Meet Lawrence Grey | Associate Artistic Director LA TI DO DC/NoVA

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lawrence Grey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lawrence, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In 2011 DonMike Mendoza and Reggie Cabico began an organization known as L TI DO. A cabaret format of weekly shows. The idea was to promote music artists and spoken word artists a place to be seen, heard, practice their craft, and hone their skills. I became involved as a performer in 2015. It was such an amazing unique format. A place to hone my craft, network with artists from the greater DC area. I became a regular. In 2018 I began working as a volunteer. Became a staff member shortly after. Then of course the pandemic came along and halted everything. We continued for a while in a zoom format. This became difficult. We. Began talking about reopening in 2021. I had a vision for a similar format on the Virginia side of the river. I was now associate artistic director for LA TI DO DC. We found a venue in Old Town Alexandria. We launched The LA TI DO NoVA chapter in April of 2022! Same format but on a monthly basis instead of weekly. It is an excellent way of increasing our performer base. Giving artists opportunities to perform and be seen.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Ias an actor , performer, theater enthusiast, I have been working with various theater groups in the area for the last 18 years. Little Theater of Alexandria, TAP, St. Marks’. Players, Dominion Stage. I have performed , sang, Stage Managed, served on boards. I am now officially retired from the work force. 4o years as a food service Director with the Salvation. Army. Working in the non profit sector. I now have more time to devote to the artistic side of my passions.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The greater DC area has so much to offer. When first arriving in the area I worked as a tour guide for Alexandria Colonial Ghost and Graveyard Tours. A fun interesting way to learn some colorful history and folklore of the fascinating historical area. We hav some of the most amazing diverse dining experiences of any area of the country. We are such an international population makeup, there is something for everyone. We have incredible artistic opportunities. 24 ( at last count) area community theaters. The Little Theater of Alexandria, Dominion Stage, The Arlington Theater Players , Aldersgate Church Community Theater. Just to name a few. Many Regional and Professional Theaters local ad DC as well and of course the Fist Wednesday of every month LA TI DO NoVa at Michael’s Little Italy. Where Music Meets Spoken Word

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a hut out first to Don Mike Mendoza, and Reggie Cabico for this incredible organization. For the opportunity to perform and be a part of. To the amazing community theater organizations of the NoVA area who we would love to partner with more. I’ve had amazing opportunities to perform as an actor / singer with these dedicated groups. I have an opportunity to give back. Allow their artists and their theaters opportunities to be seen, heard, and promoted I would like yo give back by networking with you.

Website: latidoproductions.com

Instagram: SquareSpace@latidoproductions

Facebook: LA TI DO Productions. LA TI DO NoVa

Youtube: LA TI DO Productions

Image Credits
Studio 3440 Sasha Sinclair