This performer made a hit onstage in the 1980s and was lauded for one particular TV role, before beginning to make her mark in features. Taylor grew up in a poor Dallas, TX neighborhood and began acting in college. Arriving in New York in 1981, she supported herself with odd jobs until the roles began coming in: repertory, off-Broadway and finally the New York Shakespeare Festival's "Shakespeare on Broadway". Overseen by actress/director Estelle Parsons, the program presented Shakespearean productions for NYC high school students. Taylor appeared in several productions and had the distinction
Professional debut in TV-movie, "Crisis at Central High"
1981
Moved to New York; supplimented income by reconstructing interiors of houses, tutoring children and working as a maid
1987
Appeared in the New York Shakespeare Festival's productions of "Macbeth", "As You Like It" and "Romeo and Juliet" (as the first black woman to play Juliet on Broadway) in "Shakespeare on Broadway for the Schools" run by actress-director Estelle Parsons
Adapted the German plays, "Sty Farm" and "Ghost Train" for the New York Theatre Festival
1988
Was one of the few non-African performers in the Broadway production of "Sarafina!"
