LETA LAGAUNDA …FROM “MEET THE BROWNS” TO “THE DELICATE FLOWER” NOVEMBER 19TH & 20TH

Originally, from San Diego, California, This born artist Leta Lagaunda, has been electrifying the stage since she was ten years old. Leta has starred and co-starred in several film and stage productions TV and webseries. Leta has appeared in Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns”, “The Vampire Diaries”, and MTV “Teen Wolf”. She has also co- starred in the GSTV Webseries and TV show, “Sophomores” where she played the no non-sense Professor Binder. You can also catch her in the movies “Rebound” (2012), “Harlem Memories” (2012) and “Murphy’s Law” which came out in the spring 2011. Since being in Atlanta Leta has had the pleasure of working with Shahara Ruth for Goldfire Productions in the hit stage play, “Women Dating Badly”. She has also starred in Author Laurinda D. Brown’s hit Off/Broadway Touring Production, “Walk Like A Man” for the last three years. Kate Graham and Julie Marateck’s production of the “Vagina Monologues”, and Tiffany Roberts, for Simply Tiffany Soul Productions, in the phenomenal stage production, “The Mistress Club” which is currently in the works for a European tour scheduled for 2012. Leta has also hosted and performed at many arts and entertainment events, and has modeled in several fashion shows including Ashley Stewart’s in store fashion extravaganza. In addition to being an actress Leta is also a licensed Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers. Leta is hard working, dependable, professional, and is an overall positive person. Leta feels that an attitude is contagious and truly believes that hers is worth catching.

THE HEAT: When did you fall in love with the performing arts?
LAGAUNDA: I fell in love with the performing arts when I was ten years old. I remember coming home from school one day and my friends were telling me that some lady had started a dance theater in the recreational center in our apartment complex. So I went down and peeked through the window and all I could remember seeing was little girls in leotards warming up and dancing to the music of George Benson’s “On Broadway”. From that moment on I knew that I had to be apart. Everyday I would go down and peek through the window and one day I finally got up the courage to go to the door. The director Deborah Martino invited me in and I became a part of The Bay Vista Dance Theater. That day changed my life and sparked my passion for the stage and my love for the arts. For years we traveled all around California dancing, performing and putting many stage productions. Not once did I ever have to audition, Deborah always gave me the role. I will never forget where I came from and how I got my start. Deborah saw something in me when I was ten years old. For that I will forever be grateful for her.

THE HEAT: What has been your inspiration as you’ve traveled your journey to this point?
LAGAUNDA: The tenacity of all of the great actors now and those who came before me. Knowing that if they can dream big and live it, so can I. I want to be able to give back to the community where I was raised. Even though Bay Vista Dance Theater no longer exist, I don’t know where I would be today, had I not mustered up the courage to walk through those doors. The arts truly changed my life and I know it would do the same for many of the young girls and boys growing up in the Inner City of South East San Diego where the odds are often stacked against them. The arts provide a platform for people to be creative and expressive in a positive way. It gives a voice for advocacy, transformation and healing. With so many schools closing down art programs and recreational centers around the county, there is no outlet. Our youth need to be able to dream and be creatively unboxed. So my mission to help be the change that I want to see in the world inspires me.

THE HEAT: How did you get the role as “Violet” in “The Delicate Flower”?
LAGAUNDA: I wanted to know about other acting opportunities and someone told me to go to love2act.com. The very first time I went to the site, I noticed the post for “The Delicate Flower”. In that moment I did not know it was a play, I just knew that I was intrigued by the name and captivated by the beautiful purple flower. I felt a sense of calm and peace when I read and looked at the picture. Not to mention, I love, love, love flowers and you may often find one behind my ear or in my hair no matter if the sun is shining bright or if its pouring down raining. Flowers brighten up my day and they make me smile. So I immediately called Shakeia Cowan, the author and producer of the book and production to learn more about it. Shakeia explained that it was a book that was adapted into a stage play. I told her that I had to have it. After speaking with Shakeia I felt as if I had already known her. I knew in my spirit and without even setting foot into the audition room that I would be cast in this production. So I later auditioned and got the role of Violet but as an understudy, shortly after I was cast and about a week into rehearsals the role of Orchid became available and so I moved into that role. Soon after, the role of Violet became available and Justina Brown who was another understudy moved into that role. After the workshop we held at the SouthWest Arts Center in January 2011, Justina and I traded roles. As fate would have it, she became Orchid and I am now Violet. I believe that everything happens in its divine time and order. From the very first day that I read the script, I knew in my heart and spirit that I would play the role of Violet. The Creator had all ready told me despite the fact that I was cast as an understudy. I knew that when we went live on stage I would be her.

THE HEAT: Most actors/actresses play roles that have nothing at all to do with their personal life. How does your part in this production relate to your life, if at all?
LAGAUNDA: This entire production relates to my personal life on so many levels. I can relate to each and every one of these roles in some shape form or fashion because of the many trials and tribulations that the characters have gone through. Each flower brings a similar yet different dynamic to the production that is so real and heartfelt. Honestly Nik, I believe that anyone who sees this production will be able to relate to it. “The Delicate Flower” is real, it’s beautiful, it’s colorful, and it’s bold. There is no denying her, her voice is loud and her message is truth, healing, and love.

THE HEAT: If you could have one dream to come true at this very moment, what would it be?
LAGAUNDA: OH WOW….you mean I can only chose one? Well in this moment I would love to see “The Delicate Flower” tour around the world, the first stop after the Atlanta show would be New York “LIVE” on Broadway. I have dreamed of performing on Broadway since I was ten years old and I will not rest until my voice captivates her heart, my feet touches her soul & her lights kisses my skin. I truly believe that “The Delicate Flower” is going to heal and transform lives. To have the opportunity to bring it to Broadway and tour around the world would surely be a dream come true right now.

THE HEAT: What has been the most challenging part of The Delicate Flower to get produced and to the stage in your opinion?
LAGAUNDA: I would not say it has been a challenge, but I will say that there have been some delays due to the changing of roles, holding new auditions and re- casting.

THE HEAT: Is there someone that today you would call your hero/shero?
LAGAUNDA: I have so many. It would have to be my mother because of her unshakable faith, her unconditional love and her belief in me. I would also have to say Oprah Winfrey. Her entire life’s’ testimony inspires me. To me Oprah epitomizes what dreaming big and believing in your dreams despite your circumstance is all about.

THE HEAT: What’s next for you after “The Delicate Flower”?
LAGAUNDA: I can’t say what’s next for me after the “Delicate Flower” because I have just began this journey. I have yet to witness all that God has planned for me or where he is taking me while I’m on this one. Sure, there are many things that I would like too and most likely will do. But for now, I’m in a “Delicate Flower” moment that is growing each and every day and it is so very beautiful. I am open to all that God has planned for me.

THE HEAT: What is one thing you’re hoping that the audience will take away from “The Delicate Flower”?
LAGAUNDA: What I hope they take with them a strong sense of self- love. To be able to love WHO they ARE right WHERE they are no matter their past or current circumstance. I believe love changes things and love heals. Our greatest gift is love. I can’t wait to share my gift with you.

Well said Leta. “To be able to love who “they” are right where “they” are no matter their past or current circumstance”…it couldn’t have been put any better Ms. Violet! This production is sure to be one that will be talked about some time after the curtains raise and fall for the last time. We at “The HEAT” wish you the best that your journey has in-store for you! Receive it!

Much Love! One Love!
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