Anna Elise LaFrance, a Charlotte actor and a renowned performer and alum of Charlotte’s Northwest School of the Arts, is making her mark in London with her latest performance and production with Pretend.
Pretend, an exhilarating drama exploring the complexities of female friendship, love, and success, has LaFrance stepping onto the other side of the curtain with her first performance as a theatrical producer.
A true creative force, LaFrance explores new avenues to showcase her skills as an actor, producer, and teacher in this acclaimed performance.
Anna’s Upbringing
LaFrance spent many of her formative teenage years in and around Charlotte, including dance classes at Open Door Studios and acting classes at Acting Out Studios. She expanded her creative talents through school and local performances as an actor and in several other production roles.
Soon after graduating from Northwest School of the Arts, LaFrance went to study in London at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, where she pursued a Bachelor’s in Acting, followed by a Master’s in Music Theatre at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
While LaFrance is etching her name in the bustling metropolis of London, she holds Charlotte dear as she traces her creative roots back to the Queen City. “Charlotte will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will come back to visit and encourage the artistic scene that helped me get to where I am today,” said LaFrance.
Present Time Performances
Since completing school, LaFrance has landed notable roles, including a spot in an international Samsung commercial and appearing in various short films and theatrical productions.
Expanding beyond acting, LaFrance has delved into production, showcasing her prowess with a successful staging of Pretend by KJ Hinterland at The Etcetera Theatre Club in Camden, London, in March.
Pretend follows four friends, all aspiring actresses, who land their dream roles in a highly coveted production. Together, we watch as they navigate personal and romantic relationships alongside secrets, competition, and turmoil.
Alongside other creatives, including Jess Kambitsis, Harriet O’Grady, and Holly Chidley, LaFrance produced and acted in this theatrical queer drama that compelled audiences. Relatable characters, emotional depth, and outstanding staging shared a unique glimpse into the vibrant world of London’s West End.
Critics and audiences hailed LaFrance’s performance, with local reviewers commending her portrayal of the multifaceted character Holly—much of the praise noting her skill in seamlessly blending humor with the complexities of navigating infidelity.
Aaron-Lee Eeyles of London’s Unmarked Theatre said, “…as good as the ensemble are, there is a clear standout, Anna Elise LaFrance, who plays the complex character Holly. She excels in finding balance between comedic relief and portraying a character who is (spoiler alert) cheating on her girlfriend…LaFrance manages to wholly embody the character and masterfully navigate her complexities.”
The praise she has garnered for her skillful performance and production of Pretend is a testament to her elastic skills and endless growth.
Her wealth of knowledge, both behind the curtain and in front, proved critical for LaFrance, who is certainly cementing her name in London. LaFrance’s success is a positive sign of things to come from her.
Branching Out
Spreading her wings is part of LaFrance’s creative character. As a lifelong student, she has mastered yoga, martial arts, dance, and more, and she continues incorporating movement into her life. She even merged two of her talents—acting and yoga—when she created the Act One Studio. She teaches fellow actors to incorporate yogic principles into their training to promote physical and psychological balance in their performances.
LaFrance is poised to make an even bigger impact on the international acting scene with her upcoming projects, including a martial arts-based short film and a feature film. She is continuing with further research and development of her production Pretend, and working on new theatre and dance pieces that expand upon this project. Her success with Pretend is a testament to her immense talent, hard work, and unmatched dedication to the arts.
