We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tracey Lubin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tracey below.
Tracey , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I have always had a burning desire to become an actor for as long as I can remember. However, I was always scared to vocalize and act on this dream. The fear mostly came from my lack of confidence, and fear of disappointing my parents. My parents immigrated to New York from Haiti. They raised my sisters and I to value education. They wanted me to pursue a career in medicine or law. I wanted to make them proud so I repeatedly convinced myself that becoming an actor wasn’t a realistic option for me. Growing up I really loved watching movies and tv shows, especially sitcoms. Escaping into lives of different characters helped me feel more connected to the human experience. The emotional rollercoaster of storytelling would make me cry, smile, laugh. The magic of it all was very therapeutic for me and always blew my mind. I’d think to myself man I’d love to be able to do that. Move and affect an audience so that someone somewhere can feel seen. During the middle of the pandemic in 2020, I finally betted on myself and decided to chase my dreams. I was working at a cushy healthcare job feeling somewhat unfulfilled. I was tired of my mundane day to day schedule. After being denied a promotion at my job and feeling disappointed, I decided it was time for a change. I came to the realization that I needed to re-examine how I wanted to move forward and live the next chapter of my life.
A year prior to this in 2019 I had been going through some old boxes at my parents house and I found some of my old childhood journals. I stumbled on one entry detailing my dreams of being on my own tv show. That day I realized I had to stop silencing this dream. I knew I had to face the music and live it through. I literally sat there and bawled like a baby. The next day, I went on Groupon and searched for acting class workshops. My very first class was a TV and Film class and it turned out to being one of the most memorable days of my life. I had so much fun!!! The spark was lit and I instantly felt at home. From there, I went on to read books on acting, plays, and registered for several classes all across the city. I took these classes after work and sometimes on the weekends. Still, I convinced myself that even though I caught the acting bug it would only be a hobby just for fun.
Ultimately, I grew eager to explore and find the right techniques to open my instrument. At the beginning of 2020, I discovered the Meisner technique at the Actors Pro Expo.This technique was so intriguing to me in the way that it really helped me get out of my own head. I wanted to devote myself to learning more about it so, I decided to apply to a full time summer intensive program focusing on Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse Theatre. I was nervous about getting into the program because I had no real experience under my belt. I figured it was worth a shot. I was still working at my full time job and would need to take time off work in order to do the program. The admission process was like applying to any school. I took some DYI headshots in my bedroom (thanks to my sister), wrote a personal statement, got some recommendation letters, and had to audition with a monologue. To my surprise, I got in!! My acceptance came in April 2020 in the beginning of the pandemic. There was so much uncertainty of what life would look like that summer. One one hand I was extremely excited and the other I was nervous about this opportunity having to be put on hold. The school ultimately decided to go forward with the summer program however, with the CDC guidelines in effect it was decided that the program would operate 100% on Zoom and not in person. I was super conflicted because I wasn’t sure if I could get the full experience of learning how to act through a computer. There was also the dilemma of taking a leave from work to do this program.I was completely torn yet through much prayer, and encouragement from my small circle of people I entrusted I decided that this was no longer a hobby. The pandemic made me realize that life is unpredictable and short. We must go after the things we want and live like there’s no tomorrow. It was the best risk I have ever made in my life. I was pushed beyond my limits during that summer. It was unconventional but I challenged myself from learning how to articulate my voice to moving through dance all within my bedroom. In the midst of the chaos during those times, I deep dived and learned so much about the power that lies within me.
Tracey , 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?
After I completed a summer intensive program at the Neighborhood Playhouse Theatre. I really wanted to hit the ground running in this industry. I figured I needed to gain some experience in auditioning and I wanted to prove to myself that I was cut out for the road to Hollywood. I went ahead and invested in some professional headshots and then registered for both Backstage, and Actors Access accounts to apply for acting gigs. I checked both those boards diligently everyday and applied to everything I could. After a few long months things started to pick up and fortunately I ended up getting casted in some independent projects, student films, and commercial work. In between gigs I would do background work as well which helped me network with other actors and absorb the behind scenes of tv production. Ultimately, I knew I needed agent representation in order to audition for network tv shows and films. Having no idea on how to land representation I one day saw an advertisement online about a showcase company helping actors find representation. I took the chance to join this membership company in hopes of networking and getting my face out there. The leaders of The Actors Project NYC helped me learn how to market myself and prepare to showcase my talent to agents and managers across the industry. After a few months under their leadership, I performed in my very first showcase. My performance was a success and led to me getting approached by a few agents. Thankfully, I signed with both a manager and commercial agent. It was surreal but a wonderful blessing. I quickly started auditioning for multiple big brands and network tv shows.
What I think sets me apart from others is my attitude, resilience, and love for the journey. Although this journey is by no means easy, I find practicing gratitude and having faith is what helps push me through and stay motivated. I’m grateful for every win big or small and even the losses. I had to learn very early on that sometimes rejection is protection and what’s for you will never miss you. In the meantime, I continue to pivot as much as I can by actively studying the craft whether by taking classes, watching movies, going to broadway shows, developing a routine, and celebrating how far I have come. The success is in the doing and never giving up. Showing up for the little girl who never thought this life was possible means so much to me.
To date I am most proud of collaborating with other creative artists in projects that represent my community. I am also really proud of having a few running national commercials and recently doing a promotional advertisement for the MTV Movie and TV awards. Even though I have yet to make it to the big screen, the fact that I was able to be a part of celebrating actors I look up to was unbelievably inspiring. Having my face plastered in the heart of my hometown city has made me feel that anything is possible and that I too can be in awarded films someday. I actively try to find balance in being present and grounded. Hustling between multiple survival jobs, while actively auditioning , taking classes and trying to have a social life can get crazy. I make sure that I find time for myself whether it’s through prayer and meditation, staying active and or prioritizing rest . As actors we can get so engulfed into chasing this dream that we can forget to live life. I’m happy and proud to be chasing my dreams but I also don’t try to take myself too seriously or forget to stop and smell the roses.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I decided to invest in seriously pursuing my dreams it came at the cost of me learning how to pivot in order to survive. Leaving my corporate job which seemingly provided financial security was an extremely tough decision for me especially in the middle of a global pandemic. Thankfully with the help of savings and pulling myself up by my bootstraps I was able to make ends meet. Ultimately I transitioned into the food service industry. Adjusting to long standing hours, overcoming clumsiness and learning how to become more of a people person hasn’t always been easy. Thankfully I have learned so much through this transition. You have to have grit, passion and perseverance as an actor. Your mindset and attitude can make so much of a difference in how you deal with your circumstances. Whether it’s being actively present on a long day shoot or working a rowdy dinner party as a server; I’ve found that simply finding a silver lining moment in everyday beats half the battle. Any given work shift is now a classroom for me with remarkable characters to pull inspiration from even on a crazy day. The flexibility of service work has been great in allowing me to be able to still take classes and make adjustments for when I need to audition. Being that I never worked in food service before, I could’ve let the discomfort of stepping into a new world outside of my comfort zone deter me from providing means to support my dreams but, instead I allowed it to help me grow. I have not only become less clumsy but the exposure of all walks of life has made me a better observer and in turn better actor and person.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal within this creative journey is to walk in purpose by maximizing my instrument in every way shape and form even if it scares me. More importantly I want to leave a mark by highlighting untold stories and stories that relate to underserved communities. Acknowledged pain, joy and laughter are priceless gifts in this life. Reflecting that gift to someone is what drives my passion through this gratifying journey. If I can uplift and encourage others in any way that will satisfy my legacy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_haitiperry/?hl=en