We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Dreggors a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
I know firsthand the power a small gesture of kindness can have. I’ve had low moments or bad days when even something as simple as a kind word from a stranger has made the difference. I understand how impactful it can be. I strive to be that respite of kindness for others. If I’ve been able to give even one person a moment of happiness during a low time, then I feel like I’ve made a difference. The way we interact with one another in our day-to-day lives is one of the few things that we have full control over, and which can change the world.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a film actor based in Atlanta, Georgia. I have been focused on independent films, but I am looking to branch out into bigger projects in the near future.
Right now I’m getting ready for a trip back out to Los Angeles for the premiere of a film I starred in earlier this year. There’s going to be a screening followed by a moderated Q&A session in which I’ll be interviewed as a panelist.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Persistence: This industry is not for the faint of heart. You will hear “no” more than you hear “yes,” and that can feel really discouraging. If you don’t learn to take the rejection and keep going, it will feel very easy to give up. Most times, the “no” you hear is not actually personal to you or your talent. You have to be persistent in order to keep going. It helps to remember your passion for acting and why you started in the first place.
Willingness to be open and learn: I have unfortunately seen a few actors become defensive over feedback from teachers or directors. People who think they are already the greatest actor in the room are unable to take direction or surrender themselves to the scene or their scene partners. As an actor, you will never stop learning. And that’s a good thing! There are always new methods to study, new tips and tricks, new human experiences, new perspectives and points of view. We are students of the world around us, and there’s no shortage of life experiences from which we can learn.
Empathy: Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is paramount to being able to tell stories. You have to be able to understand other people’s emotions and the places they’re coming from before you can authentically tell human stories.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Before I was even born, my parents both consciously decided they wanted to be intentional in the way they raised me. Neither of my parents had an easy upbringing, and they didn’t want to simply do the same things their parents did. They made sure to spend quality time with me and be there for all the big events. They fostered my curiosity by explaining answers to my questions. They encouraged my creativity and individuality. They taught me how to learn from my mistakes. They allowed me to be a kid and then taught me to be a self-sufficient adult. Their intentionality helped me to become a grounded and well-rounded person.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurendreggors/
- Other: resumes.actorsaccess.com/laurendreggors
imdb.me/LaurenDreggors
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
