Meet Shelina Smith: Stage Actress

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

Hi Shelina, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
Even though Theatre is a hobby right now, the end goal would definitely be to make it a full time career. I just found out that my husband and I have to relocate to NYC for his new job. So I will DEFINITELY be taking advantage of having the opportunity to audition in front of Broadway casting teams!! The dream would be to be cast in a Broadway show, as one of the lead roles. I can’t wait to get to NYC so I can pound the pavement, one audition after the next!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I feel like what sets every actor apart is his/her personality. I try to put my personality or my own “spin” in every role I do. If I try to imitate another actor, then where is the creativity?! Yes, in theatre, you have to stay true to the character. However, it doesn’t mean you have to portray them the EXACT same way another actor did. Adding my personality spices things up and helps to make my performances unique. I am really excited that I finished my first production since coming back to theatre. I performed in the play “My First Time” this past February. It was virtual, but it was still refreshing to know that I haven’t missed a beat and I’m ready to get back on stage. I have another performance coming up in July called “Puffs”. It’s a parody play about the Hufflepuffs from Harry Potter. I am super excited about that play because it’s so hilarious and I get to play around with an accent this time. But after that, of course I am excited about getting the chance to go to auditions in NYC. NYC is the Mecca for musical theatre and I can’t wait to dive in. Of course it’s a little intimidating, but I’m really going to give it my all and I will NEVER give up! One lesson I have learned along to way is to really sit down and think about what kind of actor you want to be and what fits you. I learned that I am more of a “family friendly” actress and I don’t feel too comfortable being in roles/productions that are extremely vulgar. There’s nothing wrong with these things, they just don’t fit ME. So the lesson is: Even if you are a beginning actor, don’t take ANY role just to get exposure. At the end of the day, that role goes on your resume and your resume gives the casting team a picture of the type of roles you’re good at. If you don’t want people to assume that you would do these type of shows, then don’t audition for those things. Stay true to yourself and go for things match that. I just want the world to know that it is never too late to follow your dreams. Even if you have to keep your day job and make your dream a hobby until something big comes along. When I move to NYC, I will still be a therapist by night, and auditioning in the day. I do love counseling though, so even if I do get cast in a show, I will still be providing therapy in the daytime, and performing at night haha! Point is, whatever you want to do, you can make it work somehow and don’t give up!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh wow. I would definitely take them to the Coca Cola Museum, the GA Aquarium, a Cirque Du Soleil show (if they’re in town), and iFly in Smyrna! Places to eat would be King Caribbean in Austell, I LOVE Joella’s Hot Chicken, Bonefish Grill, Pita Pit, and Casa Grande in Austell. Atlanta has so much food, I still haven’t explored it all, but maybe we would explore downtown and just try different things. I would also take them to the ATL Food Festival if they were in town. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely want to shoutout to my husband and my best friends. My husband because I would not have went back to acting if it wasn’t for him motivating me to do so. He saw how much I missed it and told me to go for it! He had been super supportive in every step of the way. He is also excited about us moving to NYC, not because of his job offer, but because of me having to opportunity to audition for Broadway shows. It just shows how much he puts my happiness as a priority and I love that about him. I want to shout out my friends because they have been SUPER supportive and were so excited about my first performance this past February. They are so eager to attend my performances and ride this journey with me. I love you ladies and thanks for supporting my dreams and I hope you all get to see me on Broadway at least once!

Instagram: @OfficialShelinaSmith