We shine the spotlight on creator and storyteller Tara Platt and ask her a few questions about how she got to where she is today, what she is proudest of and where she has struggled.
Thanks for speaking with us today Tara. We know everyone’s path is different but how did you find yourself in Los Angeles? Did you have any setbacks on your way?
I had a horrible time at the end of college. I had a BFA from Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts and the professors each took us into meetings to sort of push us out of the nest. They told me I wasn’t pretty enough for film or TV so I should just focus on regional theatre. I was heartbroken that these teachers I respected and admired were stomping on my dreams and I think I accepted it as reality for a long time. I finally got over it and realized that no one knows anything, and that no matter what someone tells you, you have to make your own path. Perhaps I am not text-book beautiful, but I have my own personal charm and pizazz which allows me to stand out and actually complements the work I am drawn to creating, so their opinion didn’t actually matter in the long run. I have worked in film and television and although I do work a lot behind the mic, I have a successful career that spans all mediums. I think we need to be less judgmental of others and more introspective about ourselves. We are all doing the best we can to get thru this thing called life in a way that is authentic and honest to us. You never really know another person’s story unless you hear it from them, so give a little more space for them to be them and you to be you. If you don’t like something let it pass and if you love something scream it from the rooftops.
That is a great way of looking at it. Thanks for that perspective. What do you want to scream about from the rooftops that you have done or accomplished?
I’m hard on myself so I don’t know if I feel it has happened yet. But I am proud of playing Juliet in Romeo & Juliet at Pasadena Civic. I am proud of our four award-winning seasons of Shelf Life. I am proud of our award-winning dramady series Whatta Lark. I am also hugely proud of my books Zartana and Relax Your Toes. I am also excited to see what may come around the bend.
Well, you should be, that is an extraordinary body of work and it is smart to keep looking ahead. Having such a variety of experiences must make for some great learning along the way. What is something you have learned or wish you had known that you can share with us?
Don’t give up but don’t be afraid to change course. No one is judging you harsher than you are judging yourself. Pride is something you might have to learn to recognize as a friend.
Thank you so much for sharing your insight. We look forward to seeing many more adventures from you in the future!
You can find out more about her at TaraPlatt.com or chat with her directly on twitter or Instagram @taraplatt and on FB at /taraplattfans.
