Hey there! I’m Lorenne Clarke: Actress,Writer, and Producer. When referencing the timeline of events that triggered the “Actress” in me, there are a few distinct moments that resonate. Enduring dysfunction throughout my childhood in Massachusetts, there was an innate yearning for escape. I often felt that I was…lost in an endless winter, while struggling to bloom among the harsh decay. When hearing familiar and friendly voices on television (favorite shows and movies), a sense of comfort was immediately injected, creating an imaginary refuge where I could temporarily immerse myself. It was sheer MAGIC! I knew I wanted to master and bestow this gift upon others!
I began my journey of imitating family members’ movements, voices, and observing all of life’s little interactions with the occasional dialect or accent shift which would always throw most people off.
At age eleven, I made my theatre debut at the famous Priscilla Beach Theatre in Plymouth, MA (the same stage graced by legendary actors such as Paul Newman, Pat Carroll, Dan Blocker, etc). This was a DEFINING MOMENT, where an unceasing passion and hunger was conceived. Most importantly, it was the mark of discovering my versatility and later, mastering my talents: character acting & doubling.
indieactivity: Did you study acting?
Lorenne Clarke: I attended the Harvard Summer Theatre Program and studied with Professor Jeremy Geidt in 2002. He was absolutely fantastic, with unwavering patience, knowledge, and direction. It was that year, I was introduced to Stanislavsky’s System, the works of Anton Chekhov, and extensive character development work. I was provided quite a necessary and beneficial foundation.
Following the graduation of the Harvard Summer Theatre Program, I attended the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMASS), majoring in Theatre Arts. However, it was during my college years, where I realized my strengths, overcame an abundance of insecurities (ex. seeing myself on camera and not having a private meltdown or pick-on-Lorenne-fest ) and realized that the most soul-crushing comments can be the most beneficial fuel to keep you motivated and RELENTLESS!
It was from Acting Instructor Michael Fennimore, where both the birth of my enduring confidence truly began, and my love for teaching Acting came into play. It was also the guided support from phenomenal Professors such as Dr. Robert Lublin and Laura Schrader that nurtured my creativity as a first-time Director at UMASS. I ultimately realized, after my directorial debut of “How I learned to Drive” by Paula Vogel, that I was significantly limiting myself by only pursuing Acting. I was capable of so much more in the Industry…. and it was exhilarating! Receiving my Bachelor of Arts degree in 2006 was an exciting launch point for the next chapter.
indieactivity: What technique do you use?
Lorenne Clarke: I think it is very important to connect with your character, the dialogue, and the world they encompass in the GIVEN SCRIPT. The actor needs to find some common ground and immerse themselves; find the relatable trait in who they are embodying. I feel if this can be accomplished, organic emotion can be produced most of the time. However, all scripts aren’t spectacular. I’ll be the first to admit it. So, I have personally relied heavily on Lee Strasberg’s Method Acting Techniques.
I utilize “substitution” the most when the scene is emotionally tense, and perhaps the other actor is not providing the compatible energy to work off of. In this case, I can create the desired chemistry by way of “substitution” and replace he or she with someone I am truly attracted to or despise, and the scene will still achieve the same desired effect. Everybody wins in this scenario! Also, it is essential to approach every scene with an open heart and mind.
indieactivity: Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Lorenne Clarke: I’m always reading new literature and watching out for the newest or rather, refined techniques. Also, I have taught Drama (classes, workshops) and Acting 1,II, & for the Camera (coaching & workshops) for over 12 years.
indieactivity: What acting books do you read?
Lorenne Clarke: Honestly, I have my classic acting books I enjoy referencing and sharing with others, such as “The Stanislavski System: The Professional Training of an Actor” (by Sonia Moore, Joshua Logan) & my Stella Adler Collections (Technique of Acting), and so on.
indieactivity: How do you keep fit?
Lorenne Clarke: Balance and self-control are EVERYTHING. It is essential to stay clear-minded, rested, focused, and healthy! I like to walk/run, employ the occasional improv & vocal warm-up, practice stretch/breathing exercises, remain an effective communicator, truthful to myself & others, maintain a shield of classy professionalism, and a private, yet joyful personal life.
indieactivity: How do you prepare for a role?
Lorenne Clarke: In role/character preparation, I typically do a couple read-throughs to study the content and learn about the character. I then make a distinct choice for the character based on factual information in the script such as socioeconomic status, overall psychological status, etc. and begin with movements, gestures, posture, and so on. I play around with the physicality of the character for a bit as it helps me commit the lines to memory. If it feels awkward, I make the necessary adjustments.
I might employ an “animal exercise” (Method Acting) to find the right posture or movement for my character if it feels appropriate. I then improv character appropriate lines (I am really good at this!). I then rehearse all the lines in the script in its entirety 2-3 more times and begin memorizing in sections, based on the shooting schedule.
indieactivity: How do you create character?
Lorenne Clarke: I try to identify with the character on a very personal level. Considering all the information and given circumstances of the character,I typically stand in one place (preferably in front of a mirror) and spurt out four of the character’s most crucial lines to the plot of the story and begin moving. Sometimes I begin improvising as that character for a good 45 minutes. Once the CHOICE feels organic, I proceed and pick up the script and start from the beginning of my dialogue in character. I begin building the blocks until it feels right.
indieactivity: How do you stay “fresh” on a production set?
