Roxbury Actor’s Truth...

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As an actor at the beginning of her career when it comes to selecting projects, Smith says she’s less picky than she might be in a few years. But in general, she looks for a deeper meaning — what is the point of making this film; is it interesting, funny, moving.

“When creating my own projects, I feel drawn to stories of young women overcoming impossible hardships, and in the process I learn and grow as a person,” she says.

Dream film role is any character in a Mike Flanagan TV show or movie. Smith says he’s her favorite screenwriter and director of all time, “I’ve never watched horror with more heart,” says the actor. And her ultimate theater role is Christine in Phantom of the Opera.

“The first musical I ever became obsessed with and a catalyst for me pursuing musical theater in school,” Smith says. “I’m so sad to see it close on Broadway but maybe it’ll come back in a few years.”

Some of the best advice she’s received about the industry is to be your own advocate. If you always tell yourself you’re not good enough you won’t put in as much effort, will expect a ‘no’ and then get one.

According to Smith, it’s hard enough to stand out so don’t be the reason you don’t; mindset is huge.

“If you know what you are capable of, you have to be the person who shows that to others,” she says if you want to pursue acting but are unsure, take baby steps. “Audition for the school play, take an acting class one night after work, feel it out for yourself. You don’t have to change your whole life or become famous overnight to get started.”

In a few months, Smith flies out to film the second block of an independent feature film, and is in the writing phase for two exciting new films — a short drama and featurelength comedy. Both stories are personal.

The young creative felt blessed growing up in Roxbury; where choir rooms, creative writing classes, and the Eisenhower and RHS auditoriums allowed her the space and support to dream.

“Certain teachers — Lorraine Lynch, Patrick Hachey, Dan Salyerds encouraged excellence and pushed me. They cared and created a safe, fun environment in which I could create,” Smith says.

A professional Irish Tenor raised Smith and she developed a love for music and performance at a young age.

“I watched how people lit up as they watched my father and remember thinking, ‘I wanna do that,’ and the love of losing myself in other worlds was definitely there.”