Rising Stars: Meet Amy Schumacher of Sherman Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Schumacher.

Hi Amy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve wanted to be an actor since I was young, though I didn’t always know this would be my path. I grew up in Seattle and studied Theatre at the University of Washington, where I was also on the competitive rowing team. That experience taught me discipline, resilience, and teamwork — qualities that continue to shape my work today.

After earning my BA, I went on to complete my MFA at the prestigious Ilkhom Theatre School of Drama in Tashkent, Uzbekistan — a Russian conservatory that gave me a deep foundation in craft and storytelling. Around that time, I also began pursuing stunt work, something I had dreamed of doing since I was little. Being able to merge physicality with performance has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.

Today, I work as an actor, stunt performer, and producer, collaborating with my husband, director Steven LaMorte, through Sleight of Hand Productions. Together with an amazing creative team, we’ve developed projects like The Mean One and Screamboat, blending horror, comedy, and heart.

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?
My journey hasn’t followed the timeline I originally envisioned at all — but I’ve come to embrace that. After transitioning from being almost exclusively a stage actor and moving from Seattle to LA, I started creating my own sketches and short films. That eventually led to a series called Nightwatch, a few Star Wars fan films and then on to features.

One of the earliest lessons I learned was that I didn’t want to wait around for someone else to cast me. I wanted to create the roles I dreamed of playing and make my own opportunities. Originally, I imagined the traditional path: work hard, land network credits, and have bigger auditions flow from there. But for me, the opposite has been true — the more I create my own films, the more opportunities come my way.

I’d be lying if I said it’s always been easy. There’s definitely been a mental hurdle in reconciling the idea that just because I made something doesn’t automatically mean it has less value. Imposter syndrome can creep in, especially when you’ve cast yourself. But then I see how our films resonate — fans around the world quote my characters, watch our movies over and over, and share them with their friends and family. That’s when I’m reminded that for me, it’s not about how I got there. My goal has always been to be a storyteller and bring joy to film lovers — and I truly feel like I’m doing that.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actor first and foremost, but I’m also a stunt performer and producer, which gives me a unique mix of skills on set. Most recently, I starred as a lead in Screamboat, a Steamboat Willie-inspired horror-comedy that’s been an incredible experience — from filming to seeing how much fans around the world have embraced it. I’m also known for my role as Mayor McBean in The Mean One, another horror-comedy with a passionate cult following. Hearing from fans has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

What I’m most proud of is that I don’t wait for opportunities; I create them. Through Sleight of Hand Productions, we’ve been able to bring bold, unexpected stories to life — projects that blend horror, humor, and heart in a way that truly connects with audiences.

I love roles that surprise people — characters who seem one way on the surface but reveal unexpected strength or edge. I aim to bring grounded, relatable energy to every performance, whether through physicality, emotionally charged moments, or genre-bending horror-comedy. That combination sets me apart and is by far my favorite part of being an actor.

At my core, I’m a storyteller. I want audiences to laugh, cringe, and grip the edge of their seat — all in the same scene.

What does success mean to you?
I define success by the stories I’m able to tell and the impact they have on audiences. For me, it’s about creating opportunities, bringing characters to life, and giving people a memorable experience at the movies.

Success also means staying true to myself as an artist, pushing myself creatively, and embracing challenges — whether producing projects, or exploring roles that stretch me emotionally and physically. If I’ve made someone laugh, gasp, or feel something unexpected, that’s a win.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amyschumacher.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyschumacherlamorte/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.schumacher.16
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmySchumacher
• Other: https://www.flow.page/screamboatmovie

Image Credits
Christopher Sheffield
Sklaerenn Lorand
Michael Roud