Meet Alexa Loo
Alexa was virtually photographed in Vancouver by Alison Engstrom; Hair by Erin Klassen and Makeup by Min-Jee Mowat
Alexa is wearing the Pip Dress from Saylor
Let’s start at the beginning, you have been dancing since you were three years old. What was it about the arts that really drew you in?
Initially, dance was something that my mom put me in for fun. My family is very athletic, so they signed me up for a lot of sports over the years. Dance was honestly the only thing that I was naturally drawn to and that I really enjoyed participating in. When I was young I also went to a fine arts elementary school where I got to explore other types of fine arts such as theatre and music. It’s funny because I am naturally quite introverted, but through dance and acting, I was able to express myself and explore other characters.
What inspired you to explore acting, was there a film or a person who had an impact on you?
I went to a fine arts elementary school and I always really enjoyed drama class, but until I was about twelve my main focus was dance. Then, at the suggestion of my dance teacher, I auditioned for my talent agency and as part of the audition process, I performed some choreography and I also had to perform a scripted scene. I remember later when I was signing with my agents they remarked on how impressed they were with my acting skills. This inspired me to take acting seriously and begin formal training.
Alexa is wearing a blouse by Saylor NYC
Would you say navigating the dance world helped you navigate the entertainment world?
Yes, totally. Through dance, I was able to learn discipline and responsibility at a young age. The dance industry is similar to acting in that you have to work extremely hard for recognition. I think these lessons really benefited me when I first started auditioning because I understood that rejection is a part of the job and that every opportunity is a learning experience.
Is there anything you have been surprised to learn since you started?
I was honestly surprised at how acting, like dance, requires such an immense amount of training. I had always assumed that most successful actors were naturally talented but now I know and understand the hard work and training that is required to be an actor. Personally, I really enjoy this part of the process.
Congratulations on the TBS series Chad! Can you talk more about the premise of the series?
Chad was created by and stars Nasim Pedrad, and the show is her way of sharing a version of her adolescence with the world. The character Chad is from an Iranian family and he wants to fit in so badly that he is doesn’t appreciate how special his family and his background are. I think all of us have experienced that as a teenager, wanting to fit in at any cost. Nasim can bring the unique perspective of now being an adult and exploring these awkward years.
How did the part come to you?
My agent sent me the sides for Denise and I was instantly connected to this character (which rarely happens), and I was so excited for the audition. The script made me laugh out loud and I loved the dry sarcasm that Denise brings to Chad.
Can you share more about your character Denise and what you have liked about playing her?
Denise is such a fun character to play. She is down-to-earth, smart and one of the only characters that dares to call Chad out for his obnoxious behaviour. I love that Denise does not put up with Chad’s antics and that she is confident enough to confront him and call out his bad behaviour.
What do you hope viewers to take away from the series?
I hope that viewers are reminded to be themselves and not try to be something else to appease others. Also, I think viewers should recognize the importance of family background and heritage. Chad is one of the first shows to highlight the lives of a Persian family living in America, and I think that incredibly important to acknowledge that.
How have you balanced your acting career with the addition of being in school?
It’s been a challenge at times. I am fortunate that my school has been extremely supportive of my work. While filmingChad in Portland I did online school and I worked with a tutor on set. This busy schedule really forced me to learn how to manage my time and multi-task.
Representation across the board shouldn’t be the exception but rather the norm and my hope is that we are moving towards that every day. How does it feel to help pave the way when it comes to representation in the entertainment industry for young Asian women?
You are right, it should be the norm and I truly understand the importance of being a young Asian woman on TV. Growing up I could not help but notice the lack of diversity and I really questioned and desired to see more people like me on TV. I want to use the small platform I have to create awareness about this lack of diversity and at the same time support the Asian community as much as possible. For example for the virtual premiere of Chad, it was really important for me to wear an Asian designer. I hope that one day soon we will see more shows that not only feature Asian women but have them as the main character and explore their family and heritage. I know how important this can be to young girls and how badly I wanted to see this type of representation when I was growing up.
Since the pandemic started, it’s been very upsetting to see what is happening in the Asian community across the globe. I know you started working with the Asian American Girl Club. Can you talk more about your work with them?
While working with my stylists Zadrian and Sarah, I said that it was important for me to wear an Asian designer for the premiere. Zadrian immediately said that he wanted to introduce me to his good friend Ally Maki who is the creator of the Asian American Girl Club. I already knew all about Ally and the Asian American Girl Club and so I was thrilled to have this connection. When Ally reached out to me, she was so kind and supportive. I told her that although I only have a small platform that I would love to support the Asian American Girl Club in any way possible. I did an Instagram takeover for a day on their page and the instant support that I got from other Asian American females was overwhelming. It really demonstrated to me how supportive the community is and how we are all trying our best to uplift and celebrate one another, especially during these challenging times. I can’t wait to work with them again in the future.
Since the past year or so has been challenging, how have you navigated it from a creative and mental health standpoint?
The past year has definitely been challenging. I believe that for me, creativity and mental health go hand in hand, so it was really important for me that during the past year that I found ways to continue both dance and acting. I took dance classes online and I met with my acting coach via Skype on a regular basis. This helped me stay sharp but more importantly, it was an outlet for all of the frustrations that I was feeling due to the pandemic and not being able to see my family or, my friends.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Outside of acting and dancing, what are you passionate about?
Outside of acting and dance, I really enjoy creative writing and art. I would love to combine my love for writing with my love for acting to one day write a screenplay. There is still such a huge disparity in the lack of Asian representation in film and television. Rarely are Asians the star of a show, and rarely are their authentic stories told. I believe that there is a huge demand for this. I believe that by writing my own authentic stories that I would be able to become a part of the solution to this problem.
I like talking about manifesting your dreams. Since you are starting out, what would you say is an ultimate dreams that you would like to get out into the universe?
Professionally I would love to one day have a role where I could showcase my love of dance. I would also love to be a part of a film that features a strong Asian woman as a director or creator. Personally, I want to continue to champion diversity in film and television.
Alexa is wearing a dress by Sailor NYC
