Lights, camera, action – Portrait of a Louisiana Actor
By Mona L. Hayden

Brenda Croswell was born in Huntington Park, California but was reared in Bastrop since third grade. She went on to marry John Croswell, Jr., graduate with a BA in Pre-Law, and study many different philosophies along the way, including Feng Shui.
 
“I knew when I was five years old that I would be a well-known performing artist.  I also knew I’d have to develop a steady, solid, career base to provide me with the means to branch into my artistry, which explains the origination of Croswell Gardens. My joy of plants and gardening enabled me to grow this wholesale nursery to include a three-state distribution area. Croswell Gardens provided much needed locally grown plant material to this area and will continue to grow for many years to come.” Brenda also founded the Northeast Flower Society, a large gardening group that still thrives, and has given numerous talks on plants, gardening, Feng Shui, and self-growth.

A lover of philosophy and poetry, Brenda has gained much inspiration from them. A favorite quote from Henry David Thoreau sums it up: "If one advances confidently in the directions of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."  Joseph Campbell also offers wonderful advice with "Follow your bliss."
 
Brenda reveals that she learned long ago to stop planning too far into the future. “My life takes radical shifts on a yearly basis and I’ve learned to just go with the flow.”  Her immediate plans are to remain a resident of Louisiana and travel when necessary. After spending the summer in New York City, she has developed an appreciation for the slower pace of the South, stating it’s a wonderful place to regroup and refocus before heading out. In New York, she saw many actors waiting tables and working for minimum wage just to follow their dream.  “Their standard of living was much lower than what we are accustomed to here. I think this is one of the biggest fallacies about the acting dream. So many people decide this is what they want to do, and then with no definitive leads, take off to LA or NYC to follow their dream. Quite often they return home with their dreams shattered, not realizing that it wasn't the dream that was flawed – it was their approach to the dream. I do not believe the old adage ‘no pain, no gain’.  I believe a joy-filled journey leads to a happy destination. And I believe that your dream can find you anywhere.”  She also believes success is defined by the level of joy you feel in what you are doing.

Setting her sights high has definitely contributed to Brenda Croswell’s success. “I'm not the kind of person who goes at anything half way. I set high standards for myself and nothing less than 110% effort is acceptable. I have spent much time studying my craft and honing my skills while watching myself grow as an actress. Thus, I’m quite confident in my current capabilities as well as my future acquired skills.”
  
When asked for advice to aspiring actors, Brenda says that any performer must hold an unyielding, unshakeable confidence because there will be much rejection along the way, and you’ll have to learn to shrug it off. Another important step, which only the successful take, is to visualize achieving your dream in your mind's eye by painting a rich tapestry of details, including all five senses. Imagine yourself actually living your dream. She also advises being careful in sharing your dreams only with an optimistic and encouraging support system.

Brenda recommends visiting www.meetup.com, a free online resource for joining people of like interests into groups. The Louisiana film industry has one such group called Louisiana Produces Meetup Group. The purpose of the group is to keep the acting community informed of upcoming films, classes, open casting calls, and anything pertaining to the local film industry.

Movies made in Louisiana? You’d better believe it!  Seems Louisiana is the new hot spot for the film industry with the state recruiting filmmakers through enticing tax incentives. Brenda says, “I’ve been to film workshops in Dallas and Little Rock where Hollywood casting directors were telling attendees NOT to move to New York and Los Angeles but to Louisiana. Most people would be amazed to know how many films have already been made here and there are 18 movies coming to the state this fall.”
Several of her recent films include False Hope and Catahoula. In False Hope, her character, Sarah, was the children's hospital psychologist. It was Sarah's job to provide encouragement and support to the children struggling with diseases such as cancer. Catahoula was the dramatic downhill plunge of a family undergoing crisis. Brenda’s character, Charlene Dunn, endured grieving, domestic abuse, and ultimately a crumbling sense of mental stability. Catahoula was filmed in a 7-day stretch and was an intensely dramatic role to perform.
  
“Acting is about "creating the suspension of disbelief" in the viewer-- and the first step is for the actor to suspend their disbelief.  Acting can be an extremely complex and yet rewarding art.” Be sure to keep an eye out for Brenda on the big screen!
 
“Photos: Exclusive rights of Delta Movies, LLC"

"Learn about the unique history of this area while you sink knee-deep in its culture and cuisine. Get to know local artists and shop owners, state parks and forests, lakes and rivers. Then come on over and play a while. We guarantee you’ll have a great time!"