Meet Theresa Stroll

Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Stroll.

Hi Theresa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I moved to LA in late 2013. I booked my first, paid, starring role in a music video my first month in town! When the music video premiered, there was one particular close up shot in slow-motion, filming my stomach jiggling as I ran. If I had been given a heads up, that would have been one thing. Without that communication, I felt humiliated and stripped of my humanity. That’s when I realized: my body is a punchline to Hollywood.

Over the following weeks, speaking roles for fat bodies seemed to disappear. Only non-speaking music videos and commercials remained, mostly centered around weight loss, self-hatred, and self-rejection. To take back my power and voice, I decided to create my own work in alignment with what I value. Thus, “MY BIG FAT BLONDE MUSICAL” was born.

Now, with thicker skin, I’m ready to challenge Hollywood to do better–to stop resorting to stereotypes for easy laughs and recognize the impact their representation of various bodies has to influence how audiences perceive similar bodies in real life. Playing into stereotypes hurts us all more than it leads to progress.

MY BIG FAT BLONDE MUSICAL is unique because Terri Walker, the protagonist, doesn’t hate her fat body. She’s resilient in the face of seemingly endless rejection, as she challenges her negative internalized voices, triumphantly reclaims her power, and creates her own opportunities! Her ambition makes her a refreshing role model for all who exist beyond society’s expectations. This series will resonate with anyone who struggles with negative self-talk, low self-esteem or confidence, or anyone who’s ever felt like an outcast.

There were times in my past I missed opportunities because I was afraid I wasn’t “ready” or “good enough,” because I didn’t look like many other people around me or on screen, and this led to self-hatred, low self-esteem, and a whole lot of wasted time. I want folks everywhere to realize: life is not a dress rehearsal–the real thing is happening in real time, right now! Time doesn’t move backwards nor does it stand still. The barriers we, as a society, have created and perpetuated, that prevent people from living their fullest lives are a waste of our precious time and brain power. I want people to see their dreams come to fruition and their potential realized–because they thoroughly deserve to give that to themselves. Hating the skin you’re in doesn’t change anything, it just makes your experience of life more difficult. Bringing this message to the screen is a great medium with which to convey this message.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Being an independent production came with many challenges. Being a small team with a limited budget, the project faced a few delays as we tried to find time between our jobs to film. Thankfully, we’re a resourceful, efficient team and we’re proud of what we were able to accomplish with many of the challenges we did face.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Thank you! Likewise.

I am an award-winning writer, creator, and performer, known for co-creating and starring in MY BIG FAT BLONDE MUSICAL. I’m dedicated to creating work that empowers and inspires anyone who’s ever felt alone, broken, lost, or not enough.

What sets me apart is that I write and create from my heart. My heart speaks in emotion, vulnerability, and feeling. I think that connection to myself helps me to fuse emotional depth into quirky comedies. My work is not about me, it’s about being of service to others.

I believe many people experience depression and anxiety as a result of trying to reconcile what is expected of them and what is authentic to them. The two often cannot exist simultaneously; they contradict each other. Trying to conform to the expectations projected onto us by well-meaning individuals requires self-rejection and self-denial–just to make/keep others happy. That’s not the world in which I want to live. I want to create a more empathic world and I see a way to work towards that goal through the arts.

Another note on what I do: I’ve worked from pre- to post-production. In addition to my work in front of the camera, I’ve worked behind it—doing cinematography, running sound, editing and color-correcting. I’ve worn many hats and all those hats have helped me see and understand the bigger picture of what it takes to create and produce a creative work. I like to think of all these skills as sort of an unofficial junior network showrunner training!

Admittedly, I need to acknowledge my privilege that has afforded me the time, resources, and support that allowed me to build these skills and opportunities. Thanks to YouTube educators and marrying an Emmy-nominated videographer with all that equipment–I avoided many of the pitfalls of being a beginner filmmaker. I’m deeply grateful for all of this and strive to pay it forward when I am able.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Make your own work and opportunities. I think of it like this: if you get locked out of a house, don’t sit on the curb, waiting for someone to unlock the door. Try every window and door until you find a way in. The work doesn’t end once you get in, either.

Embrace your humanity. Perfectionism isn’t real. We cannot learn without making mistakes. That’s just how learning works. Aim to make work you enjoy and, chances are, others will enjoy it, too. You don’t need to spend your life trying to win everyone over or trying to prove yourself to anyone but you.

“Casting is painting a picture. You might be a beautiful shade of blue but you might not be the right shade of blue for that painting. It doesn’t mean your blue isn’t good enough, it’s just not the right painting.” This piece of advice was given to me by another actress at one of my first auditions and it shifted my perspective early on.

Define your boundaries and never betray your gut feeling. Don’t do work you disagree with just because it’s a job, your choices mean something to the bigger picture. Prioritize your values and be your own advocate. Be okay standing in your truth, even in the face of rejection, criticism, or challenge.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.mybigfatblondemusical.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbfbmusical/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyBigFatBlondeMusical
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/fatmusical?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDzHdld30lf29F73VjtUViw/featured

Image Credits:
Sammy Balleto Photography Matt Kamimura www.mattkamimura.com Photo by Kayvon Esmaili ©Vanie Poyey Photography