Ministry is not solely built for the pulpit, it expands far beyond that. There are pastors, singers, ushers, and then of course, playwrights. Jermaine Smith, widely known as “Jay Everyday”, is an inspirational playwright from Brooklyn, N.Y. With over 50 shows, each drawing numerous souls to Christ, Jermaine is using his talents to spread the gospel. You certainly want to get familiar with Mr. Jay Everyday as he is quickly becoming a positive force in theatre, radio, media, and anything else he puts his mind to.
So Divine: Tell us, who is “Jay Everyday” and what is he all about?
Jermaine Smith: Jay Everyday is a young man who wants to help as many people as possible. That’s my mission. I want to go after the individuals who doesn’t see hope, who doesn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I was that kid once. I was a young 7/8 year old kid who had dreams and visions, looking through the window guard. I always wondered at such an early age was that gonna keep me out. Does that keep crime out or does it keep me in? I had so many dreams. I was the child of a substance abuse user. I saw different men coming in and out and my mother doing what she had to do to supply her habit and had no knowledge of God. I had a praying grandmother who went to church, but I didn’t get that little glow to press on through. So I just want to help those individuals who are at the end of there rope and they don’t know that they could tie a knot in it and hold on.
So Divine: Tell us about your experience with God. How did you meet him?
Jermaine Smith: I met God through my mother turning her life over to God. My mother used crack/cocaine for 27 years. So I said if my mother could go up there with her drug addiction, all I’m addicted to is tattoos so I could go up there (laughs). But it took me some time because I sat in church for a year and a half and I faked it until I made it. I actually sat there and wore the form of godliness instead of really having it. I came in with the suit and the shoes and pointy toe and let in soak in and gradually grow. I didn’t grow up in the church, so it was a culture shock to me and all new. But it did explain why a lot of things happened to me. The experience was definitely brand new. It was different.
So Divine: What was the turning point where you decided to stop playing church?
Jermaine Smith: The turning point was when I realized I had to get the relationship right with my mother. I realized no relationship in this world was gonna work until I straighten this out with my mother. I said you know what, let me take God more serious, and then let me work on this relationship with my mother. And it was not easy. I won’t sit here and say it was easy because forgiveness is a hard thing. So it was very rough. And we’re still a work in progress.
So Divine: Let’s talk about you as a playwright. When did you discover your talent for writing?
Jermaine Smith: I discovered my talent for writing at the age of 8 or 9. I’ve been writing for a long time. I’ve been writing poems, songs, and just writing down my thoughts. I remember sitting in a particular church, and a gentleman walked up to me and said “God said to give you the lead role in my play.” And I’m sitting there like, “Well God didn’t tell me that” (Laughs). But upon reading the script I took the role, and I said this is something that I could write. So I wrote a TV pilot called “The Mailroom”, and I gave it to the pastor at the time and he said turn it into a play and lets put it on at the church. So I turned it into a play and got my cast ready. I then wrote four pages of what was really on my heart, which is my play “A Piece of Me”; which is based on giving forgiveness to my mother. I read the four page draft of A Piece of me to the cast, and 70 something pages of the Mailroom, and they said you know what, you have to finish this A Piece of Me. I wrote the rest in four days, and here we are talking about me being a playwright (chuckles).
So Divine: How many plays have you written to date?
Jermaine Smith: I’ve written maybe about six and a half plays, but I put out two full lengths, and two short. I’m currently working on one called “Love Don’t Hurt, People Do”.
So Divine: Where do you find concepts and inspiration for your plays?
Jermaine Smith: I find them in every day life. I find them in my relationships, my situations, friends. As you and I may sit around and have a discussion I may pick a piece of what’s going on in your life and put it into a character. I like to write reality based theatre.
So Divine: Do you ever worry about a certain topic being too heavy for the audience to handle?
Jermaine Smith: No, because I think everything needs to be brought to the light, and if its not gonna be brought to the light in theatre, it’s gonna be brought to the light either in a movie, or in a song. Kids are getting reality in their classrooms. Sometimes we just gotta go where we can go.
So Divine: Did you always know that this is what you wanted to do?
Jermaine Smith: No. (Laughs).
So Divine: What did you have in mind?
Jermaine Smith: I thought I’d be a basketball player. I played ball in high school and college. I was just a regular guy trying to make it happen. I still feel like I’m a regular guy, I’m just exercising the gift that God gave me. The things that I wanted to be, my public school teachers told me I couldn’t be. But that’s my motivation. I wanted to be on a radio station and they told me I couldn’t so I started my own. People told me I couldn’t be in magazines I wanted to be in so I’m starting my own.
So Divine: What made you decide to go in the direction of writing gospel plays in particular?
Jermaine Smith: Well, I more so wanted to write inspirational plays because I wanted to inspire. People are scared of the word “Gospel” for some reason.
So Divine: They are! It changes the atmosphere.
Jermaine Smith: Right! But you know what? I wanted to inspire people and let them realize that they could do anything that they put their mind to; and most of all, I want you to leave my plays differently than how you came. In 50 shows, 81 people turned their lives over to God.
