Meet Lorraine Rodriguez-Reyes | Actress and Part-Time Instructor at GSU

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lorraine Rodriguez-Reyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lorraine, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
I read this question last week… My answer would have usually been a litany of things…. spending time with family, having the opportunity to play interesting characters, teach my craft, gardening, traveling to new places, spending time with friends and studying new forms of spirituality. I always had a hunger for learning and expanding my knowledge. Spending time with my family always makes me happy, even the chaotic moments. I love working on shows, plays movies that inspire conversation, comfortable or not… My plants help me feel grounded and connected with my father who passed away 15 years ago today. He taught me how to garden. Spirituality keeps me grounded and in tune… I like to think it helps me balance and navigate the ebb and flows of our business.
After some traumatic events that occurred in my life, well my answer shifted a bit.
My husband was recently diagnosed with a Pulmonary Embolism in his left lung that was so big he and had to receive an emergency Thrombectomy…. Sitting in that hospital and realizing that we are in between life and death, well needless to say that put things in perspective quickly. I also had a lot of time to reflect on my life, our family dynamic and our relationship.
Life is fleeting and we only have one life to live. I realized, I absolutely love my craft, I love telling stories that make me happy but seeing my husband laugh and watching our children play with him, that brings me absolute joy. Sharing those quiet moments, drinking coffee together and just talking. The small things… The slightest touch, glance or shared moment. That makes me happy. I have learned that I must bring laughter into the mix of chaos and sadness. It has been healing for our family. These moments have brought me immense joy, I am truly enjoying the human experience in a new and vulnerable way. Truly focusing and staying in the moment. while dialing down the background noise.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always loved creating. I am an actress; I love bringing characters to life and telling a story. I fell in love with my craft at 15. Since we did not have the resources or knowledge, I participated in school plays; church plays and joined an after-school program at Mind Builders in the Bronx – Positive Youth Troupe. This was a free program for inner city kids that focused on acting, singing and dance. I was in my first off Broadway show at 18. It was the performance of On the Edge at The Mint Theatre in 1996 that really sealed my love for theatre. I decided I would audition for colleges. I attended The State University of New York at New Paltz and majored in Theatre. When I graduated… well needless to say it was a rude awakening. I did not sign with an agent. Quite frankly, they were not interested in a Puerto Rican from the Bronx with a thick accent. So, I hit the pavement like many other artists. I walked around with Backstage (an actual newspaper back then). I had casting calls circled and hit the pavement. I worked for free to build a resume and took endless classes. I finally started working with some theatre companies around NYC. Barefoot Theatre Company, SEA (Sociadad Educativa de las Artes, L.E.F.T. (Latino Experimental Theatre) La Tea … just to name a few. Now, since all these gigs were non-paying, I had to survive… I had many side gigs. I bartended, worked with an entertainment company performing at Bartimzvahs’-Batmistvahs, I was a teaching artist, bathroom attendant, house cleaner, receptionist, administrative assistant, restaurant hostess, dog sitter, babysitter, errand runner. These gigs were not glamorous, but it paid the bills and allowed me the flexibility to audition and book work. I did this for four years… I then thought of quitting… I was tired, and this was hard! Emotionally, mentally and physically. So much rejection can really take a toll on you. I did try to dissect the love of the arts out of me. I began working for a development company called Landmark in Soho, NY. Having a salary and stability was nice but I was miserable and unhappy. I lost the spark!
I finally decided in 2004 to return to school and get my MFA in Theatre. I made a deal with myself, if I did not get into any of the schools in the first round of auditions, I would pursue a degree in Entertainment Law and hang up my dreams of being an actor.
I auditioned for YALE in Connecticut and The American Repertory Theatre and Harvard University/ Moscow ART Theatre School in Russia. I was accepted at The American Repertory Theatre and Harvard University and Moscow ART Theatre School. I spent two and a half years studying and a semester abroad in Russia. This was an experience that changed my life!
I graduated with an M.F.A. I signed with agents in NYC. I worked in theatre, as day players, commercials and still have side gigs to survive. It has taken me 19 years to book my first recurring role in Sweet Magnolias on Netflix. So, needless to say, this process has not been easy, but I would not have had it any other way. I am in love with my craft. Patience and tenacity are key.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If the Hawks are in town we would definitely catch a game.
Friday: I would pick Maria up from the airport and take her to take her to Desta Ethiopian Kitchen in Atlanta for Dinner. They also have some gluten free options.
Sat: We would start our week with a morning hike at Indian Seats at Sawnee in Cumming, GA
Then head over for Breakfast at Seven Sisters Kitchen in Johns Creek.
We would then head down to Little Five Points Walk around for a bit, do some thrift shopping…
We would check out The Junkman’s daughter, The Clothing Warehouse, Rag-O -Rama,
Then we would visit Turtle Island Trading an Indigenous store and then head over to Cultural Accents and African Store (Hopefully there would be drumming happening as that always puts a smile on my face and raises my vibration).
We would grab a delicious burger at The Vortex Bar & Grill.
We would catch an 8pm show of LAUGHS IN SPANISH by Alex Scheer at Horizon Theatre
Sunday:
Since Saturday was such a busy day, we would take it easy and stay local.
Lunch: will be at The Southern Porch in Alpharetta…We would then walk around Downtown Alpharetta for a bit and introduce Maria to the Avalon.
Listen to some music on the lawn or walk a trail at Cauley Creek
Dinner would be at Rumi’ Kitchen at the Avalon. My kids prefer to take to Antico’s, but she is from NYC and a Pizza Snob… so I wouldn’t even attempt it! But, we would walk over to their gelateria for dessert.

