All Photos © Mario Barberio 2018
Lofton Shaw BTS Video & Interview
Lofton Shaw Q&A
What inspired you to pursue acting/singing/etc?
It was a combination of things that inspired me to pursue acting as a career. As far back as my toddler years I can remember how at home it felt to be the center of attention and how I would hog a microphone. I’d sing to everything. Throughout my school years I tried out for all the plays and musicals. The sound of audience laughter was almost addicting. But it was while watching two TV shows, Wizards of Waverly Place and iCarly, it hit me… I needed to be an actor. I’ve always been aware though that the main inspiration for my pursuit of acting has been my love for making people smile and laugh. It’s so rewarding entertaining others and expressing myself. Acting is a vehicle which I hope to use to make the whole world smile and have a blast while I’m doing it.
What were your feelings the first time you were in front of a camera on a professional level?
The first time I was in front of a camera was for a Nickelodeon game show I was a contestant on called WebHeads. It felt completely natural, I was in my element. The cameras energized me and I knew I wanted more. It was almost like something took over me and a whole other side of me appeared, a very comedic side… and I liked it a lot.
What TV show character would it be the most fun to change places with for a week?
I’d love to trade places with Steve (Joe Kerry) from Stranger Things; and not only because it’s the greatest show ever or because he was Nancy’s boyfriend and Nancy is FREEKING BEEAUTIFUL! Lol But Because I actually really relate to his emotions and how he expresses himself. I also see that we handle stressful scenarios in the same way.
Who is your greatest inspiration in the acting profession?
The actor who’s been my greatest inspiration is Zac Efron, no question. He has got to be on top of the world to have landed such a variety of super cool roles and played all of them so darn well. His emotions hit me so clearly, his expressions so true to life; he’s an incredible and believable actor.
What’s the best show currently on TV?
The best show on TV right now I’d have to say is The Walking Dead. Its entire cast is so in depth with each of their unique characters that at this point you actually have to remind yourself they’re acting. The evolution of each character from the first season until now is insane! Talk about seasoned actors, they’re all mind blowing to me.
If you just landed the lead role in big budget action film, who is your dream costar?
TOM CRUISE! For a few years it’s been a dream of mine (and every other red-blooded guy’s) to be in a Mission Impossible feature co-starring with him. He’s one of the most badass actors playing one of the most badass parts… and I know we would KILL IT on camera together!
What are 3 things you do everyday?
The 3 things that I do everyday that probably not a lot of other people do are Ping Pong, throw the football, and workout. Those 3 things are fun but they also build my physical and mental coordination and are great outlets for my excessive high energy. I’d like to share 2 other things I do daily too. 1. Wake up every day expecting good to show up in my day. 2. I recognize the good and am thankful when it does show up.
Who or what makes you nervous?
I have worked hard to not let my nerves get to me too much. I hate to admit nervousness could become fear, and fear could stop me. I don’t want to stop pursuing this very challenging business that I love. My mom tells me I must have ultra thick skin.
What are the three best apps on your phone?
The 3 best apps on my phone have to be: 1. Instagram, 2. Smule Magic Piano, and 3. Madden Overdrive. I obviously have Instagram as my #1, because it is my most used app by far; I’m on it all the time so I can keep up with fans and friends; that’s super important to me because it’s a great way to know my fan base and communicate with them. I use Smule to help me learn how to play songs on the piano, because once I hear it on the app it’s way easier for me to play it on my piano by ear. Have I mentioned that I’m obsessed with football? I know everything about every team so obviously Madden Overdrive is a game that I love love to play, probably a little too often.
What was the last thing you Googled?
The last thing I Googled was “Hearts Don’t Break Around Here,” by Ed Sheeran. That is most likely going to be one of my next covers. The meaning and feeling behind this song I can completely connect with, and it sounds beautiful on the piano as well.
How often do you check your phone?
