Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Larose Washington. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi LaRose, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

For the past 7 years, I have been working on a project now called “Within A Shadow”. It explores how a quirky Black college senior juggles awkward crushes, fierce friendships, and cultural clashes at her predominantly white university, all while fighting to find her place in a world that just doesn’t get her.

As a Black individual who was raised in predominantly white areas, I wondered if anyone else truly knew what it feels like to be the sole minority in the room? Do people know how that type of lonely environment affects your own understanding of who you are and what you’re capable of? I couldn’t think of a play or story that explored how someone copes with that. So, I wrote “Within A Shadow”.

This story means the world to me because I truly believe that it will foster healing and understanding for people of all races who have ever felt like they are not quite enough. And after 7 years, I am excited to say that the show will be going up at The Den Theatre in Chicago from September 5th to October 13th, 2024!

It’s been incredibly validating when people come up to me and say that my play touches on relatable elements that they have experienced first hand. It’s made this long journey even more worthwhile than I initially imagined.

LaRose, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an award-winning theatrical and film producer who graduated from the University of Southern California. I began my career by co-founding a comedy troupe, Trifecta Sketch Comedy, where I wrote and produced sketches with other USC alums.

After writing and producing for a few years in Los Angeles, I decided to relocate to Chicago. Here I’ve been really focusing on producing stories that have the power to make a social impact.

I am someone who believes that storytelling is the most effective way to create substantial change in the world. So, I founded Lex The Movie, LLC.

We are a production company that focuses on putting stories into the world that foster growth and healing while also giving people a good laugh.

Currently we’re producing a show in Chicago called Within a Shadow at The Den Theatre.

I am incredibly proud that we are putting up this production. This world premiere will help shine a light on a lesser discussed phenomenon for minorities and educate the audience on how this experience feels and manifests in reality.

It’s something you definitely don’t want to miss. The ticket link is below!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

“Within A Shadow” was originally supposed to be a movie named “Lex”. It would have been my first feature film as a producer, but I had already successfully produced award-winning content, so I was ready to take on the challenge. After 3 years of winning script competitions, generating interest, and fundraising for the screenplay, everything was looking up. We had investors and A-list talent interested in the production. But when the writers union and screen actors guild both went on strike in 2023, everything in the industry ceased. My entire production team changed, Investors were pulling out, and I couldn’t move forward on this story.

But I refused to give up. Within A Shadow is a story that needs to be told and is too beneficial to not be produced. So, we changed formats – It went from a screenplay to a stage play. I think that has been the best decision I’ve made as a producer and a business owner because we still get to tell a story that will help so many people.

We are still filming the play – that way we can spread the message to as many people as possible: There is power in the thing that you think needs to be hidden about yourself.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team comes down to one simple thing: Treat people like whole humans.

So often in business we think about margins and productivity, but at the end of the day, that’s not what keeps your team happy or moving. They have lives. I have found so often that people are willing to give more of themselves when they feel seen, and sometimes that means letting someone go home when they’re tired or looking at the picture of their dog for the 19th time.

While managing a team is mainly about recognizing how someone is showing up, maintaining high morale is highlighting why someone is showing up.

No one enjoys going to work when they feel like their tasks are pointless or menial. It’s a leader’s job to remind their team of the impact or value of what they are working on. There are many avenues a leader can take depending on the team member. Sometimes it requires asking: What about their job or role gives them hope? How do their tasks positively affect others? How does it relate to their own purpose in life?

Regardless of the method, your team has to know that what they are striving towards is worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lexthemovie.com
• Instagram: @withinashadow
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexthemovie/
• Other: Tickets On Sale Now: www.tinyurl.com/withinashadow24

Image Credits

Poster Illustration: Jo Riedner — @Earthbound_Sky