Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Croft.
Theresa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
From the moment I put my tap and ballet shoes on at the age of three, I knew being in front of people — providing them with an emotion — was something I wanted to do long term. Whenever I am on camera or on stage, everything going on in the real world instantly fades away for me. I become immersed into a different world where the only thing I can live in is what story I am telling, and how the present moment is all that matters.
Growing up in the Midwest, I always found myself immersed in something creative. I was always begging my father to film me sing, dance, and act with our family video camera. I would put together small skits, puppet shows, write scripts for myself and my neighborhood friends, and sing anything that was on my mind.
Throughout my middle school and high school years, I was performing in musicals at school and my local theatre. I also began professionally recording some of my original songs in which I wrote all the lyrics to with a local composer who had her own in home studio. I was instantly surrounding myself with the local opportunities I had until one week when I was 16 years old changed my life forever.
I auditioned to attend a convention held in New York City, where the full week consisted of industry intensives, mini-classes, acting, singing, and dancing contests, and an amazing way to connect with representatives, and leading industry professionals. So much was crammed into the week, and I quickly realized how much drive and hustle you need to sustain yourself in the business. I am so grateful for this week because not only did it land me my first ever talent manager and agent in NY, but it also prepared me for what was to come in my life regarding time management and discipline.
As my high school graduation was approaching, I started having second thoughts about where I wanted my life to go. I had always dreamed of living in LA, but during that time, I was not ready to be so far away yet from my family and wanted to explore another avenue of the industry. I enrolled into a college in Chicago, IL, with a double major of Theatre and Talent Management. It was hard balancing the two, because I often found myself at the theatre building WAY more, and could not keep up with all of the press kit, data, and other work involved with the arts management degree. I was at the point where my dad was basically doing my homework for me. -_-
I knew instantly after that first year, I had to make a change. I had to do what I always was doing. Perhaps talent management will be something I pursue later on – because it is something I love (helping others develop their careers and provide information), but performing and connection comes first for me. I am grateful for all the time spent in the arts management side though since it only helped me with how to go about my career as a business.
It took a lot of convincing and hard conversations, but I finally was able to attend an audition here in LA for a performing arts college. I obtained a great scholarship and was instantly ready to pursue my education straight through for two years. It was such an amazing experience, but also very straining at times. It taught me even more about time management skills, (as I was often awake and going from 7am-11pm/12am or a 5am start if I decided to run or hike that morning: craziness), and I met some of the most wonderful human beings there.
After graduation, I began developing my LA team, and auditioned, worked gigs, and sang at open mics. I found that my niche early on was in commercials. I absolutely LOVE commercial and marketing work. It’s so fun for me, and it’s a nice “piece of the day” moment I can create. I also took some time to live in NYC a bit for a dance internship, and it was such an amazing time for me to tap dance every day and meet so many walks of life, and learn more about the acting and singing scene over on the east coast.
I decided to come back to LA for now, and am living each day with hope – even when it gets hard. I believe that timing for everyone is different. If I am constantly creating opportunities for myself, and meeting other creatives, that in itself can only lead to the unknown possibilities. Performing brings me joy, and I hope to pass on that joy to anyone who spends their precious time viewing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. When I was moving across the country, My things got lost on one of the trucks, and the communication with the supposed “moving company” was scarce. I was living in strange airbnbs, and the floor of my flat for about a month and a half before FINALLY my things arrived. My parents even came out to help, and I was so grateful for that. There have been SO many moments where I have come so close to obtaining a role I knew I’d be perfect for, only to find out that they went another way, or had someone come in who knows or has worked with so and so. It can be exhausting when you spend so much time and energy into your preparation and receive an outcome you thought you would not have. Yet, that’s part of the deal in this industry. I used to beat myself up about it all the time, even screaming in the car after I flubbed a line for a network writer/producer call back. Now, I look at these “no thank yous” as a Thank you. A thank you for letting me play, and practice, and display a piece of me for you.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am an actress, singer, dancer, and lifestyle beauty model on occasion. I am constantly auditioning or being asked to participate in projects I feel passionate about. I love collaborating with other artists so that we can all bring something meaningful to life. I also write lyrics and melodies for my songs and attend open mics and record songs for my YouTube channel and release singles to stream. I also am primarily a tap dance. I absolutely LOVE tap. It brings me so much happiness, and creating musical sounds with your feet brings a whole new element of rhythm and music.
I like providing a message for people to hold onto. I enjoy creating conversations and allowing others to get inspired based on my interpretations.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is being happy with who YOU are as an individual. It’s not the things, people, or reputation you obtain for yourself, it’s being authentically accepting in who you are, and not what you want others to think you are.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theresacrofttalent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresacroft_/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/theresacroft93
Image Credit:
Nicolette Cunningham, Iris Control, Maciek Stepnik, Kyle Nguyen
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