Conversations with Amanda Lea LaVergne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Lea LaVergne.

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always knew that I wanted to be in musicals, even though I didn’t see my first one until I was 18. I moved to NYC after performing in a few hours, singing on a cruise ship, and tapping in the musical 42nd Street in Moscow. Broadway was always the goal, and I was fortunate to make my debut in Grease and got back on the Broadway stage with The People in the Picture and Annie.

From there, work has taken me around the world and almost every state in the US. I also work year-round with an incredible Andrews Sisters-inspired vintage group called America’s Sweethearts. It combines my love of singing and vintage with women’s empowerment and history.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Working as an actor, no matter where you are or how talented you are has obstacles. You can’t be in this business without having some sort of tough skin.

But in the same breath, you also need to be able to access your own vulnerability and hope daily. The amount of “no thank yous” will always outweigh the “yes.” It is really tough to not take it personally, but if you can find things that bring you joy that you have some sort of control over, and people who love you unconditionally then it makes the roller coaster much easier to navigate.

Covid brought on a whole new level of difficulty. People will always need the magic and escapism that theatre brings. Once the world started to open up and theatre came back, the joy was overwhelming to be back onstage and the love in the space is that much more special now.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a storyteller. I have made a living working in musicals all over the world and have worked in some of the most prestigious theaters and some of the smallest in the world. I am most proud of my longevity in an industry that is so difficult to navigate and sustain a living.

I have moved from ensemble chorus girl to leading lady over the years and I have stepped into major roles with little to no rehearsal at all. I have taken on roles that fit like a glove and roles that have terrified me… both of which stretch me in the best way. I like to find honesty in all my characters, whether they are comedic or tragic. Stories that make people think and feel are my favorite to tell.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am an accomplished and competitive runner and running coach.

This April will be my 10th consecutive time running the Boston Marathon which I plan on doing with my mother. I found my love of running while traveling around with shows, it became the best way to discover all the new places I played. I also love coaching others to find their love of the road and create sustainable relationships with the movement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amandalealavergne.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandalealavergne/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?viewas=100000686899395&id=100032495093475
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk_oM8FJ3HWqE_8b13X-X8A
• Other: https://www.runwithamanda.com

Image Credits
Sharon Playhouse, Lyric Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, and Phoebe Warlow Photography