Journey to LA

As many of you are aware, acting has come back into my life this past year. You also may know that I grew up in theater, therefore, before moody acting was a huge part of my life (I talked about it in my previous blog posts). My first three years at Moody Bible Institute were spent getting to know God better and growing in his word. Since November opportunities have been opening up for small roles in films and tv shows, acting classes, and agencies.

Needless to say, this journey has taken off and it is on a fast pace. Although, my first acting opportunity was in November for the movie “Dreams,” I officially decided to pursue acting late February, when i started my classes. It has only been a few months and so much has already happened, I literally have to sit down every few weeks and meditate on how sovereign God is. I have been meeting independent film producers, other Christian actors, big time choreographer (Dave Scott), actors from tv shows, makeup artists, photographers and people that are willing to help me out, because they too believe in me. For example just last night, while filming for the Pilot “The Haven” a young man that worked on the set of Transformers 3 really like my style and offered to help me network with the producer and actors if he films for the set of Superman in August. (Fingers crossed)

So far Chicago has done a lot for me; gave me an education and helped me set a foundation for acting, but about three weeks ago I decided to move to LA in September. Many people have asked me, “why is that?” and I want to give an answer. SInce May my goal was to move to LA within the next year. I was going to spend the summer in Michigan and move out in the Fall or the Winter. As I landed two agencies, got casted as a lead role for a tv show running a pilot and networked with more people here in Chicago my plans changed. I decided to stay for at least another year in order to keep building my resume and experience in acting then move to LA.

Well, one of my summer jobs was to work at the C.A.N.D.O. camp, which stands for Children Awareness of Nutrition, Diabetes, and Obesity. At this camp I met Johan who grew up in Chicago but now lives in LA. We began to talk about future goals, because he is also pursuing acting. Long story short, in talking about what I wanted to do within the next year or so he offered me a place to live in California. I took it lightly at first, but then began to meditate on the offer and realized that this could be a prime opportunity. There was nothing holding me back from moving to LA and it is ultimately where I want to be for acting. Sure, Chicago has opportunities for me and has given me some good ones already, but LA will have that much more opportunities. I understand the competition is heavy in LA but I am not going with the mentality that I need to be the greatest actor. I am going with the mentality that God will use me.

I graduated with a Pastoral Degree from Moody Bible Institute and I plan on using it. Some people have asked me, “why am I leaving ministry to do acting?” The answer is, “I’m not.” I am firmly grounded in my faith and theology and I will take that to Hollywood. My ministry may look a little different from what one typically see but that does not mean that I am doing it wrong or not doing it at all. It is important to not get caught up in the “normal” way of doing things, or how we are used to seeing it. God is a dynamic, diverse and daring God, he uses us in all shapes in sizes and in ways we can’t even imagine.

With that, I officially decided to move to LA in September. I am excited and scared at the same time, but I know its going to be an amazing experience. Already I have made connections to LA and it will only keep growing from here. I anticipate that a year from now things will look a lot different and 10 years from now may not be the same lifestyle I know today. As mentioned before, things are moving along at a fast pace and big doors are being opened.

I ask that you will support me in any way possible. Prayer is much needed for spiritual strength and wisdom. Finances are important to prepare myself for professional acting and your words of encouragement are light in the dark world that a waits me. Lastly, I will be driving to LA if you live any where between Chicago and LA let me know, because I need rest areas!

If you have any comments or questions please reply to my blog or send me an email.