Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Moreno.
Hi Laura, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Since I was little, film and acting have been a part of my world. Born and raised in Houston, TX, my parents owned a video store when I was young. I grew up working in their store and watching movies – the classics and latest releases. I was always in awe of the world outside of mine, acting out what I saw on the screen. Storytelling would definitely be in my future!
I attended high school in Alief (Alief Elsik High School) and joined their drama classes my freshman year. I loved making theatre and being a part of the community that it creates, but my heart was set on film. After high school, I pursued acting and was accepted into Tisch School of the Arts but didn’t want to put my parents through paying the tuition, so I attended a few local and state universities (UHD, UH, Texas State). Still, I couldn’t find a program that was a good fit. So instead, I took classes and worked full-time, eventually getting into retail. When my husband, then boyfriend, got a job with ESPN, I moved north with him.
I worked retail at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and a handful of other luxury skincare, makeup, and fragrance brands, all while still attending school. I dabbled in fashion and early childhood education classes, trying to figure out what I wanted to do, or more like what I should be doing, since I was told on several occasions that an acting career wouldn’t pay the bills. I still wanted to act, but it seemed impossible to break into the business without any formal training or established network in NYC. I didn’t know where to start and definitely couldn’t afford the classes, the crazy expensive headshot sessions, or stop working and pursue it full time. So my husband and I decided to return home to finish my undergraduate degree. I ended up getting into the theatre dept at the University of Houston. Since then, I’ve completed both a BFA in Acting and an MFA in Theatre with an emphasis in Directing and Dramaturgy. I’m a practicum defense away from completing an MA in Arts Leadership with a certificate in Arts in Health.
Over the last decade, I’ve produced, directed, acted, project managed, and have worn A LOT of other hats in an effort to make theatre and create opportunities for my fellow artists.
I had a baby during my first semester of grad school also. That was crazy! We named her Isadora Estrella, but we call her Izzy, so yeah, I’m a momma and an artist.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ooof, I wish I could say it’s been a smooth road.
Money, race, my weight, you name it, have always presented challenges. Even recently, I’ve been excluded. My anti-racist training and approach have been considered too radical and forward-thinking for some rooms, which is crazy because I don’t think myself very radical. I’m just human. I also struggle with being too Brown for some rooms and not Brown enough for others. So I’m in the “in-between” (the “in-between” was introduced to me by a fellow theatre artist when I interviewed them for my thesis, and there are a ton of personal stories from people that feel just like me). The truth is that it’s so much more complex than that. I wish people could see me for me and all I have to offer without putting their own biases and baggage on me. I’m just trying to survive, raise my baby girl, make the world better than I found it for future generations, make my ancestors proud and, if possible, make some art.
I’ve always had to work, making it difficult for artists to create their work or be available for theatre or commercial work. Being a mom now means whatever energy outside of working I have left at the end of the day goes all to my daughter, which leaves very little time to create. I find myself snuggled next to her in the middle of the night, researching, writing, and going down rabbit holes because it’s the only time I can do it. I know I’m not the only momma artist that feels that way.
People have told me many times within the industry to change my last name, don’t tan, don’t gain weight, wear heels, that my body shape looked too maternal and matronly…the list goes on. Someone I thought cared for me told me I was “too ugly for film,” and I believed them. I wish like hell that I didn’t.
I have asked for the same things white students and artists have asked for and been told “no” without further explanation. I’ve also been told “no” only to find out that a white person with less experience was granted the opportunity. But I keep going. Unfortunately, that’s the world we live in. I thought I wanted a seat at the table for a long time, but, honestly, that’s brought on a lot of pain and trauma. So, my focus now is creating my own table and inviting whoever would like to join me. There shouldn’t be gatekeeping when it comes to creating. Making art is a form of catharsis. If we gate-keep, we are saying that art is only for a few. Everyone should have the opportunity to create and find forms of self-expression and catharsis.
It’s not been easy navigating the art world as a woman of color. I have to work twice as hard to prove myself or be trusted. That comes with a lot of harm and expectations I put on myself to always be perfect. It’s exhausting. So recently, I’ve been exploring boundaries, decolonizing, taking care of my wellbeing, and a lot of therapy to unpack all the crap others have put on me my whole life. It’s A LOT. I’m grateful for all the women and organizations that have and still mentor me, have given me space to create, and have guided me through my healing and becoming my authentic self – for their continued guidance. I couldn’t do it without them. I have a great support system with my husband and parents, but, for real, it makes the biggest difference to know you’re not alone.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actress, director, dramaturg, costume designer, makeup artist, wig designer, arts admin, producer, cultural consultant, writer, intimacy director-in-training, anti-racist facilitator. I crave knowledge and understanding of how things work. I have a curiosity that never seems to extinguish. I want to get to know people. I want to hear their stories. I want to know how I can help. I want to lift them up and celebrate their beauty.
I currently have a few directing and costuming projects coming up this season. I’m also in the process of starting a mixed media production company with my husband, focusing on a few mini web series, podcasts, short films, and mini-documentaries. We have a few small projects in the works and are building the foundation of the company. We hope to launch by early summer.
A group of Latine theatre artists and I have received a grant through BANF (BIPOC Artists Network and Fund). Our goal is to create community engagement and outreach initiatives that will include, but are not limited to: a local Latine Playwriting Group, a QR code historical and art tour initiative, theatre workshops, and productions created with the community – we’re calling it Teatro Comunitario. We hope to have El Henry by Herbert Siguenza up by next year and feature both theatre professionals and new talent from the community.
I’m also the Houston Chapter Rep for the Parent Artist Advocacy League (PAAL). We’re currently working on uniting parent artists to provide support and creating a local childcare fund for them. More to come soon!
I still take professional makeup gigs and makeup consultations on the side. Still, a great big portion of my focus is dedicated to nurturing and loving my daughter and family, and the time that’s left goes to writing, creating, and healing.
There are so many possibilities for artists in our city! It’s so exciting! I have a wall in my home dedicated to brainstorming and planning projects. I’m ready to get to work!
All this while I await my official graduation from graduate school in May!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Reach out to me through my email or Facebook! I always love to hear from other artists and the community. The work I do is about co-creating and celebrating our community and fabulous city!
Contact Info:
- Email: lmoreno627@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Azelsgirl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.moreno.9883739
- Twitter: @azelsgirl
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/3RsxTvxh4VE
- Other: https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/things-to-do-a-review-of-samuel-becketts-ladies-night-at-mildreds-umbrella-11418453
Image Credits
Tasha Gorel (Nivan Photography)
Catastrophic Theatre
Brittny Bush
Catherine Thomas
Scoot Searles
Anna Maria
Alyssa Marek
Afsaneh Aayani
Logan Butcher
Dillon Dewitt
Robert Meek
Camron Alexander
Bonnie Langthon
Rec Room Arts
Dano Colon
Orlanders Tao Jones
Greg Cote
Iris Wachs
Misnomers
Gabe Regojo
Robert Meek
Tyler
Sloan
Jonathon
Josh
Natalie
Laurel
Sam
Alley@Home
Orlando Arriaga
Briana Resa
