Introducing Lottie Rae Stout; A Tenacious And Down to Earth Artist Walking Her Own Path

In this highlight we turn our attention to an actress/screenwriter by the name of Lottie Rae Stout. I asked Lottie a series of questions, here is what we discussed;

Tell us a little about yourself, where your from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.

I grew up in East Tennessee in a town called Kingsport. I always knew I wanted to be an actor and move to a big city, so in my mind, it was a place I couldn’t wait to leave. Now, all I long for is the kindness, hospitality, and beauty of Kingsport because it just isn’t as common in Los. Angeles. I went to Dobyns Bennett Highschool where I, like the generations of family members that attended before me, received an exceptional education. After graduating from DBHS, I moved up to New York City to attend American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), which felt like the beginning of the rest of my life, and it kind of was.

What inspired you to get into music/ music production? Early experiences worth sharing?

Oh man… I’ve been acting, singing, or dancing for as long as I can remember. By the time I was 18, I had already been in about 40 to 45 primarily local productions. I was lucky enough to have an incredibly accepting family who also loved the arts. Because of that, my grandparents would take my sister and I to NYC to catch up with all the shows that were on Broadway, any chance we got. We also went up to NYC every summer to attend Camp Broadway which, growing up, was my favorite part of the year. The first play I ever was cast in was called ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’. It was about a group of terrorizing siblings who found Jesus through participating in the Nativity story at a local church. I had just started kindergarten and couldn’t really read yet. So my Mama or Papa, being the incomparable and dedicated parents they are, would read the script to me until I memorized my lines by ear. After I had tasted the stage, it was over. That was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.

I struggled with self-appreciation for most of my life. I had a lot of insecurities about the way I looked, or if I was smart enough, and those insecurities were serious hurdles for me to tackle. It’s a day to day tango, of course. Just when you think you’re over it, someone, or some something, knocks you back into the same battle. The main difference in who I used to be and who I am now, is that I’ve finally accepted who I am, and by taking that massive step, it has opened the door to so many gratifying circumstances that never would have been possible if I hadn’t finally accepted myself instead of wanting to be someone else. No one can do you, like you. I just tell myself to always keep my head up, and kill them with kindness!

What do you believe sets you apart from other entertainers?

I am strangely empathetic when it comes to other people. I have a difficult time detaching myself from someone else’s feelings, sometimes to the point where it affects my own feelings. The same goes for the characters I take on in a project. I feel like I see their motives more clearly, and by doing so, I guess that correlates to the extent of the character.

Do you have other interests or hobbies?

Absolutely! I think it’s very important to have hobbies outside of your passion. I have fallen in love with billiards and joined APA league this year. So, that’s been a blast and a half! I also have a fascination for languages, so I’m often on Duolingo or reading a book either in or about another language. And finally, music and concerts! Live music is a staple for my happiness. The last few concerts I have been fortunate enough to check out were The Avett Brothers, Chris Stapleton, and Dead and Company. Don’t get me started, I could go on about music all day.

Any projects you have out or currently working on?

Yes! Acting is my passion, but I also love writing screenplays and modeling. I am currently working with two men, Stoney Westmoreland and Mark Elias, on a three film projects. The films are all feature length films and we each wrote one of them. We are keeping our fingers crossed to be able to film all of these in Tennessee, because the film I wrote takes place in the region. The films are quite solid scripts and we are enthusiastic about the next part of the process. I am also part of the cast for a film called Contaminate, which was directed by J. L. Jackson, which will be coming out this year. So tune into that if you don’t get weak at the sight of blood!

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?

In five years I really hope to have a talent agent that loyally fights for me and has my back. I have also been estranged from theatre for a while, so I would like to return to my roots and focus on theatre alongside with film. I also would like to see the three film projects we are embarking on become a success around that time.

What advice can you give to aspiring entertainers?

My advice would be to unequivocally accept who you are. Keep in mind that you might not get this role or that project, maybe not the time after that, or even the time after that; but, everyone’s path is laid out on different timelines. Just because something noteworthy is happening now for so-and-so, does not mean that something of the same, or even greater, caliber won’t happen to you. Just. Keep. Going.

How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?

I would love for you all to stay posted with my life, and I, yours! I hope you appreciate sarcastic comments and band pics! Instagram: @Lottierae Twitter @Lottierae