Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaelle Vilsa.
Michaelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m from downstate NY (Shoutout to Spring Valley!). I’ve been acting my whole life, but I took it seriously at the age of 11. I moved into the city in 2015 for school. In 2019, I was offered a role in a new immersive Off-Broadway show called; Pips Island. In late 2019, I got a sense I no longer was needed in NY, I was getting drained and tired of the fast pace life of NYC. I also knew MY WHOOOLLLEE LIFE (age of 6), I was meant to be in the film. Fast forward to January 2020, the show decided to take a month break and resume showings in Feb. 2020. So as a person of faith, I prayed and asked God if I were still to stay in NYC, CAUSE I WAS OVER IT! Goodbye! I heard God say, “Atlanta”. I was like… “Was that me?!🤣”. No way! I don’t know anyone or have anyone down there! Why there?!?
So as the weeks went on, there many signs that I was supposed to down move there. So, I looked for an apt, found one (via FaceTime… I was the first to start the trend lol), and took it! Packed my bags and on March 3rd 2020, I moved to ATL. Marched 14th 2020… LOCK DOWN😭🤣👏 Literally left the EPICENTER in the Knick of time😭
It’s strange because prior to moving here, I had some potential deals/connections that began to open up in my first 11 days. Once COVID hit, they were all gone.
It’s been a strange, hard, pressing, & CRAZY 2 years! I’ve almost gotten kidnapped, had 2 floods in my apt, got an agent, featured in an upcoming film (small role), and almost got evicted🤣… but I’m still… Here! The journey ain’t done yet!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh no! As I’ve briefly stated, I’ve almost gotten kidnapped, it was in early 2021. In late 2020, I had 2 floods in my apt, but Thank God nothing was damaged… only my carpet and walls. I didn’t have a car the first year & a half of being here, so I walked everywhere or took a train… that was miserable in the summer lol. I haven’t been able to make steady streams of income since August 2021, which almost led to a possible eviction… that’s a story for another day lol. It’s been extremely rough the past few months… but as I stated before… I’M STILL HERE.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actress. If you haven’t seen Pips Island… it was a fairly new show/concept in the Broadway World. It was featured in Times Magazine’s best Family Show of 2019! That’s been an honor and blessing and because of that, it opened doors for me to get an agent, and get a few projects down here. As of now, my biggest project is the new film, Lyle Lyle Crocodile (which is set to premiere fall of 2022). I don’t have a HUGE role, but you will catch me in a scene or two as one of their school girls acting out and giving the teacher a hard time lol.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Well, when people ask me these questions, I tend to avoid them. 2020 reminded me not every day is promised, so make the best of each day with what I’m given. If I can see myself in the next 5-10 years, the only thing I can say is… I will be starring in a wonderful, memorable Major Motion picture.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iputthesinsonmyback/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lisavilsa
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/ITSlisavilsa
Image Credits
ECG productions LKP Studios Isuan Oyakhire: @isuanayo