So Divine: Wow! Well, naturally people might compare you to another famous gospel playwright. How do you feel about that, and what sets you apart from all the other playwrights?
Jermaine Smith: I feel honored to be compared to anybody, because people do not have to mention you in a sentence at all. I tell my actors and my son, who acts in my plays, that if anyone stops and tells you that you did a great job and they’re a stranger, that’s great, because they could’ve just went straight home. Family and friends could tell you all day that you did a good job. But a complete stranger? You’re doing something. What sets me apart? I just write reality based stuff that we go through everyday. So if you come to one of my plays, you might see yourself.
So Divine: How far do you want to take your writing? Do you want to stay local, do you want to go on Broadway, do you want to branch off into turning them into movies one day?
Jermaine Smith: Well I want to go where God takes me first and foremost. If God sees fit to have us on Broadway, then that’s where we’re going. I’m writing my play now as a movie, and I’m writing another play as a TV show. I don’t want to get ahead of myself. At the end of the day we all have our purpose and destiny and God’s gonna get it done before he says come home.
So Divine: You mentioned radio, you mentioned a magazine. You have all these different outlets. People are listening to you and they’re seeing you. What message are you trying to get across? Its like you’re becoming this mogul..
Jermaine Smith: Well, that my ultimate goal, to build a multi media company. I want to employ people. I’ve lived one way long enough; I want to try the other way. A lot of friends feel I’m gonna burn out. But when I was in the clubs, I had energy. Nothing is gonna come to you. You have to go out and get it.
So Divine: What can we expect from Jay in the next 3 years?
Jermaine Smith: In the next 3 years, I would love to be a successful business owner. But most of all I want to help people. My thing is, I might not get a mansion down here, but if I can get a mansion up top, I can work with that. I’m trying to get this benefit concert off the ground for HIV which affected my grandmother, sickle cell which affected my nephew, and breast cancer awareness which affected my aunt. And I know So Divine will be there supporting..
So Divine: Absolutely! Yes, we will. Thank you so much Jay!
39 comments
Jay as always is an inspiration to anyone who knows him. This brother has we used to say in the old pentacostal church “He’s got fire shut up in his bones”. An incredible man with a gift of faith, through his actions we are all inspired through him to push towards whatever you want to achieve. A leader no doubt in 2010 and further.
Jay wow reading this really truly touched me and touched home as I can relate to a lot that you were stating. I think this article gets “Two Thumbs Up” You are truly an inspiration to not only me, but a million other people across the nation. You definitely inspire me to go hard after my dreams. Keep up the good work and I wish you all the best in your future and career 🙂
Maine, as I call him is a very special and talented writer. His plays hav touch me in a way that I wouldn’t believe was possible. He also has help me to deal wit forgiveness with my father. All I can say is keep of the good work cuz. I look forward to seeing more plays and wateva else u hav in store 4me.
Love the article my brother
Mr. Smith, I’m so proud of you. I am glad that you decided to yield you heart over to the Father. I enjoy baring witness to the wonderful things He’s doing in, with and through your life. Continue to walk in your purpose. I will be praying for you all the way. Keep up the wonderful work. From a smiling heart with much love Tia.
I can honestly say being apart of Jermaine Smith’s production was a life changing experience for me. I am very proud of your work keep it up 😉
Awesome! Nothing less than greatness! Jermaine Smith is one of the greatest, and most humble people I know. He’s blessed me in so many ways, and I pray for His continual success, and manifold blessings. I
LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT…
Incredible and Inspiring Story Jay. You keep me amazed OMG..You Are The Truth!!! May God Continue To Bless You & All of Your Future Endeavors!!!
I just wanted to thank you for interviewing a great guy. His ability to juggle life and industry related stress is a true example of his strength. I am proud to be apart of his team…and his vision.
Beautiful! You are a man to be respected and admired for your determination and perseverance alone. You are proof that no dream is too big and continually strive to reach your goals. And with God leading you, you can’t fail. May he continue to bless you in all of your future projects.
DDBug…u never seize to amaze me. Friends til the end…4th Grade n counting…Got ur back man.
awesome article i really enjoyed reading it. keep up the good work an you will recieve your reward in the end .
TOUCHING STORY & I LOVE YOUR MISSION! YOU ARE TRULY INSPIRING JAY!! KEEP GOD FIRST HE WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU! I’M PROUD OF YOU BROTHER!
PEACE & LOVE
As I read the interview I was pleased as usual. Pleased to know that Jay is constantly reaching not only for the stars but souls. It does my heart happy to know you are someone who has seen a lot of things in life but yet your goal is to help others. Your goal is to help others see that your past doesn’t have to be your future and we as a people so need to realize this. I think you are one of those individuals who can reach others because your not speaking from a text book but your speaking from life experience and that will take you far.
Stay blessed…..
CMG,
Much Love!!
Jay you are an inspiration to so many. It is through your struggles that you are able to tell your story. So continue to tell it, because you are reaching so many. Remain blessed!
I have had the pleasure of seeing Jermaines most inspirational work “A piece of Me” which is truly touching. Reading this interview has given a closer look into his personal past struggles as well as his bright future. Thank you for presenting a great piece for his fans. To Jermaine you are truly an inspiration to me and everyone who has the pleasure of knowing you. May God continue to use you to touch peoples hearts and lives and bring you much success.
