Lois-Amber Toole (‘15) developed her solo show, Post Traumatic Slay Disorder, during a time of stagnation in the industry. The actor/writer, who was born and raised in the UK, has been described as a “sharp” and “engaging” with a knack for wit. She recently spoke with The Academy Pages to discuss her career endeavors.
The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
You’re from the UK, trained in New York and Los Angeles, and then went back to the UK. What has that experience been like for you?
I really excelled from having American training and then going out into the industry. That worked really well for me. I thrived in that environment, and when I visit LA, I feel like I do quite well there. Coming back to the UK, I think I had a bit of an edge. I like to work here with the training that I received from The Academy.
Tell us about your show Post Traumatic Slay Disorder.
I started working on that during a really difficult time for actors, after COVID and during the strikes. I took it upon myself to write something while I was working at a retail job. During my breaks or when I wasn’t on the floor, I’d be working on my script. I submitted the script to loads of theatres that I respected before it was picked up by King’s Head Theatre, which is a small Fringe theatre that serves as a springboard for a lot of shows that go onto the West End. I played two sold-out days there before getting the call to take it off West End. I was right next door to Matilda for three weeks.
And you received some award recognition for it, too.
I got nominated for an Offie for Best Performance piece. It was so cool to get that recognition.
Is writing something you’ve always enjoyed?
It is. My dad always encouraged me to do it. I definitely found my voice when I was at The Academy. Looking back at some of my notes from my time at The Academy, it was really in voice and speech classes that I found my voice. Doing solo shows got me confident to be onstage.
Are there artists, or a piece of art, that you find particularly inspiring?
I love Makayla Coel. She got her start writing and doing a solo show; I see a similar journey between us, in a way.
Where are you headed now?
Since I started the show in July, there’s been talks about making it into a TV show. I’m exploring my options and having meetings. I did a table with a BBC writer a few weeks ago for an audience of about 80 people.
That's a huge step forward. I'm really excited for you.
I didn't think it would be this quick, but I'm really, really enjoying it.
Looking back again, is there something you wish you could have done differently regarding your career or training?
When I was at The Academy, I wish I would have thrown myself into it more. That was the safest place to do that. Once you’re working in the industry, you realize how little time you have onset, and how little time you have in the rehearsal room to be able to play or explore. I wish I wouldn’t have been quite so self-conscious.
Do you find that that’s gotten easier for you?
Absolutely. I don’t really have anything to lose anymore. I don’t have to prove anything. I just lean into it.
What about a moment you’re particularly proud of?
When I did the show in the West End, my parents came from their small seaside town to see it…I think that was the moment I’m most proud of.
What else might be next for you in your career?
I recently got signed in the US, which I’m really excited about. I’m looking forward to seeing where that might go. And I’m having some meetings about the TV show. I’ve written a few shorts in the vein of Hot Fuzz recently. I love that style of humor.
Is there some parting advice you might give to younger artists and recent graduates?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everything is a collaboration, so it’s important to work together to make sure it works out in the end. I used to be quite reserved, but it’s not about proving yourself or trying to please people; offer your talent and let people take it.
Check out Lois-Amber Toole’s website for more on the budding artist.
Comments