Page 47 - Lauren Lolo Spencer Issue

Spencer: Thank you so much. It’s always great to be reminded that the work that I’m doing is going well. (laughs)
way more convenient. I enjoy the self-tape process. And because I get to do it inside of my home, it’s a more comfortable environment. Sometimes it could be a little intimidating to be in a room full of people who are liter- ally judging you (laughs) to see if you fit a role or not, you know?
Goga: Yes, definitely. Tell me a little bit about yourself. I know things started to happen with your YouTube channel, “Sitting Pretty,” is that right?
Goga: I can only imagine.
Spencer: Yeah, yeah. I started my YouTube channel “Sitting Pretty” back in 2015. I wanted to create a chan- nel that highlighted disability lifestyle. I wanted to pick those topics that are universal to everybody but then just put my spin on it, adding my perspective as a person with a disability.
Spencer: And you don’t know what they’re looking for and you don’t know if your performance is good enough, because it may be dope, but you might not have the quote-unquote “right look.” So being able to audi- tion from home alleviates some of that anxiety and makes the whole process a lot more enjoyable.
In everything I’ve done, I try to talk about universal top- ics, whether it’s dating, sex, and relationships, travel or employment. I have even covered the benefits of being a wheelchair user and having a disability. But, I also share my insecurities around having a disability.
Goga: That’s great. What’s your experience been with the actual taping of “The Sex Lives of College Girls?” It’s done in LA, right?
I wanted to create a space for disabled people that demonstrated the lifestyle we want to live is possible. And I hope to help people who are non-disabled to understand that we are all connected, we are all human, and that interacting with disabled people doesn’t have to be intimidating or scary. And I talk about some of the things people probably should not say to people with a disability
Spencer: When we shoot “Sex Lives,” the majority of it is done here in LA. But we do have some scenes that are shot outside of the LA area, because technically Essex College, the fictitious school where the show takes place is on the East Coast. It’s supposed to be in Ver- mont, so when we need to do our exterior shots, we travel to a location to match that vibe.
Goga: That’s fantastic. So, what was the chronology with you getting into modeling and acting?
Goga: What’s your experience been with the studio’s accessiblity?
Spencer: It all kind of happened simultaneously. I start- ed my YouTube channel, and as a result of its populari- ty, I got an opportunity to model for the first time with Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive. And then, as I started explor- ing modeling, that’s when the opportunity to act popped up. It all kind of happened as “Sitting Pretty” was grow- ing.
Spencer: From my personal experience, so far, so good. They’ve been really great since the beginning. Everyone is very, very aware and mindful of making sure that I can get to the stages, to get to and from the lot, making sure food-wise that I get the meals that I want to eat. In everything they’re very, very mindful of all of my needs, making it convenient. Hair and makeup come to my dressing room, when traditionally the actors go to the hair and makeup trailer. They make sure the dressing room I have is big enough and accessible and comfort- able and warm when I show up in the mornings. (laughs) That’s very important!
Goga: Can you share how you landed the role on “The Sex Lives of College Girls?”
Spencer: I was already connected to my agency at the time “Sex Lives” popped up. The way I got offered to audition for the role was the traditional way: studios, productions, hit up agencies looking for particular tal- ent. And then your agent submits you for it. That’s what happened. It was during quarantine, so all the auditions were self-tapes first. Call-backs were done on Zoom.
Goga: That’s great. Your character Jocelyn, would you say that she’s like you?
Goga: How do you like being able to do the remote auditioning?
Spencer: Yeah. There are definitely some similarities between Jocelyn and me, but more so the younger ver- sion of myself and Jocelyn are very similar in many ways. Now, being in my mid-30s, I’m not as rambunc- tious. These days, I don’t need to be at every party that exists and entertain every boy who comes my way. I’m definitely past that stage of my life! (laughs) But the younger version of me and Jocelyn are similar in many ways.
Spencer: For me, I enjoy it because I don’t have to worry about transportation. (laughs) And making sure I’m getting to an audition on time or that I’m not wait- ing for 45 minutes for a car to pick me up after an audi- tion that might take all of three minutes. So for me, it’s
Goga: That’s neat. Transitioning to your book, there’s so much to cover, I’m hoping I can get it all in. I don’t know how you have time to sleep.
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