Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Lang.
Hi Justin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was invited to speak to you today because my good friend Jackie Ritz suggested I meet with you.
In the early to mid-2000s, I cut my teeth as a company member with Poor Players Theater. In 2009, I got my first of many jobs with Moxie Theater (I’ll be in the production of “Clyde’s” at Moxie in the new year). I started teaching with NVA in 2010 and helped create their education department. In 2014, I helped co-found New Fortune Theater. In 2019 I started my dream job, becoming what feels like a full-time teaching artist with La Jolla Playhouse. This year I was in my favorite play “August: Osage County” with Backyard Renaissance. Currently, I am understudying with Lamb’s Theater on the play “Outside Mullingar”. I also run my own 9-week Scene Study classes on the weekends.
When I’m not busy acting or teaching, I’m writing, or producing, or helping build sets/run crew for the JCC, or drumming in a band, or going to concerts, or making fine leather goods for friends and cast mates, or posting amazing hair videos on social media.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For me, the hardest part about this job as an artist is my own mental toughness health. Some days, I can leap over buildings in a single bound; other days feel like I was hit with a ton of bricks. I’ve had to learn to accept life on life’s terms and not my terms. It takes discipline to accomplish this. Discipline is doing what you hate to do but doing it like you love it. I’ve found that I have to have clear, simple, and specific goals to get it all done. Someone smart once said, “A goal without a plan is a wish.” I absolutely believe that. The most important goal for me right now is my mental health. The plan is to try and take it one day at a time and continue to work on and develop my character. Character drives talent to greatness.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I actually feel like there are more things we all have in common than sets us apart. As an artist, I feel it’s important for me to live a full life so that I can bring that richness of life to my relationships and my work. I’ve had a unique life that brings a unique experience and perspective to how I work with my team. I’m constantly thinking about other people and what I can do to be a better team player.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love my hometown of San Diego with all my heart, mind, body, and soul. But my biggest dislike is that dip/bump thing on the 805 Northbound right around Sorrento Valley Blvd. That damn things gets me every damn time…
Image Credits
Robby Lutfy