I check my phone more times than I really want to count, probably every five minutes! It’s rare that I go longer honestly, mainly because I’m responding to text messages. I’m in five different group chats all for different things, so as you can probably imagine my phone is buzzing a lot. I also use my phone for Instagram, I go on that often to respond to comments and so on. 🙂 There are times though I forget to charge it and I can’t find it even when I have someone else call it for me because it’s dead. That really shouldn’t happen being I have several battery packs, (I can’t seem to find them either! Lol)
What is the strangest dream you have ever had?
I’ve had some pretty strange dreams… The strangest dream I actually had recently and I remember it vividly. I probably remember it so well because I didn’t die in it! Anyway, it was right after I played Mario Kart, so in my dream I was bouncing on these huge mushrooms like trampolines. I was bouncing way higher than trampolines though, like 50 feet high! It was really fun until I landed on the edge of the mushroom and shot off sideways right over a cliff where I fell to my… and that’s where I woke up. Yeah, pretty strange.
What 3 famous people, living or dead, would you want at your fantasy dinner party?
Three famous people that I can choose, living or dead, that I can have my dinner party… I mean… can I choose Jesus? Because if so that would be #1 for sure! So I’d say 1. Jesus, 2. Morgan Freeman, and 3. Selena Gomez. That would be one awesome dinner. You’d wanna come to that one, wouldn’t you?
Would you rather win an Olympic medal, an Academy Award, or the Nobel Peace prize?
My DREAM would be to win an Academy award for best actor. Isn’t that the answer all actors give? Lol. Seriously though, acting is what I love to do, it’s why I’m here right now. I don’t know exactly what I’m destined for yet but I do know that I am definitely meant to be in this industry. If I get to live out this dream, I will use it for the greater good of others however I can.
If you could eat only 3 foods for the rest of your life, what would they be?
If I could only eat three foods for the rest of my days… 1. Sushi! 2. Steak and eggs, and 3. roast beef sandwich from The Heights Deli. They’re all delicious, and that way I’d have it all covered – breakfast, lunch, and dinner planned every day of my life!
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Maybe I’d become a DJ if I never had to sleep. It is something I’ve always found intriguing and had kind of wanted to pursue it when I was younger, but I have absolutely zero time! So if I didn’t have to sleep, I could try that out. Why not, right?
What do you hope to achieve in your professional life?
In my professional life as an actor and influencer I hope to successfully make a difference in people’s lives. To give hope to those that thought there was none and to spread love to others through kindness and giving back. The entertainment industry is a vehicle that can be used to affect a great number of people and change their perception of the world; simply to make it better. I know that may sound cheesy but my goal is truly to make the world a better place than it was before I came into it.
What are your goals for the future?
My future goals are to fine tune many aspects of the paths I’m presently on… to become a seasoned well rounded actor, to improve at everything, from hosting, singing, and even dancing. But those are the obvious ones; I’d also like to chair an organization that can greatly impact many. Look at Make A Wish, and the multitude of lives it has touched. That’s the scale I hope to reach in my future.
Please tell us about your upcoming projects to watch for?
At this time I do not have a film project just yet to announce, but stay tuned as there are some exciting things in the works. I am, however, very pleased to announce I have recently accepted a privileged position as Youth Ambassador for an organization I am so proud to be a part of, RettSyndrome.org. Rett Syndrome is a rare neurological disease that affects mostly girls. These girls suffer greatly, trapped without a voice inside their beautiful, often immobile beings, and naturally their loved ones are forever changed by their condition as well. I am going to help them get the word out and raise awareness, but mostly I would like to connect with and bring happiness to as many of these young beautiful girls as I can. There are upcoming events that I will soon be posting about to let you all know how and what you can do to help. Rett Syndrome is a condition that has remained in my head and my heart since I first learned about it.
Where can we follow you to stay up to date on your career?
All of my social media tags are my name @LoftonShaw. I am most active on Instagram and gladly welcome it if you’d like to get in touch. Shoot me a DM and I will do my absolute best to respond. Peace!
Instagram: @beyondthespotlights
Photographer: Mario Barberio
Instagram: @mariobarberiophotos
Stylist: Madison Dixon
Instagram: @madisondixonstylist
Hair & Makeup: Kimberly Johnson
Instagram: @kimmyjmakeup
All Photos © Mario Barberio 2018