Meet Shelby Ronea | Actor & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelby Ronea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelby, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Deshauna Barber, former Miss USA 2016, once said “Giving up is the birthplace of regret”.

If you have a specific dream or vision for your future, giving up shouldn’t be an option. The only direction you can move is forward. Re-evaluate your goals. Take a break so you come back stronger. One should never give up and settle for less. Focus on what’s attainable in your present and work towards the future.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For over ten years, I have been acting professionally in both theatre and film. In the beginning, the continuous cycle of auditions, callbacks and training became tedious. Respected professionals would acknowledge my talent, however other factors such as my legal age would present obstacles. Meisner training could not have prepared me for that.

My parents encouraged me to focus on growing other skills while in the pursuit of an acting career. My resume includes comedy, theatre, film and broadcasting intensives at Second City Chicago, Pace, Northwestern and with the Asian American Journalist Association. Through training I realized that I am much more than an actor. My passion lies within storytelling.

The current state of the entertainment industry is disheartening. I understand the frustrations and the need for reform. As an artist, I’m a strong believer of becoming the change that I want to see. I created my own production company, Anomaly Found LLC (official launch in 2024), because I’m interested in collaborating with diverse artists and creatives who have unique perspectives outside of the mainstream.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Chicago is truly one of my favorite cities. A quick event search always leads to fun activities. I cannot visit “The Windy City” without checking out the amazing collection and exhibits at the Art Institute of Chicago. After the museum, Yoga at Grant Park helps me to relax.
For entertainment, my best friend and I would attend a screening of a cult classic at the Rooftop Cinema Club, spend a couple hours at a karaoke bar, then end the night dancing downtown.

Rotary Sushi, The Hampton Social, and Grand Lux Cafe are just a few restaurants to enjoy good food and drinks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
God, always.

I’m so blessed to have my parents. I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have without them. They taught me how to dream. Their unconditional love and support has given me so much courage. My success is their success.

I want to thank my village of chosen family, mentors and close friends who constantly push me to be the best version of myself personally and professionally.

Last but not least, CC, thank you for reminding me of who I am and what I’ve accomplished.

Website: www.shelbyronea.com

Instagram: @shelby_ronea

Other: Interested inquiries for Anomaly Found LLC and/or Shelby Ronea the artist, please send to info@shelbyronea.com.

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