Today we’d like to introduce you to Larissa Loeffler.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Larissa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After my Dad passed away when I was 19, I started rethinking my career. At the time, I was going to college for English, planning on being a novelist. A friend pushed me to consider something film-related since I had been making home movies and doing photography all through high school. I switched my major and quickly realized that Filmmaking was where I was meant to be. I’d always loved telling stories. This was just a different medium.
I moved to Atlanta after graduating from Bob Jones University with my B.A. in Cinema Production. I planned on pursuing Director of Photography and had already been involved in several features and shorts, with a focus on Grip and Electric. I started Gaffing, first short films, then a feature. I loved filmmaking and the art of Lighting a set, but I soon realized that a piece of me always wanted to be in front of the camera. I decided I would try for acting.
I was always prone to act as a kid. I put on plays with my siblings and I was in a church play when I was 12. But I was raised by conservative parents, so the idea of jumping into “Hollywood” had never been my dream. I was probably too busy dreaming of horses anyways. But the innocent journey I started taking began dramatically changing my life.
I was already in Atlanta, so I just started! I did self-tape auditions and got on a student film. I took acting classes, watched films and online training, read books, and literally loved every minute! I got into several short films and a theater production (“Shelby” in Steel Magnolias). I’m taking more acting classes now and am in another theater production.
I’m still growing in my craft and as a person, but I can see the growth I’ve made and I can only Praise God for that woman who steered my path so long ago. It’s definitely all HIM.
Has it been a smooth road?
I struggled for a long time with not having feelings. Since the trauma of losing a father, I had walled myself off emotionally. That was fine for electric work, but not for acting. I have grown a lot with acting classes and theater experience. I would definitely advise taking counseling. I think anyone serious about acting needs to be in acting class, with a teacher who will stretch you. Get in a play! It’s fun, confidence-boosting, and will teach you a lot about being in the moment. I learned a lot about finding myself within a character, and that gave me a depth I had never had before.
Tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’m definitely still in the beginning stages of my craft. I have a lot more work to do, but I am excited for the journey ahead! I’ve been in some films and I’m known as a gaffer to some people still, but I think my ticket so far has been theater. I’ve done some of my best work so far on stage. You can catch me in “The Man Who Came To Dinner” at Lionheart theater this March and I plan to continue auditioning for other productions for this summer.
I think what sets me apart is that I allow myself to be instinctual. I’ve always had a big imagination, and that’s what will give you freedom in acting. I’m definitely not perfect yet. I have had good teachers to coach me.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
Yes, I am very excited for the opportunities for women! I am blessed that I am so new to the industry that I haven’t had to deal with a lot of the issues so many women face. I definitely think that writers and directors are starting to give deeper roles to women. We aren’t just sexy! We are deep, motivated, powerful, and tender. I think the more people realize even the subtle power we can have, and start writing that way, we are going to see cliches start melting away. And I am very excited for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/Lari
- Email: lari.actor@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lari_actor
- Facebook: Larissa Loeffler
- Twitter: @lari_actor
Image Credit:
Rebekah Pruett, Tomlin Visuals, Bruce’s Real Photography
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