Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Lamont Jr.
Patrick, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and Raised in Bronx, NY, I became inspired by the arts at a young age. Traveling on NYC Transit daily, always in a Chorus and Art Class, I knew my calling was in performance. As a Teen, after what felt like 100 auditions (Actually only 3), I got into LaGuardia High School, the Amazing Performing Arts School, that is referenced in the Movie “FAME”. Literally a week after I got my acceptance letter, I found out I was moving out of NYC to MD.
Crushed and disappointed, I adjusted to my new city and continued to find Love on the stage. Throughout High School, I performed in a traveling Show Choir, Dance Team, Step Team, Talent Shows, anything I could do to be on stage. Of Course, being the “Performing Arts Kid” didn’t make me the most popular guy in school. I was picked on, talked about, judged. I felt very alone and different. This taught me to be independent, strong-willed and to love and accept myself for who I am and what I love. It taught me to never pretend to be or do anything else, for the sake of pleasing people or fitting in.
As I got Older, I fell into the life cycle of working to pay bills and feed myself. I still loved the idea of performing, but work just took up most of my time. I became managers of several different companies and always was in leadership roles. I eventually Moved back to NYC as an adult, where I worked as a teller at a Bank. Life was Good, I was Content. I woke up one morning, and the message ” You are NOT, where you are supposed to be right now” kept playing in my head. I had no idea what it meant, but the words continued to repeat itself “You are NOT, where you are supposed to be right now”. I consider myself to be a very spontaneous, adventurous and outgoing person, so I really took in those words and went into action.
Atlanta… I never visited, didn’t know anyone here, did not know anything about it, but it was in the south and it was a City. I decided to move here, to try something new, see what else was out there. When I first moved here, things took an unexpected turn. My Job didn’t pull through, and I was unemployed. I was terrified, I’m in a city I’ve never been, don’t know anyone here, don’t know the area, What should I do? I was determined to make it work and to Never give up. Then something amazing happened and I was able to support myself with free time to figure out what I wanted to do, who I wanted to be.
I like to say that Acting found me. At the time I was a HUGE Gleek, (Glee fan/geek) and I wanted nothing more than to be on that show. I found myself auditioning to be on the show. After my audition, though I wasn’t casted. My Passion for performance reignited. I knew that this was the time to work towards my career. From that moment on, miracles and amazing experiences poured into my life.
It’s now been seven years since I’ve been in Atlanta, and I Love it here. Such a beautiful city, amazing opportunities, I’ve built amazing relationships and bonds. This is Now Home. Today, I consider myself as a working actor. I am represented by Privilege Talent Agency, an amazing Agency ran by Brothers Jacob and Corey Lawson. I’ve booked a few amazing roles, including Black Lighting, Step Up: Highwater, Fatal Attraction, etc. I am a Manager of Get Scene Studios, an Amazing and progressive acting studio, that provides continuous educational and economical classes and workshops for actors of all levels. We work to motivate and inspire actors to be the best they can be and we get them in front of Casting Directors, Agents and Industry Professionals. It is such an Inspirational environment.
I am also into Motivational Speaking. I believe that our minds are powerful and the love and positive energy that we put out in the world, will come back to us. I work with a Non-Profit called the Atlanta All-Stars Talent Show Network. We hold talent shows through out the year, and I co-host the shows. During every show I make sure that everyone in the audience knows the power that they have to be amazing, to succeed, to over-come, to grow and to be who they want to be, through speaking affirmations. Standing on that stage and witnessing children and their parents, as well as other adults become inspired and fired up with positivity about their careers is one of there most rewarding experiences.
My aspiration in life is to Inspire people all around the world to Love themselves and follow their dreams. I believe in success for everyone and I will inspire people to live in positivity and to believe in themselves. It is never too late to follow your dreams. We can be and do anything and everything we put our minds to. Most important to me is to inspire people to Love themselves. Today, there is so much hate and negativity that is spread through the world and I feel that there is not enough focus on loving ourselves and each other. I’m working to create a place of Love, self-Love, and confidence.
A place where you can feel safe to be yourself and free. I will share knowledge and power in the world with my talents, energy, experiences and donations.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Sure it’s been smooth… NOTTTT! Working on pursuing an acting career can get a little tricky. You want to make every audition and be on set, but you also still have to pay bills and eat. Through my time here in Atlanta, I’ve actually been homeless before, sleeping on my friends living room floor. I’ve had times when I couldn’t eat or afford food.
I remember when I realized I had to get a “Real Job” and I literally cried, after my first day, didn’t even make it home, I just busted out crying as soon as I was in a space alone. I’m a very hard worker and normally quickly promoted to management positions, and that would cause a problem when I needed to be at work and auditions or shoot dates were at the same time. I ALWAYS chose acting over the jobs.
As my acting career is picking up, now the struggle is in taking the rejection. I get 100’s of auditions and 90% of the auditions I don’t book. It leaves you questioning yourself at times ” Am I good enough?” ” Is this really for me?” To be a Creative artist, you have to have Thick Skin.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
As an Actor, I consider myself a Business. You have to be able to market yourself and after all, Acting is … a Business.
I believe I specialize in contagious positive vibes. I want people to feel amazing and unstoppable with me and when they are around me. I want to Inspire people to make better decisions in their lives and to be a better person.
I am proud of my outgoing spirit and my will to never give up and now just follow but Live My Dream!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t necessarily believe in Luck. I believe in Vibes and Energy and the way you respond to certain situations. When you are putting out great vibes and energy, that energy will be returned to you.
When you put out negative vibes and bad energy, that too will be returned to you. There have been a lot of ups and downs in my life. I work hard to respond to every situation either good or bad with positivity. This is much easier said than done, but it is possible.
When you can take a situation that can be seen as negative and find the positive in the situation, I believe that more amazing things will come to you. Also being prepared. Be ready for those amazing opportunities. Stay Ready so you don’t have to Get Ready!
Positive Vibes Only!
Contact Info:
- Email: mrpatricklamontjr@gmail.com
- Instagram: @PatrickLamontjr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patickLsmith
Image Credit:
Ira Carmichael
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
