Today we’d like to introduce you to Shun Lauren.
Shun, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started singing way before I discovered acting. My mom sings, in which I took a big interest in music at six years old. I was born in Dallas, Texas, but raised in Port Huron, Michigan by grandmother. I started performing in local talent shows first, then later, performing The Star Spangled Banner at basketball and football games. I started attending modeling and acting school, which helped in me going to Chicago, to participate in a modeling and acting competition.
Unfortunately, I did not win, but this competition showed me that this was not an easy business. I continued to grow in theatre productions and work on my skills as an actor. When I started pursuing my Masters in Counseling at Prairie View University, I started auditioning for independent films. Independent films opened the door for me as an actor, in reference to me learning about how film works and all the different processes that go into production. I was picked out of 2,000 actors to be flown to St. Louis to audition for the film, Cronies, directed by Michael J. Larnell and produced by Spike Lee. I also started doing more theatre by 2013, which led me to be named Houston’s New Actor to Watch from my alma mater, Prairie View University. The Young Houston Magazine also featured me in article about talented artists in the city of Houston.
That same year, I obtained an IMDB page, Internet Movie Database, in which you can find any actor and their credits, along with their biographies. I also started working with my acting coach, Ricky Catter. My publicist, Sarni J, assisted me in getting my first agent, in Austin, where I started auditioning for TV series, films, and commercials. 2017, was the year when my acting career started to move rapidly. I auditioned for Miss Evers Boys, directed by Alric Davis and was cast as Willie Johnson. I will always be forever grateful for that experience because I truly learned how to tap into my vulnerability as an actor in that production. It was personally very therapeutic to me. 2018, I signed with a top talent agency, Pastorini-Bosby and have been auditioning for some great projects. My agency is located in Houston, Texas. I relocated to Dallas, Texas around this time.
Each year is a blessing to be walking in your purpose. I can say that 2019, has been such an amazing time in my life and very busy. I was cast in the film, Beneath the Scar, directed by Cynthia Reid Wills. The film was filmed at the end of 2018. The film is based on the book by Dr. Samone’ Brown. Beneath the Scar premiered in Irving, Texas on March 3, 2019. I will be featured in two upcoming projects, Black Diamond, directed by Vernon Snoop Robinson and Blind Confession, Michael W. Green. I am also preparing for the second season of the Peter! Series, created by N’Zuri Za Austin.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being a part of the acting industry is no smooth road. It is a journey, to say the least. I will say me looking younger has helped me get my foot in the door but I am always learning about just how strong I am in this rewarding but challenging career. Some of my struggles I have faced is always thinking am I worthy to receive recognition as an actor or is this the right path I am on. There is so many talented individuals that do not always get the recognition that is deserved. Trust me, knowing that I am just a small part of God’s light truly humbles me because I know that he is working through my talent.
I have been on so many auditions since I was very young and rejection is a big part of this business. You definitely have to grow a thick skin because it can be discouraging at times, but if you truly want to achieve anything in life, you have to stay persistent. Sometimes you may book a role and only come to find out; you may not be the right fit for that part. Oh, let me tell you this is not a good feeling, but I am so grateful that my attitude towards my disappointment was handled professionally and positively. This is the business. You can be replaced.
Lastly, you meet so many different individuals in this business. It is so important to know who you are and whose you are in your spiritual life because it is not always easy dealing with different personalities. Much of what happens to us is usually based on how we react to it. Do not let anyone bring you out of your character. Professionalism is always key.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Professional Actor – what should we know?
I am a professional actor. My business is managing my acting career and taking control of my dreams. I have sacrificed alot of materialistic things and have had to transition, what I know was comfortable to me, to get to this point in my career. What I am most proud of is all the time I took to wait for God, he was just as proud of me to take a leap of faith and trust in myself, just to find he was waiting on me all that time to trust in him, in me letting go of some things to show up for my purpose.
For every disappointment, there has been a blessing. For every tear shed, there has been a lesson. For every prayer made, God continuously gives me an opportunity to do what he feels is best for me to grow as an actor. What sets me apart from anyone else is that I believe in myself and I am willing to do the work. Being an actor is no easy task. As actors, we are trained how to make it look effortless on screen or on a stage, but only if you knew the time, the tears, the sweat, and the sacrifice that comes along with this lifestyle, one would not be so quickly to judge. At the end of the day, I know that my dedication to my craft is not about me. This is bigger than me. No gift given is meant to be mishandled.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family and close friends are the reason I am able to be a professional actor. My grandmother has dedicated her life to fulfilling my purpose as an actor and an overall happy individual. Her love is unconditional. My mother/dad, my aunts, my extended family (Supervisors, co-workers, church members), have all played a pivotal part in my success. I have to say that God has blessed me to have strong women in my life that have sacrificed so much for me to be the strong, intelligent, empathetic and spiritual man that I am today. I am so humbled and grateful to my village that has supported me and continues to support me. I love them dearly.
Contact Info:
- Address: Booking Information:
Pastorini-Bosby Talent
14825 St. Mary’s Lane
Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77079 - Website: www.imdb.me/shunlauren
- Phone: 713-266-4488
- Email: shunlauren1@gmail.com
- Instagram: Shun Lauren
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shun.colter
- Twitter: @shunlauren
Image Credit:
Kristine Canterbury
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