“Lissa”
NJ
This was a great read and truly inspirational. Jay you deserve God’s best and if you continue to be diligent, you will receive just that. Continue to uplift and make known the blessing that forgivness is. This article blessed me…thanks!
Jay, as always it is a pleasure to read up on your interviews and future projects you are doing. You must know you have been a blessing to many and will continue to touch lives as you journey on as a playwright.Proud of you always!!! God Bless!
Jermaine, What a real interview which is so like you. I have seen you spiritually grow throughout the year and God is not through with you yet. It is your season! You definetly deserve everything good coming your way because of your work ethic, hardwork and dedication to and for the communities around the east coast. I Love you and I hope your next play will be entitled “Keep Your Head Up.”
Jay your life`s testimony is & will continue to be an inspiration for me. We share similarities in regrards to loved ones who had been & are still fighting the use of substance abuse. I will continue to lift you up in prayer. Keep going Jay -> In Jesus Name* stay blessed!
In the Gospel of John 12;24 Jesus said ” Verily,verily I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into theground and die, it abideth alone;but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” Jermaine’s willingness to allow “himself” to be planted so that others can experience grothw is positve proof of this scriptures meaning—God bless you Jermaine keep bringing forth much fruit
J. You never stop do you!!! I just cried when I read,”So I just want to help those individuals who are at the end of there rope and they don’t know that they could tie a knot in it and hold on” because that’s where I am today. So you see, on or off stage you have presence. The reason I am always there to support you and your cast is because I love your work and theirs. Keep on doing what you are doing. The mansion is just waiting for your occupancy. Luv Mama Strickland.
having the honor to be a part of a piece of me and also bein a friend you are truly a gift from God and I am a better person knowing you. Keep up the great work & keep God First!!!!
I met Jermaine when he was casting for Cooking in Yesterday’s Grease his current production. I was immediately captured by his sincerity, energy and sense of purpose. Upon reading the script for the role of Uncle Rayford, I found a kindred spirit in the character. I am proud to be a member of this great cast in a work of love spreading inspiration to those who may have lost their way. I know that this young man is destined for greatness. As Uncle Rayford would say, “Etch that on ya brain!”. Godspeed on your journey Jay. One love.
Allen (Uncle Rayford) Jenkins
I met Jermaine nine months ago when he was casting for his current production Cooking in Yesterday’s Grease. I was immediately captured by his sincerity, energy and sense of purpose. When I read the script for the role of Uncle Rayford, I found a kindred spirit in the character. I am proud to be a member of this great cast, in a work of love reaching out to those who may have lost their way. There is no doubt in my mind that this young man is destined for greatness. As Uncle Rayford would say, “Etch that on ya brain!”. Godspeed on your journey Jay! One love.
Allen (Uncle Rayford) Jenkins
It’s refreshing to see such a talented and positive brother being recognized. Continued success & blessings.
Media mogul in the making ..keep doin your thang bro
You’ve touched a lot of lives and changed a lot of minds for the better!! Blessings in the form of greatness will be yours indeed … Faint not!
Jermaine I have to say I’m so Godly proud of u. Knowing prior to this ministry and seeing u now I have got to say God has done and is continuously doing the work in u. Keep up the great job. Continue to bring soles to Christ so they can through ur ministry, so they can get to know the same God u now know. Love Ya!
Jay, look at you… I am so proud of you!!! oxox
Your Friend Always, Ty
Praise God for using you Jay to reach out as your doing, I was able to relate to some of your story & I just Thank You & give him the glory, we are no longer who we used to be. Keep on keeping on Jay… God Bless You
Truly a man of Excellence. I am so proud of you and grateful to God that you are representing the Lord with your gifts and talents I pray your strength and wish you all the best Keep up the great Work !!!
I love browsing your site because you can constantly bring us fresh and cool things, I feel that I ought to at least say a thank you for your hard work.
– Henry
Thank you Henry. And we love having you visit!
Wow very inspiring testimony J! I’m encouraged to continue to go after my dreams no matter what! Sometimes things take long to come to pass in our Lives b/c we r waiting on God to do something when He’s waiting on us to move out in faith! Blessings. Thanks again SoDivine for your ministry as well! Love and God bless!
Hello there! I really enjoy reading your blog! If you keep making amazing posts like this I will come back every day to keep reading.
So Divine: I truly enjoyed reading this interview about Jay Everyday. I enjoy his wise positivity on FaceBook. He truly has a way with words that really touches the heart. If you don’t know him you would like to get to know him cause his light is shining brightly. His honesty is refreshing. I pray that all his goals and dreams come true, cause he is bringing much knowledge and inspiration to the world. I really am looking forward to seeing one of his plays, I haven’t been blessed with that privilege yet. Jay continue to do amazing things, your needed on this earth!!!
Hi Yoshel! I’m so happy you enjoyed the interview. Thank you so much for reading and stopping by the site. The same things you mentioned about Jay, is exactly what we saw in him. Thanks again for your support. 🙂