Daren J. Fleming

The Professional Narrative

The Lead: The Proven Performer 

 

Daren J. Fleming is an actor and performance artist whose career is defined by high-stakes artistry and a "New York City pedigree." Forged in the most competitive creative furnace in the world, Daren’s work is built on a foundation of professional excellence and a theatrical range that refuses to be boxed in. From the legendary stages of NYC’s Chelsea district to the dramatic spotlights of contemporary theatre, he brings a battle-tested presence to every role he inhabits.

 

The Heritage: The "Big League" Years 

 

A standout fixture in the elite NYC nightlife scene of the mid-2000s, Daren (as the iconic "Miss" Grenadine Ross) was one of only four winners hand-selected to headline Bianca Del Rio’s Moulin Rouge at the world-famous Splash NYC. A peer to global icons like Sahara Davenport and Jiggly Caliente, Daren was a documented asset "on the payroll" of the city’s most prestigious institutions—featured in HX and NEXT magazines and draped in custom couture designed by the likes of Willie Mitchell and Roy Haylock. This era established his reputation as a "Diva" with the technical discipline of a master craftsman.

 

The Visionary: Community & Leadership

 

Beyond the stage, Daren is a pivotal force in the cultural landscape of Indianapolis as a Co-Vice President for Indiana Pride of Color. This initiative stands as a testament to his commitment to creating inclusive, high-caliber, safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people of color in the Midwest. 

 

His leadership is deeply rooted in his work as a published author and social commentator. Daren is a featured co-author in the acclaimed anthology For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Still Not Enough, edited by Keith Boykin. His harrowing and poignant essay, "The Night Diana Died," chronicles the realities of a hate crime in the late 1990s, offering a visceral look at a pivotal era of struggle and resilience.  This ability to transform personal and collective trauma into profound art and advocacy reflects Daren’s deep-seated belief that the spotlight—and the page—belongs to everyone. He remains a respected mentor, a fearless writer, and a visionary architect of the arts community.

 

The Foundation: Academic Excellence & Scholarship

 

Daren’s artistic practice is anchored by an elite multi-disciplinary academic background that bridges the gap between performance, theory, and industry structure:

• Master of Science in Publishing – Pace University: A deep dive into the business of storytelling, media, and the structural dissemination of diverse voices.

• Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing – The New School: A rigorous focus on the architecture of narrative and the power of the written word.

• Conservatory Studio Program – AMDA New York: Intensive professional training in acting and performance technique in the heart of the theater world.

 

The Present: The Sovereign Artist

 

Today, as a sovereign artist, Daren continues to command the stage in roles that demand both grit and glamour. His influence extends beyond the footlights as a trusted voice of the community, recently serving as the Host for the Indianapolis Black Theater Showcase at the historic Madam Walker Legacy Center. Following his acclaimed performance as Peaches in Jordan E. Cooper’s Ain’t No Mo'—a role requiring massive emotional and comedic range—he is currently preparing for the debut of his one-man show, Songs in the Key of Grenadine! (Jan 30th and Feb 1st). Immediately following, he will join the 2nd Annual Flanner Fringe Lab (Feb 6-7), an award-winning collaboration between IF Theatre+ and Flanner House Arts dedicated to emerging Black storytelling.