Today we’d like to introduce you to Lau’rie Roach.
Hi Lau’rie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I got my official “Start” in Acting when I was in High School, but before that, I was a shy kid who had been performing ever since I was young. From break dancing and spinning on my head in my living room, participating in school talent shows and competitions, to getting involved with church productions and ministries at Turner Chapel in Marietta. I was in their Drama, Step, mime, and choir ministries. I don’t remember ever being scared of being on stage, I guess if I was part of a group or doing something to distract myself from the crowd, I was okay. But break dancing and everything in between was not my first love. Ever since I was little, I remember wanting to be “In the TV Screen” I just didn’t know how to get there. I was and still am a big Sci-Fi fan. One of my favorite movies growing up, and one that also introduced me to that genre and that small dream was Treasure Planet. I always had an overactive imagination and would reenact different scenes and adventures with my brother with our toys from films like this and the video games we played. It brought a mix of escapism and joy growing up. But once I saw one of my favorite actors, Denzel Washington, on the Big and Small screens, he inspired and solidified my dream even more. But again, I had no idea how to enter that world.
I remember asking my mom and other family members what this work was. They informed me that it’s called Acting. They also informed me to get involved with theatre. But I was conflicted. I was having a hard time understanding the similarities between Film and Stage acting. At that time, I had no idea that Acting for Film and Theatre was pretty much the same but have completely different approaches and processes depending on which route you take. I wanted to take the Film route but had no idea that theatre was the fundamental base and that one could also help the other. I knew I didn’t want to do theatre. As many productions, step shows, etc. that I’ve done with the Turner Chapel ministries, I was doing everything but acting, Until my freshman year of high school. During my pre-orientation a few days before school started. I received my classes and electives list, and as I was clocking my room numbers and the general area my other classes were, I wasn’t too happy when I realized that Theatre was on my list. I was complaining about how it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I wanted to be on screen, not on stage! But I was urged by my family to “Try it out and see what happens.” And… I fell in love with it. I still to this day, have no idea why I was so against it and why it took me so long realize to see the similarities, but I was close-minded and blind. But I’m so glad I gave it a shot. That summer, I got involved with the Turner Chapel drama ministry, and they were preparing for a performance at the Juneteenth Celebration in Marietta Square. I remember Ms. Tinker Foster welcoming me into the space, auditioning me, and allowing me to be part of an Act her group performs during this celebration. I was calm, cool, and collected until performance day. This will be the first time that I remember performing in front of a crowd without stepping or dancing. At first, I was terrified. It was new, and in school, we were doing scenes with our partners, in front of a small class, not in the middle of a festival. But once I hit the stage and got through the first few lines, I was hooked. It deepened my love for theatre and performing in general. A few months later, Turner was getting ready for their Christmas production. They were looking for someone to play an angel named Gabriel. I ran into Ms. Maxine Williams-Wright, who was directing the piece at the time. I met her in the lobby, and she asked me to audition for Gabriel, and I booked it! This was my first full production playing a major character. This will also be the same production where I would share the stage with my acting coach Nic Starr.
After the production, my mom enrolled me in his school Young Voices United, in Marietta. He introduced me to August Wilson and the August Wilson Monologue Competition. I participated for three years straight, missing the first year. I learned that you would have the opportunity to travel to New York City, compete with other schools across the country, and meet Denzel Washington! I was excited and worked hard trying to make it to the final round. In my last year, I finally made it to the final round in Atlanta and messed up my last few sentences during my monologue. I didn’t make it through. I was devastated. I worked so hard to make it to what felt like a climax, and it was over in the blink of an eye, and I quit acting. I didn’t want to pick up another script or participate in anything else related to acting or performing. What was the point? I couldn’t even remember my last two sentences why continue? My acting coach allowed me to take a break and breath (Which was probably a month or two). But in my free time, watching movies and tv shows with some of my favorite actors, I remembered that small dream of being “In the TV Screen.” As my acting coach checked in on me, he asked me to come down to the studio. I was still upset, but I wanted to get to reach my small dream. He said, ” Are you ready to work?” and I was determined to keep pushing on. Around that time, it was time for me to select colleges. I auditioned and applied to multiple. NYU, Julliard, Columbus State (GA), and a few others. I would either make the waitlist, get denied, or enter their program but not the school itself. My last resort was a conservatory in NY, AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy). I applied, auditioned, and got in. I moved to NY, trained with my professors, and finally got the chance to learn about acting for Film. Everything from scene work to making my first reel. I soaked everything in and was closer to that dream.
After graduating, I thought I was going to live in New York. I had plenty of family around the city and was set on staying. As I was auditioning and doing small student films and background work. I decided to try Julliard again. I made it to the third round, during that time, the applicants would wait to see about their next round. We would receive the news after the holidays or something along those lines. As I was sitting in the airport to head back to Atlanta, I received a call from my mom and acting coach about an audition at the Alliance Theatre. It was an understudy position for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I accepted the invite and later found myself at the auditioning in front of Jody Feldman (Casting Director) and Rosemary Newcott (Director). I booked the understudy position and understudied three characters. Enoch King was one of the actors I was understudying. He booked a show and had to be out for two shows, and I got the opportunity to perform on the Alliance Stage amongst some of the greatest actors in Atlanta fresh out of school. After closing that show, I booked a touring production at the Alliance working with more crazy talented actors, all under Rosemary Newcott’s direction (SLUR), after closing that show, I booked another show at True Colors Theatre Company (Exit Strategy) making a full circle moment. I once competed on this stage, and now I’m in a SHOW on this very stage. This group of talented actors helped me with many of my first TV/Film auditions. During this show, I gained another mentor and coach who, to this day, has helped me with auditions and provided advice as a new actor navigating the Atlanta market. Tracey Bonner. Right before closing this show, I finally booked my first Lead on a web series called Po Psi Broke (Youtube). Shortly after, I booked my first Feature Film as a Lead, This World Alone (Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, etc.). I finally broke into the film world!
