Full given name: Shayla Love Washington
Current Project: 2012 Summer Stock Theatre Series; Reckless, an 11 Eleven 11 Project Film
Where you were born/where you were raised: Born and raised pre-pubescence in Cleveland. Goofy teenager and beyond in Las Vegas.
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Why did you take this role?
Because I got the feelings: ‘How exciting. Can’t wait to do this. Wait, what if I can’t do this? I think I’m scared to do this.’ Ultimately, I saw it as an absolute opportunity to grow as an artist – shooting an entire character’s journey in one day is intense and a half! I learned a thing or two or three, about my strengths and weaknesses as an actor. [It’s] the most hands-on classroom I’ve been in to date.
Did you have any particular mentors or inspirations as a young actor?
Right now, I’m just really inspired by artists with insane drive and discipline and those who are utterly fearless and transparent in their work.
The one movie — attended — that you will never forget:
X-Men in 2000. It was the first time I ever cried during a movie; don’t judge me.
Your personal acting idols:
Kerry Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jessica Lange, Kimberly Elise.
Last good movie you saw:
Night Catcher.
Some films you consider classics:
In no particular order: A Clockwork Orange, Friday, Scarface, Reservoir Dogs.
Performer you would drop everything to go see:
Prince.
Pop culture guilty pleasure: Twitter lingo use in everyday conversation #againdontjudgeme
Favorite cities:
D.C. so far.
First CD/Tape/LP you owned:
Will Smith’s Big Willie Style #yup
Moment you knew you wanted to perform for a living:
I’ve always felt like a performer, before I even knew what to call it or [how to] spell it and I’ve had so many moments re-affirming it. The first moment that comes to mind is watching Jurnee Smollet in Eve’s Bayou. To this day, I still can quote the entire movie, the entire movie.
Worst flubbed line/missed cue/onstage mishap:
During the shooting of Prosper, I had to run for my life up a slippery muddy hill, in skinny jeans that didn’t quite fit – all bad.
Most challenging role you have played:
Daisy Dooz It in Local Celebrity.
Worst job you ever had:
A telemarketer for Hilton Grand Vacations, I quit the first day.
Career you would want if not a performer:
Olympic track and field athlete.
Three things you can’t live without:
1. My notebooks filled with everything from poems, goals, inspiration and random quirks.
2. Art
3. Twitter, just kidding it’s Facebook; again just kidding, it’s love.
