only empowers herself but also uplifts her community, offering a platform for local talent to shine. From her groundbreaking debut play What’s Next to her current nationwide tour of Grief Grudges and Guilt, Makelia’s journey exemplifies perseverance, vision, and the power of self-belief.
We sat down with Makelia to discuss her journey, the importance of her latest production, and how she balances motherhood with her artistic pursuits. Get ready to be inspired by a woman who is truly “FedUp” with the status quo and is taking her passion to the next level.
Fancy: What inspired you to pursue a career in the performing arts, and how has your journey as a writer, producer, and director shaped your entrepreneurial vision?
Makelia: I fell in love with writing at a young age, especially in middle school when I wrote my first book report on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 2011, I sat in my room and started journaling about issues that were happening around me. I took that journal entry, broke it down into scenes, and turned it into my first play, titled “What’s Next.” This journey has made me more aware of checks and balances, managing “payroll” regarding paying my cast members and staff, and promoting my brand/plays.
Fancy: As a dedicated mother, how do you balance the demands of parenthood with your creative endeavors, and how does that influence your work?
Makelia: I balance with my village, especially my father. I must ensure my son knows that Mama may miss a few games, but I’m cheering from afar and waiting to hear his updates. I will make more games than I miss. He is my drive, the drive to make sure he sees what believing in himself and believing in God can do. Plus, he’s in my current production, so he gets to see firsthand what I go through to make these debuts happen.
Fancy: What does it mean to you to be a Black entrepreneur?
Makelia: I’m a product of my ancestors, a product of those who came before me and fought and died so that I and others like me can have the opportunity to run our own businesses, display our artistic talents, and get credit for them, and simply show our young Black girls that they can be anything they set their minds to be if they put in the work.
Fancy: Tell us about your latest stage play, “Grief Grudges and Guilt,” and the upcoming tour.
Makelia: I was very emotional writing this script. “Grief Grudges and Guilt” was written because I lost close relatives since my last show. This is my way of letting the world know some of my loved ones’ names and paying homage to them. All but one character name in this script is the name of my grandparents and cousins, who I was very close to, who have passed away. Audiences can expect to cry, laugh, and learn the power of forgiveness. Seeing my cast bring that script to life gave me everything I needed to push through the emotions of putting this show on repeatedly because there’s a powerful message in this show that the world needs to see and hear. We are debuting at The Historic Davis Theatre in Montgomery, AL, on March 15th, 2025, which has been a dream of mine since January 28, 2012. Then on June 14t,h we will debut at Fairfield High School Performing Arts Theatre in Birmingham, AL, August 16th in Atlanta, Georgia, September 20th, Chicago, Illinois, and November 15th in Dothan,, AL and I’m steadily adding more cities and states to the tour throughout the year.
Fancy: What was it like organizing the tour?
Makelia: It has been very fulfilling. I have been chasing my dream of being a successful playwright for 12 years. I am truly blessed and grateful for the support this play has received since its first premiere on November 16, 2024. I’ve been waiting for this moment, and I intend to put everything I have into making this tour a successful one for me and my cast.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes you unique in your industry, and how do you hope to inspire others through your work?
Makelia: I am confident and determined, and I AM HER. I am unique because I write my scripts on relatable real-life issues and do them in comedic form. I don’t use celebrities to play my characters in hopes of selling out venues, I use talented individuals that are from where I’m from that may not have gotten the opportunity otherwise to display their talents worldwide. I hope my ability to persuade people to believe in me and my work by simply believing in myself and God will inspire others to step out on faith and strive to turn their dreams into reality.
Fancy: Do you care to share any projects that you are currently working on?
Makelia: My next production is “A FedUp Christmas,” I look to debut this new play in December 2025. Other than that, I’m striving to take “Grief Grudges and Guilt” across the world into places that I haven’t even dreamed of.
Fancy: Where can readers connect with you to follow your journey, learn about upcoming projects, or collaborate on future creative endeavors?
Makelia: My Facebook Pages are Makelia LaRee, Grief Grudges and Guilt, and also FedUp_Show. Instagram: FedUp_Show
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