Time in Greater OC: 23 Years

Neighborhood: West Floral Park

Hometown: Whittier, CA


What are you currently working on?

These past two years, I filmed five commercials and four short films. produced a play and performed in another. It's great being busy. I'm also taking weekly screen acting classes with teacher Jay Scully...so the memorizing and audition practice is constant. I'm really loving the daily practice of perfecting the skills it takes to go from live theatre to film! They are both beautiful platforms for the actor but require very different skills and techniques.


What's been inspiring you recently?

Lately, I've been inspired by collaborating with and watching other actors, either in my acting class or on film or at the theatre. There is so much we can learn from each other.


Tell us a story from your childhood that illuminates who you are as an artist.

As long as I can remember, I've been interested in the arts - gymnastics, figure skating, photography, drawing, painting, musical instruments, singing, writing, acting…you name it, I did it. I dreamed big as a little girl and told everyone that I was going to have my own show someday called, "The Sunshine Family Hour." Of course that never happened… but there's still time! LOL!


What kind of theatre excites you?

I love going to dramatic plays.


Who are or were your theatrical heroes?

Annette Bening, Jack Nicholson, Sidney Poitier, Olivia Coleman, Adam Driver, etc.


What's the craziest thing you have ever needed to do for theatre?

Years ago, I had to direct 80+ elementary children in Hello Dolly and Bye, Bye Birdie. Although the final rewards were great, keeping their attention during rehearsals was crazy hard.


Outside of a theatre, what's your favorite hot spot in Orange County?

Date night with my husband is always fun. At least once a year, we love staying two nights in Laguna Beach with our Bijon Frise, Owen. We walk and eat and walk and eat…!


What surprises you the most about your role in the theatre community?

Community theatre is such a “small” world. I love being a part of it and interacting with so many talented actors. In just four years I've made so many new, talented friends.

What advice do you have for theatre artists just starting out in Orange County?

Stay informed about auditions by following local theaters on Facebook and joining audition groups. And audition, audition, audition! Even if you don't get a part, you will gain valuable experience and you never know where an audition can later lead. And remember, auditions are an opportunity to perform which we all love to do.


Go ahead, promote your things...

I am signed with print, commercial and theatrical agents. These agents have helped me book print jobs, National commercials and film projects.

I have also been a professional photographer for over 20 years. My experience includes family portraits, baby photography, fashion, weddings and fine art. More recently, I have started focusing on actor's head shots and cast photos for local theatre productions. You can see my work on Instagram at @lauralejuwaan.