Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Sprauve.
Hi Jeff, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
First off, I am most thankful to my Mom and Dad. They’re the ones who really inspired this entire journey. For me, the performing arts started in the church. Growing up in South Jamaica Queens, New York, I was a church boy. I remember my first role, I believe I was five or six years old when I played one of the wise men during the Christmas skit. Every Christmas and Easter all of the kids from Sunday school would perform skits as well as recite recitations. It was my mother who really had me involved, making sure that I was prepared and had all of my lines memorized. Today, she would say that she had no idea she was planting and nurturing a seed for what was to come.
When I first started, I remember this inside feeling I had when performing, I liked it. It was a good feeling, I enjoyed being on the stage. I even liked the attention it brought. I just felt like I was in my element or a place where I fit. It was fun. I even remember being in the atmosphere of show business when I would tag along with my father on weekends, who at the time worked at the Apollo Theater as a sound engineer. But it wasn’t until age 15 when my mother’s job transitioned the two of us to Atlanta, that I officially decided to pursue acting. I didn’t know what direction I should take and I didn’t know anybody in the business or Atlanta, but I knew what I wanted to pursue, so I focused on that.
I found my way to doing High School plays as well as Sunday church plays to gain more experience and later got into my first acting class at The Premier Actors Network, where I learned acting on camera. For years later, from acting classes and workshops to being in the Theater program at Georgia State University, I continued to invest in myself and go through the process. I learned lessons from experiences that I will carry for the rest of my life. In addition, I’ve made life long friendships and connections with some amazing artists and creatives I’ve met along the way. Today, I am honored to say that I’ve gotten to share the frame with legends and artists who will one day be legends themselves. Special shout out to Jana VanDyke and Luber Roklin Entertainment for their continued support. I am truly grateful to have come this far in my journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think a lot of us, if not all of us will tell you that even with the successes along the way, the road hasn’t been easy. I know for myself, it hasn’t. Pretty much everything I’ve learned about the business and the pursuit of it was through experience. Nobody told me what I was getting myself into when I made that decision to pursue acting. But then again, it’s one thing for someone to tell you, it’s another to actually experience it. I didn’t know the amount of rejection or setbacks that I would face. I remember coming home and crying my eyes out after flunking one of my first in-person auditions.
Also, I fight with myself. I am my worst critic. I always want to get it right the first time, no do-overs, it has to be solid or it’s nothing. I’ve had times where I’ve doubted myself, saying that I wasn’t good enough, or smart enough, or not doing enough, or I don’t belong here. I’ve even compared my journey to others. I am hard on myself and honestly, it’s something I am still working through. I’ve struggled with this word, PROCESS. Learning that some things take a processing period, and with that, takes time. Some things, if not all things, don’t happen right away. It’s easy to forget that when you’re living in a right now world, where it seems like everything is designed to be quick, fast and in a hurry. But I had to learn the value of patience in my pursuit and not take the process for granted by rushing. While in the process, continue to stay focused, be proactive, learn and invest in me to become what I believe. Yeah, alright, I’m getting off my soapbox.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Well, while you’re in the processing period, you have to continue to be proactive. So one day I picked up a pen, well actually I opened a screenwriting program, and started writing. I’ve gone on to write and produce short films, a stage play, two pilots and currently working on a feature. Ever since I watched Neo take the Red Pill, or listened to Master Yoda talk about the mysterious energy that surrounds all living things, or hearing the hum of a lightsaber, my favorite genre has always been Sci-fi. I think of it as an unapologetic playground of pure imagination and creativity. I’d like to add that I pretty much know every line from The Matrix.
I aim to think outside the box as much as I can in my writing as I explore truths of the human experience. Of course, I want some things to just be fun but I want to write stories that really impact my audience’s way of thinking. I love those stories that just stick with you for a while. It’s the feeling I have after every Christopher Nolan film, every time. I want to make an impact. Like Morpheus, I want to take you down the rabbit hole. When I’m not on set acting or at the computer writing, I’m in my closet recording voiceovers. I am also Co-founder and creative of Imprint Studios, an independent production company based in Atlanta which I am honored and proud to be a part of.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Oh, where do I begin? One thing for certain is what’s for you is for you. Period. Also, that it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Those lessons and teachable moments of life along the way are meant to grow you. Responsibility has been a major lesson for me not just as an artist and creative but as a human being, as a man. And really just enjoy life in the now and not rush through it. Lastly, in the midst of all the hustle, it’s okay to take time to practice stillness. Put down the phone. Rest, reflect and rejuvenate.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imprint-studios.com
- Instagram: My personal Instagram: @mr_jeffsprauve Production Page: @imprint_studios
- Twitter: @imprint_studios
- Youtube: @imprint_studios
Image Credits
Headshots by Jason Vail Photography Headshots at Trey Visions by Keitravis Squire Behind the Scenes photo by Hannah Pniewski
