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

Hi Shelby, how does your business help the community?
Confidence is contagious. Whether I’m helping people prepare an audition or a job interview, my work is all about helping people tap into the power of their authenticity and letting it shine brightly for the world to see. The more theatrical training I received as an aspiring actor, the more I realized that the challenge was really about me knowing and believing in *myself* just as much as the character. I help others tap into their badass selves and “take the stage” — whatever stage that may be.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My business is called “Big Bold Choices” because it is the note I give most often to young artists who are claiming their confidence, and it’s the same encouraging note I received as an acting student that really opened me up to take risks and apply my authentic self to everything I do — onstage and off. My college audition process for BFA drama programs was extremely successful. I got into my top choice (and everyone’s dream school), the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, and I love being able to take other students through a process that I went through. I’m a bouncy, encouraging spirit, and all of my students’ cheerleaders. One former student said “Working with Shelby is like working with sunshine,” and boy did that make my heart warm. It can be truly transformational to have someone say “Go bigger! YES that’s amazing. Even MORE. Trust your instincts, they’re great!” For anyone who’s ever wanted to stand a little taller and with a little more confidence — either in front of a crowd or in front of the mirror — acting exercises are life-changing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My students! I didn’t set out to become a coach. I knew I wanted to teach I some capacity, and I was grateful to be a guest artist in a wide variety of classrooms while I was earning my Master’s Degree in Theatre Education. But I was pleasantly surprised when former students, who sometimes only had me for a one day workshop, reached out to me to help them prepare their next audition. I now have a thriving business and am able to help people all over the world. One of my students is in Hungary!

Website: https://www.bigboldchoices.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigboldchoices/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/shelbylovesshakespeare

Image Credits
Edward T. Morris for “Othello” Picture (me smiling in a white dress, other actor in camo)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.