Lorenne Clarke: I typically stay in character while on set, improvise as the specified character, re-run the next lines, and chat with my co-actors and crew. This method typically assists in maintaining the authenticity and continuity of the character, especially when employing accents/dialects for the duration of production. It’s been very helpful and effective thus far.
indieactivity: Explain one creative choice you took on set?
Lorenne Clarke: While filming a dream sequence, I was directed to react to the haunting image in the dream, flop on the bed, then cut. The overall Production had been very long, grueling, and had an abundance of personal attachment invested (as I was the Producer, Co-Writer). When the Director called “Action”, a fiery intensity blew the lens of the camera. I immediately fell backward on to the bed, screaming in a full anxiety-ridden terror, while latching onto my chest, throat, and hair. The Director kept rolling until I reached a state of full hyperventilation. The Director then turned the lights off, I began mumbling “The Lords Prayer”, then “Cut”. A scene completely unplanned. It was profound!
indieactivity: Describe a memorable character you played?
Lorenne Clarke: I adored playing “Harry”, the next door WW2 Veteran with PTSD in “Whiskey and the Firecracker” Sizzle Reel (2016) , which is a TV Pilot and Episodic Series I Co-Wrote/Created.
Jane, Lyd, and the Exorcist Stairs (2013)
“Whiskey and the Firecracker” has been fortunate to gain such wonderful recognition in the festival circuit amongst such heavy hitters. It was a finalist in the 2015 Cannes Screenplay Contest (Original Television Spec Script; among Alan Sorkin’s Newsroom and Family Guy), 2016 Cannes Screenplay Contest 2nd Place Winner (Original Television Spec Script; Modern Family was 1st), Film & Script Showcase 2017 (Official Selection), Stage 32 2nd Annual Writing Contest (Quarterfinalist), and 2017 Sunset Film Festival’s Official Selection (Screenplay).
indieactivity: What do you want most from a director?
Lorenne Clarke: To allow every actor a creative and professional voice, a reasonable amount of freedom to explore the character, and a window to bring authenticity to the screen. And most importantly, to be a strong and effective communicator so that the production can reach its maximum potential.
indieactivity: What actor do you long to work with?
Lorenne Clarke: Tom Hanks PLEASE and thank you!
indieactivity: Why?
Lorenne Clarke: He is phenomenal on so many levels. Tom Hanks is one of those actors that has built the foundation of joyful images that I associate with growing up. As I said earlier, film and tv were my escape. Tom Hanks’ films then, and today, continue to serve as cinematic Gold of the heart, mind, and spirit. And, for this reason, I respect him as an actor and human being in the highest regard.
indieactivity: What advice do you give actors?
Lorenne Clarke: Stay persistent, focused, strong-hearted & minded, make BOLD choices, and NEVER, NEVER trade your dream in for regret or fear. Sometimes, you must block out all the echoing voices screaming “You Can’t”, and show yourself that with perseverance, training, and determination…..”You Can”.
Also, I am an avid believer in learning SOMETHING BENEFICIAL from EVERY positive or negative experience. We must derive a useful lesson from everything in order to move forward, or else we are just stuck in the mud….. motionless and unwilling to look toward the future. This is vital in this business and in life.
indieactivity: Describe your career in brief?
Lorenne Clarke: In 2009, I auditioned for Peter Hewitt’s “The Maiden Heist”, my first motion picture, and received a call-back. It was a defining moment to be cast alongside Morgan Freeman, William H. Macy, and Christopher Walken as one of the museum guards involved in the Heist. It was the most exhilarating, memorable, and informative month and a half of filming.
Soon after, I began entering the Independent film industry, starring in “Women of the Day” (2011 International Indie Gathering 3rd Place Winner: Comedy Shorts) and its accompanying Web Series, including an episode entitled “Jane, Lyd, and the Exorcist Stairs” where I portrayed a fiery, upscale, Boston native, known as “Jane” (a character that would eventually hold so much significance in my future screenwriting).
In 2015, I was cast as the disgruntled and semi-psychotic “Blanche” in Jake Pearlman and Joshua D. Little’s “Production Meetings with Tulku Dorje: Ep.6” as well as several characters in “Whiskey and the Firecraker”. In 2016, I appeared as the feisty CCN News Reporter “Cassie Cassidy” in Michael F. Bavota’s “Eye on the Prize”. Following this performance, I was requested to perform in the charitable, first Spanglish production of “The Vagina Monologues” in Sarasota, Florida. This was indeed a very beautiful, humbling experience shared amongst such glorious women whom I shall always cherish and remember fondly.
In 2016, I appeared as the 75 year old WW2 Veteran “Harry” and the returning, however modified “Jane” in the “Whiskey and the Firecracker” Sizzle Reel (for the TV PILOT), which I also Co-Wrote, Created, and Produced. This entire experience alone was a strengthening journey, and enabled me to acquire multiple production skills at hyper speed that I never knew I had the ability of grasping or mastering.
Follow Lorenne Clarke on Social Media
IMDb
Facebook
Stage32
Instagram
Vimeo
