Conversations with the Inspiring Rachele Schank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachele Schank.

Rachele, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The first formal acting training I received was at the age of 16 when I attended a summer program at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. However, my earliest memory of wanting to be an actress was when I was four years old. I remember feeling that I’d been dealt a deeply unjust blow being cast as an angel in the nativity play and, alternatively, a young blonde girl was cast as Mary. Now, I have no issue with blondes, but by that age, I’d seen many photos of this whole nativity affair and I KNEW Mary was a brunette. I felt in my core that the whole production read as historically inaccurate and, resultantly, preposterous. I spent the entire run-time seething at Mary, Joseph, & Jesus from my little podium above the manger, thinking about how ridiculous this all must look to everyone. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of this whole story-telling business and not just the bit parts. #MaryorBust

Things did take an unexpected turn in the middle when I accidentally became a model. I’d just moved to LA post-drama school to pursue a career in acting when I got a peculiar email from a modeling agency. Before I could blink twice, I was whisked off on an international circuit. I appeared in publications of Vogue, Elle, W Magazine, Glamour, Marie Claire, INSTYLE, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, and even had a billboard in Times Square.

However, I always knew I would return to LA to work in Film & TV, which I am very proud to be doing. I just attended the premiere for my first feature film and recently wrapped shooting Season 3 of Marvel’s LEGION on FX.

Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been anything but smooth, but it’s definitely been interesting! I’d say my biggest challenge has been blocking out the voices of the “non-believers.” Not everyone understands the reasons to pursue a career with so many highs and lows, where nothing is guaranteed, so to stay on track I’ve made sure to surround myself with great supporters of my dream.

Over the years, I’ve come to find that when people tell you, “You can’t do that, that’s impossible,” what they actually mean is, “I could never do that. That’s impossible for me.” I would advise young women starting out not to buy into what others think is possible for your life.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I just wrapped shooting a very challenging, but very fun role on the upcoming season of LEGION, a Marvel show on FX, written by Noah Hawley. I can’t say what it is just yet, so you’ll have to tune in this fall to find out! I’m also excited to be celebrating my very first theatrical release, and first leading role in a feature film, this August. A romantic comedy, ONE LAST NIGHT, where I play Zoe, a young girl learning to navigate modern dating and find belonging, opposite British actor, Luke Brandon Field. Some of my other credits include the HBO series Animals, FOX’s Lucifer, and the Dwayne Johnson produced comedy pilot, Bro/Science/Life.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I’m always reading or listening to something, but this past year I particularly enjoyed the book, I AM THAT GIRL by: Alexis Jones, which I highly recommend to any woman running low on inspiration.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.racheleschank.com
• Instagram: @racheleschank
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racheleschankofficial/
• Twitter: @racheleschank

Image Credit:
Derrick Leung

Getting in touch: VoyageLA 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.