Check Out Michelle LaRue’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle LaRue.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Upon graduating from USC, most of my friends transitioned directly into full-time jobs that would become their careers, while I entered the unstable and unpredictable world of becoming a working actor in Los Angeles. There really is no instruction manual to this pursuit and everyone you meet will have a different opinion on how to do it. For me, it began with research – best acting classes, headshots photographers, etc. – and lots of coffee meetings. I made a real effort to connect with other USC alumni, actors I met in classes, and friends of friends who were working in the mailrooms at agencies or in casting offices…I began to spin my web and absorb everything I could. I committed to consistently studying in various acting classes around town and signed with a really great talent manager. As the auditions began rolling in, I really got to work. I once heard ‘the audition is the work, the work is the perk’. It’s so true. I have been fortunate to book television costars, guest stars, commercials, and some movies for TV. I learn something new on every set and am always looking forward to my next opportunity!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would love to meet someone in the entertainment industry who considers their road a smooth one because in my 10+ years of experience, that does not exist. On the journey to becoming a consistently working actor, one of the primary struggles is how to financially support yourself. For my “making a living” money, I have been really thoughtful about spending my time doing things I enjoy that introduce me to communities I want to be a part of. I taught Purebarre classes for several years. The exercise, endorphins and community of women was wonderful for my quality of life. I worked for lululemon for a few years and learned so much about team building, communicating and offering feedback effectively, and the value in work/life balance. Currently, I work for a social impact production company called Safe Space Pictures. It’s been rewarding to learn about producing while working on projects that aim to make the world a better place. I have tried to turn the struggle of making a living into worthwhile investment of my time. Another struggle I have experienced as an artist is the emotional highs and lows. One day, you may feel incredibly down because of the way an audition went or pondering your own worth in this industry, and another day, you may feel empowered, motivated and on top of the world. I think what comes with experience is the ability to remain more neutral – enjoy the highs of course, and don’t worry too much about the lows. Recognize that you have SO much more in your life than your work.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am thrilled to be an associate producer with Safe Space Pictures – a social impact media company at the intersection of film and philanthropy. Safe Space finances and produces media to amplify the voices of underrepresented filmmakers on and off the screen and inspire action on the most pressing issues of our day. My friend, Nicole Shipley, started the company after being frustrated with the way women were being treated in the entertainment industry. She had produced some incredible projects (A Private War; The Trial of the Chicago 7) and wanted to create a safe space in the industry for multihyphenates to come together to learn about producing and storytelling. This has been an amazing opportunity for me. I view it as a way to diversify my skills in the industry that I love so much while working towards making positive changes in our world.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I encourage someone just starting out to really recognize that this career path takes time and to not be too hard on yourself along the way. The desire to tell stories is a noble one. Anything you can do to diversify your skills in the industry will only benefit you as you progress. Be kind and be collaborative. There is a misconception in our industry that an artist must be tortured in order to be great. I have found that to not be true. You can live a full, happy, healthy life AND be an incredible artist! So enjoy all the wonderful things life brings you along the way – they will make the depth of your work more meaningful and nuanced. We are here to entertain – have fun with it!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MichelleMLaRue.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemlarue/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShelLaRue
• Other: www.SafeSpace.Pictures

Image Credits
Romina Hendlin, Marlyn Woo, The Riker Brothers, Safe Space Pictures