Lu Chay

ACTOR OF THE MONTH: Lu Chay

Actor on the Rise

Interview by Teresa B. Howell

Luther Chambers, aka “Lu Chay” is a resident of Hampton, VA. He is married to Deedra Chambers and enjoys acting. He is known for his work on stage and film. Lu Chay’s work includes the following: “The Candy Shop” 2022-(Film), “One Last Chance” - 2022 (Film), “Baby Momma” - 2022 (Film), “And You Call Yourself A Christian” - 2022 (Film), “Never Play With A Woman’s Heart” - 2020 (Stage), “Hiram And Nettie” - 2019 (Stage), “Every Dog Has His Day” - 2019 (Stage), “DreamGirls” - 2019 (Stage). “The Ofd Couple “ - 2021 and Papa Ge in “ Once on This Island” - 2022. Lu Chay is also a musician, a professional photographer and videographer. He currently has a weekly vlog called “Do Know”. His personal quotes are “Choose Your Vibe” and “The Universe Knows Your Name”.

The Heat Seekers: Tell us a little about yourself?

Lu Chay: There are so many things about me that make up who I am. I love to act, perform music (keyboards,) create videos, and take photos. Most importantly, I love to hang with my family and create great memories. I consider myself a “renaissance man”.

THS: What prompted you to get into the acting field?

LC: I have to credit my friend, Dana S. Hubbard, who is an author, playwright, director, and producer. I have been his musical director for his stage plays for years. I had acted in a few plays before, but I never thought about pursuing it at a higher level. I was supposed to be the Musical Director (MD) for “DreamGirls” in 2019 when without warning, we lost the character that was supposed to play “Curtis Taylor Jr.” Dana called me and asked me to step it up and play the character. I still had to put the band together, but while doing so, learning the lines became easy because it was a musical. Shortly thereafter, he gave me a starring role as a character named Myles Stewart in two of his stage plays, “Every Dog Has His Day” and “Never Play With A Woman’s Heart”. By the way, We sold out all 3 of these plays.

THS: When did acting become a priority for you?

LC: I realized acting became a priority when I met the director of my first film, Maurice “First” Tonia. We met at the Cheddars restaurant in Newport News during the time when a lot of promotion was out for “Never Play With A Woman’s Heart”. I think he may have seen either a flyer or the digital sign for the is about learning.

Hampton Roads Convention Center with an image of me on it promoting the play. We clicked instantly and he invited my wife and me to come and be a part of one of his first films, “And You Call Yourself A Christian”. Being on set was fun and the bug bit. I wanted to do more. Shortly after filming, he offered me a starring role as a character named “Rasheed” in the upcoming film “Baby Momma”.

THS: What influenced you the most? Was it a person in the field?

LC: As a musician and musical director for quite a few stage plays, I was always intrigued by the art. I have worked with so many dope individuals that I don’t want to name one and forget another. It’s been a blessing to be around so many creatives. If I had to name a favorite actor that is well known in the business, I would say Denzel Washington who has done theatre as well as film and has so much wisdom relating to the art as well as real life wisdom. I also like a young man named Damson Idris (Snowfall). He is a young British actor who plays a California based drug dealer who is partially responsible for the crack epidemic in the 80s. The thing I really love about these two actors is that they make you believe they are the character that they portray.

THS: What successful tips would you tell the next inspiring actor?

LC: Dana S. Hubbard always reiterated that ‘acting is REACTING’.

This stuck with me from the first time I heard it. It makes sense when you put it all together. Also, when learning lines, learn the story. It makes it easier for the lines to stick and also helps to give the audience/viewer my best performance and to tell the story through the character. Finally, never be too big to learn. This whole process is about learning.

THS: Describe a day on a set?

LC: Before I get to set, I definitely want to be prepared and not stuck in a corner trying to digest lines that I should have studied. When I arrive, I like to be on time and full of energy. I’ve played some dark characters so I try to leave a good energy on set that is indicative of who I really am versus the character that I may be playing. People that have worked with me will tell you that I will be full of energy, joking and keeping the vibe positive, from call time all the way until we wrap. I try to give 100% not just to shine in my performance, but I never want to let my fellow actors down. I want them to know that I got them and I hope they got me as well. I’m also going to be an encouragement to everyone on set, whether its cast, crew, or anyone who is involved.

THS: What was your most memorable acting experience?

LC: I can remember it was my first day on set for Baby Momma. We were filming a scene where a woman snuck past my “men” in the club and made her way to my office with a gun. I was throwing her out of the office and had to raise my voice, fussing and cussing them out because she got too close to me. I was in full rage as the scene dictated. When the director called cut, the whole room was quiet. I looked around to see the other actors, the makeup artists, the assistants and everybody else in the room, frozen... not moving. I broke character and started laughing. Which made everyone else break out laughing. They got caught up in the scene and felt the realism in it.

THS: Do you have any favorite actors that you would like to work with?

LC: Even though this guy is in the hot seat, I still would love to work with Will Smith. I appreciate his growth in the industry, his willingness to take on a new challenge. I could learn some thing from that kind of drive. I would also love to workwith Kevin Hart, another Philly native, (I’m from Philly as well). His growth and command of his platform, success in business, and also his backstory, intrigues me. He’s learned in this business and that’s what I need. Finally, I would love to work with Regina King. She’s just a boss! I love how her characters are so commanding.

THS: Any upcoming projects that you would like to share?

LC: This summer, I am looking forward to the premiere of “Baby Momma”, by author Ni’Chelle Genovese, a Drew Sidora Film, presented by Eudora Entertainment. I Play Rasheed, a drug dealer/club Owner who has to deal with Baby Mommas. I also am looking forward to the release of “The Candy Shop” by Author Kiki Swinson. I play Eric, the husband of a troubled wife. Lastly, I play an abusive husband in a movie called “One Last Chance” by Kendria Roane-WIlliams. All of these will be released this year!

THS: I noticed you have worked with great authors such as Carl Weber, What was that like?

LC: I have to give credit to my guy, producer and writer, Maurice “First” Tonia. He is the connection for me to people like Carl Weber and many other important people. Whether it’s distribution, books, scripts, directors, actors; I feel like this is one of the dopest seasons of my life. I am blessed by it all and I am grateful for these connections. First and I talk quite often and he’s been more than a producer to me. He’s become a friend and a mentor, guiding me through this path that I am on.

THS: What do you find most difficult about the industry?

LC: I’ve learned quickly that PEOPLE make things difficult and sometimes, they do so unnecessarily. It could be someone constantly changing the schedule, or being late, or not knowing their lines. Even worse, not getting along with someone on set. Most of the time, it’s someone who isn’t a lead or a principal. I’ve seen this in theatre and sometimes on film. This is why I have to make sure that I am on point. I don’t want to be in a negative environment nor do I want to be the cause of one. I am intentional about bringing and keeping a vibe around me, no matter what I am doing. I am a leader, so I refuse to fall into the traps. As a matter of fact, I am going to pull people up a little higher by simply being who I am called to be. Lu Chay has good energy. Lu Chay is dope!

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Website: www.csharpmusicandmedia.com YouTube: CSharp Music And Media Facebook: Lu Chay and CSharp Music ANd Media Instagram: @Lu_Chay and @CSharp Music And Media Tik Tok: @Lu_Chay, Twitter: @Lu_Chay