Today we’d like to introduce you to Dom Desroches.
Dom, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Long Island, New York. Growing up, I was heavily involved in several sports, mainly Football. Like a lot of kids who play, I thought naturally my next step was a career in the NFL.
Although I played through my Senior year, it was my Junior year I suddenly started to lose my desire to play football, which then I began to think, maybe there were other options for me. This thought all started when a Spanish teacher who I’ll never forget by the name of Ms. Sarli suggested that I would make a wonderful actor. I smiled, even though I sincerely respected her I laughed out loud and thought nothing of it really. But I didn’t realize at the time what kind of seed she planted.
In 2011, I graduated from Longwood High School, and I was on my way to college to major in Physiology. I loved science, but I wasn’t set on it, so I wasn’t too sure on what to show interest in elsewhere just in case. Then I remembered what Ms. Sarli told me my Junior year of high school. As a result, I chose an acting class as my elective. I immediately fell in love with everything about it.
My instructor Jo Curtis Lee aka JC helped me open up to the craft. It wasn’t until I took Acting II where I met my mentor Steven Gefroh who ultimately changed my life. I’ll never forget our first assignment in Acting II, we had to choose a scene from a movie and perform a monologue, I chose John Q, played by Denzel Washington.
I performed it, and after he told me, “Dom you’ll never be able to play a Denzel as good as Denzel, then again Denzel will never be able to play a Dom as good as Dom. Point is, you are your own actor and own the unique stage presence you have” At the end of the semester he pulled me aside and said he sees a true gift in me. That if I’m truly serious, he fully believes I’ll go very far with acting. That is when I knew how to live the rest of my life.
While going through my Physiology program, I took every acting class offered even retaking certain ones. I even found myself reading my scripts during my Anatomy and Physiology Labs. When the time came and I graduated from college, I decided to pursue acting full time after, attending The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in NYC.
After finishing at Strasberg, I moved around attending several different acting studios across New York City. I acquired a manager and started booking commercials. One pivotal moment was attending director David E. Talbert’s workshop. At the end of his four-city workshop tour, he held auditions for his movie, “El Camino Christmas.”
I auditioned and made it to the very final round amongst the hundreds of people auditioning. Overall it was such a great feeling and experience. It was also through this opportunity that I experienced a great rejection, after the very last audition I didn’t get cast. That didn’t stop me, I was determined. One night after traveling back to NY from California, I was thinking about the Idea of making it home especially since I was traveling there frequently.
It was that very same night my now manager called me and asked me what I thought about moving to LA. A few short months later, I took the money I saved, sold some of my favorite items, including some sentimental jewelry, gave my car away, said goodbye to my family and life as I had known it and boarded a one-way flight to California.
Moving to California was the scariest yet best decision I could’ve ever made. It’s been such a journey of highs and lows, but I knew it was definitely the next step. I felt and knew it was the only way to meet my better self.
I booked my very first commercial when I moved to LA, signed to an agency and auditioned for three roles within two weeks of moving here and since booked several commercials as well as a few television spots on different networks. I’m excited for my story to continue to unfold and you’ll have to follow me to get the rest!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ll start by saying, when you first have an idea in your head, you’re so excited that you don’t totally see every aspect of it. My journey reminds me time and time again how many rocky roads there will be to face. My father was not a fan at all on the idea of me being an actor. He comes from the more traditional background where a “real” job (doctor, lawyer, engineer) is the only proper career.
Needless to say, him and I didn’t see eye to eye on my life goals. Aside from the philosophical debates at home, there was the logistics of it all. Traveling over four hours between Long Island and New York City just to do a 4-minute audition (that I sometimes didn’t book) was also a hurdle to get over, not to mention that it was draining on the pockets.
I worked part-time hours for several years on multiple jobs that I hated, just to have resources to put into my acting but money always seemed to be tight. Aside from the financial woes, there is the emotional side. Being away from family, completely, is something I was not used to and a big adjustment.
Especially during the moments when I wanted to be close to them or simply give my mother a hug. I developed a new level of anxiety over the year since moving to California. Between not getting booked for roles or not even having any roles come my way, finding ways to stay afloat, and just navigating the social world that is Hollywood.
Every day is a learning experience, and with each obstacle, I become more aligned with the person I am meant to be. Although there are obstacles, I will always embrace these battles because we must always war for our beliefs.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my discipline and perseverance. I’ve had several opportunities that seemed lucrative and safe at the moment, but I had to ignore them to stay focused on the path that’s meant for me. I take time to prep for my auditions and roles on projects.
Even though I stopped playing football, I continued working out. Working out has been a nucleus in my life and honestly the first love. I view fitness as my foundation, it has helped me with my journey in acting. After a long day on set, I still find time to go to the gym even if it’s 1 am or 5 am to start my day. I workout six times a week. Working out has had such a positive daily impact in my life.
Before auditions, it helps focus and excite me. During my anxious moments, it helps calm me. I also use my gym time as a time to reflect and connect overall, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have big plans to open up my own gym in the near future, and I will do it!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I don’t mean to sound cliche, but God has been my biggest advocate on this journey.
There have been several times where I felt like I was out of options. Where I felt I was doing everything wrong and terrified but growing my relationship with God allowed me to have a constant safe place.
A place of inspiration, reassurance and constant reminders of just the type of future He has for me. He is why I continue to believe. I also wouldn’t be able to be as far as I am now without my Mom. I call her MaMa though. From a very young age, she always gave me her unconditional support with the freedom to express myself and explore. She always told me, “Fly High.” Then comes my Manager Trell.
The idea of moving to California was beyond scary, but I knew with his support and belief in me, not only was it the right move but all of what is meant for me is more than possible. Of course, my mentor Steven Gefroh! He changed the whole course of my life. He helped me start to truly invest in me. To help me see what I had a passion for and what I truly was meant to do in life.
And Ms. Sarli, one of my favorite Spanish teachers who saw something in me way before I did. Who helped plant a seed that would soon grow into this. To all my close friends and relatives who have supported me as well (you know who you are), I truly thank you.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @domdesroches
Image Credit:
Jeffrey Hornstein Photography, Trell Thomas
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