As of right now, I am still working both in Theatre and Film both in Atlanta and outside of Atlanta. I closed another show at the Alliance and Milwaukee Rep (Toni Stone), sharing the stage with Enoch King. Another full-circle moment! Recently, I attended another Feature film I starred in (Witnessed) at the Plaza Theatre here in Atlanta this past spring. I am working on a few projects in Atlanta that should be finished for you to view or attend by the time this comes out.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Navigating the entertainment industry has been difficult for me. Rejection is all too common, and I’ve had to make many changes in direction. I’ve also faced challenging moments due to the state of the world. Despite my best efforts, I’ve struggled to find representation who can help me advance in my career. Instead, I’ve managed to book shows and projects on my own with the help of directors, casting directors, mentors, friends, and coaches I’ve met along the way. Although I find it frustrating to see others in my field achieve success with the help of agents or managers, I have to remind myself that I have the drive to succeed regardless of the challenges I face.
My mentors have also encouraged me to keep pushing forward and take advantage of the resources available to me (A literal phone call). Thanks to their guidance, I finally have representation and am currently building a strong Actor-Rep relationship with them. I continue to keep my Mentor’s and Friend’s words of inspiration close to my heart, reminding myself that this is MY career and I have the tools and resources to succeed. Ultimately, I control my destiny, and waiting for opportunities to come to me is not an option.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an Actor here in Atlanta. I’ve worked at the Alliance Theatre (Toni Stone, SLUR, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe), True Colors Theatre (Exit Strategy), Milwaukee Rep (Toni Stone), Arts Center of Coastal Carolina (RED). I won Broadway Worlds Regional Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Play for this show and North Carolina Black Repertory (The Legend of Buster Neal). I have a few films under my belt as well. This World Alone (Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, etc.), Po Psi Broke (Youtube), Rules to Rule (Youtube), and Witnessed! Witnessed premiered in the spring of this year at The Plaza Theatre in Atlanta.
I am most proud of Po Psi Broke and This World Alone. These films came at such an interesting and exciting time in my life, and these were the first films I shot as a Lead right after graduating. Po Psi Broke was my first on-set experience as a leading character and just being on a professional set. This World Alone strengthened my muscle and stretched me as an actor finding their way into the film world. With This World Alone, I experienced many firsts, I won my first Best Actor Award in Italy, I was able to see myself on multiple streaming platforms such as Hulu, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime, and it was reviewed by the New York Times! Very surreal and exciting for someone who had just finished school and was trying to find their footing in their growing career.
In the Theatre world, as of right now, I am most proud of Toni Stone (Directed by: Tinashe Kajese-Bolden), RED (Directed by: Whitaker Gannon), and The Legend of Buster Neal (Directed by: Jackie Alexander). I love to travel, and being to able to travel, do what I love, and learn to become a better human and performer is icing on the cake. These productions allowed me to spread my wings and soar on stages outside of Atlanta was truly a dream. Each show had an insanely talented group of individuals that challenged me and uplifted me to heights I never could’ve imagined. I came back to Atlanta feeling powerful, stronger and inspired. I feel so lucky to have been in their presence.
How do you think about happiness?
Currently, I enjoy exploring new restaurants, Parks/Trails, and event spaces in Atlanta, in addition to watching films, TV, and theatre. Atlanta’s growth is impressive, with many new buildings, developments, and eateries popping up. Although I enjoy traveling, I am making the most of the opportunities around me since I cannot travel as much as I would like to. I miss living in New York and doing similar things. There, it was easy to hop on a train and experience new environments, events, or restaurants. Here in Atlanta, it’s more car friendly. But, I am drawn to communities and areas that offer a “Connected” and “Transit Oriented” environment for eateries and other fun options. Describing this feeling is difficult, but I love being in those types of environments.
But what brings me the most joy is the amazing people on my journey. I don’t think I have the space to list everyone, but please know you are loved, and I truly appreciate you. I am extremely grateful to everyone who helped me get to the position that I’m in right now. Your advice and guidance were not left by the wayside. I am still using your guidance to navigate this industry right now. I’m still keeping my head down, working hard, making you all proud, and pushing forward as I find myself in exciting positions, un-imaginable opportunities, and experiencing more and more FIRSTS, like this Interview for VoyageATL. EVERY production I’ve had the opportunity to be part of has had people that have poured into me and taken care of me every step of the way, and I am blessed, honored, and happy to know everyone. I would not be here today if it weren’t for YOU ALL.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurieroach.com
- Instagram: @iamreanthony
Image Credits
Gustavo Rattia – @gustavorattia Allie Mcwhorter – @alliemacphoto
