Life & Work with Laura Aguinaga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Aguinaga.

Hi Laura, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Back in Highschool, I had an opportunity to take part in a play that was mandatory we participate in. The play was ‘All my Sons.’ Given that we were shorthanded on male students, I was asked to portray one of the sons. That was the play that would have hooked me into the world of acting. Shortly after I graduated from Highschool, I decided to attend an acting school where I would book an occasional play and shorts. Still, it would take another sixteen years before I would book my first official Co-Star role for Vh-1’s The Breaks. After booking that role, I worked on other television shows such as Gotham, Shades of Blue, and Ray Donovan. So being involved in film and television, I was engrossed in these stories that I took it upon myself to start writing my own. In 2014 I wrote and directed my first short film, ‘Short Steps which made its film festival run, and I am now venturing into the world of literature, writing my first Sci-Fi Fantasy novel series, ‘Artemisia’.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
You’re stepping into a world where 90 percent of the time, you’re told no. When I first started out, I was given strong, passionate lead roles in acting school. But what they don’t tell you is how different it will be for a young Latina to find roles outside of school. Once I graduated, I was surprised and disappointed that I was only being offered roles that required either nudity, intense sex scenes, or playing stereotypical roles such as the maid, druggie, prostitute, or having a “ghetto” accent. I still vividly remember when I was sitting at a casting and being told right then and there that I wasn’t tan enough to be a Latina. Don’t even get me started with the casting sessions taking place back then. Some auditions would occur in shady areas such as hotels, going through back alleys, or late in the evening. It was discouraging, and at the same time, I felt as if I said no, then I would never get that opportunity again. With that said I would like to end this portion on a high note especially for those who need to read it.

Doing this for so long, and with no professional credits under my belt, I was ready to throw in the towel until I get a call from my agent letting me know that I had an audition. I woke up that day with no care in the world and showed up with a “Let’s get this over with.” mentality. Little did I know that the director for that episode was going to be there, and her energy was amazing. I spoke to her about my desire to write and direct more and shared my short ‘Short Steps’ with her. We talked a little bit more and went about the audition, and I said my goodbyes. As I stepped out, another actress was stepping in, and I hear the director say. “It’s ok. I think we are good.” I was confused as to why they turned her away. That same day I got the call that I booked the role for VH-1’s The Breaks. Twenty years in and I can strongly state that it’s been a whirlwind venture for sure.

I’ve learned a lot these past twenty years and it’s been a whirlwind venture for sure.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m mostly known for acting, but I’m also getting more involved with directing, writing, and producing. I occasionally do model, but I’m honestly not that crazy about doing it.

I’m a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and advocate for diversity in film and television. I share my knowledge with new actors getting into the business and informing them that it is ok to turn down a job if you don’t feel comfortable with what is required or if you think your safety and well-being are being jeopardized.

The one thing that I always try to remind myself is that there is only one me. Being so involved in this industry for twenty years and the experiences I’ve personally gone through is a story only I can share. How I carry that and move forward is something I can only instill in myself and is why ‘I’m happy to help build and share those experiences with others whether that be in front or behind the camera.

What’s next?
I’m really excited to be writing my first novel, a Sci-Fantasy series called ‘Artemisia.’ It was a story I had in the back of my head for about 5 years now. At the start of the pandemic, I was inquired about a Voice Over job for an audiobook. So I get in touch with the publishing company, and as we spoke more, I shared with them that I was actually writing a book. He told me to send him a copy of the prologue and a chapter or two that I did, which transitioned the publishers from booking me as an actor to signing me on as one of their authors. As of right now, we are set for a 2022 release date.

Contact Info:

• Email: LEAOFFICIAL@GMAIL.COM
• Website: https://www.leaofficial.com/
• Instagram: @LAGUINAGA1251
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Laguinaga1251
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LAGUINAGA1251

Image Credits:
@INOA_PHOTO @ALBA.GARCIARIVAS @MRFACEYOURFEARS_BRAND_CO @OFFICIALLATINO