Monday:

On our way to Ponce City Market; We will stop by Boarding Pass Coffee on Alpharetta and pick up some lattes and Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread made with Yuca)
We would head down to Ponce City Market (they also have a parking garage) – grab some Bubba Tea and walk the Beltline and see some of the cool art sculptures. Of course, while walking the beltline – we may purchase some snacks along the way.
We would grab an early dinner at El Super Pan (Puerto Rican restaurant at Ponce City Market)
On our way home we would stop in Dunwoody and visit the Phoenix and Dragons Bookstore and pick up some crystal bracelets and incense.

Tuesday: SELF CARE DAY
Breakfast at Antique Café in Johns Creek.
Attend a Meditation Class at Heart Way Holistic Coaching and then take a private Mandala Creating workshop at AUM Studio in Johns Creek.
Lunch at Belen Empanadas in Johns Creek
We then will head to L & L Massage in Johns Creek for a 60 min Foot and Leg massage. (I am sure one of us will fall asleep… lol)
We will then head to Kilwins Ice Cream at The Collection in Forsyth County for delicious ice cream and fudge. We will walk around and check out the local boutiques.
We will head back to Johns Creek and Visit Read it Again bookstore in Johns Creek to peruse the new books and buy some souvenirs for the family in NYC.
We will either go to Rajni in Johns Creek or Madras Chettinad in Old Alpharetta for dinner.

Wednesday:
Atlanta Breakfast Club – Southern Kitchen they open at 6:30am. This is great to go to before going to ATL’s Black History and Civil Rights Tour.

Thursday:
Breakfast will be at The Southern Porch in Alpharetta…We would then walk around Downtown Alpharetta for a bit and then head over to Canton Street in Rosewell. We would check out the local shops and have an afternoon coffee at Rosewell Provisions.
Late afternoon we would start making our way to the Atlanta Hawks Game. 

Friday:
Breakfast: Divine Coffee in Johns Creek
Visit Read it Again bookstore in Johns Creek to peruse the new books and buy some souvenirs for the family in NYC.
Since I would have to do my grocery shopping – I will take her to Buford International Farmers Market… there she can experience a variety of cuisine, we would have a snack in the food court and then head over to La Delicias de La Abuela for some Columbian Arepas with Cheese and Columbian coffee.

Evening/ Late Dinner: We would go to Suite ATL; We Will check it out. They have different events: Comedy Kitchen, Live Performance and Dinner… they even have DAY PARTIES….

Saturday:
Our last day in ATL.
We would have a huge brunch at home and invite some friends over.
Dinner: we would all go out to have some Korean BBQ – Cow Wow Korean BBQ in Suwanee

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I feel I had a team of angels who helped me along the way. Every step there was someone pushing me towards the finish line.

My 6th grade teacher Mr. Gerard O’Hare. He encouraged me to write and see the world.

My love for acting began back in 1994, I joined an after-school program in the Bronx, NY called Mind Builders – Positive Youth Troupe, Ms. Melvada Hughes, Hilda Willis, Rodney Giles and Sefus instilled the love of theatre at a young age and encouraged me to audition for colleges.

The late Beverly Brumm, my acting teacher who failed me because I wasn’t working to my full potential. Bev pushed me to be better, to do better… because she believed in me. I learned “to be hungry for my craft with Bev.

Peter Pamela Rose, my career coach who I have been working with me since 2007. Peter has helped me navigate the ebbs and flows of this career and has taught me to let go of what you cannot control.

Farrah Haidar, my creative spirit… she pushes me and encourages me to take leaps of faith when I have difficulty in believing in myself.

Kim Valdes from The Heart Way Holistic Coaching and Counseling. Kim has helped me navigate life’s challenges, raising children and overcoming core beliefs.

My books:
‘The Alchemist” by Paolo Coelho and “The Four Agreements” by Miguel Ruiz, these books have really inspired me to dream big, believe in synchronicity and be a better human. I re-read them often.

Website: https://lorrainerodriguezreyes.com

Instagram: @lorrainerodriguezreyes

Linkedin: Lorraine Rodriguez-Reyes

Facebook: Lorraine Rodriguez-Reyes

Image Credits
The First image – the photo of me acting and the image of me in the Doctor’s Coat is from the short
OKAY directed by Carrie Schrader.

The other images are of me on various sets.

The image of my husband , Marc and I with all the beautiful colors on – We were celebrating HOLI the Hindu Festival that celebrates Spring, Love and New Life.

The family photo: We are in NYC Times Square:
Marc my husband our two children Marcus Joaquín and Julia Helena. Her name is pronounced (Who-Lee-A)

The other family photo we are in Puerto Rico – Old San Juan. With our Mothers. Aida Rodríguez, Helen Reyes and my aunt Sandra Crespo.