Roxanne Alese

Roxanne was born crippled. One leg and foot were completely turned inward. She was in a full body cast in the first week of her life. By the age of 3, the braces were removed from both legs, but she had to wear orthopedic shoes for many years. She was determined at the young age of 4, to attend dance classes. Frightened and hesitant, her parents allowed her to attend. It was painful for her, but she fell in love with the art of performing. Roxanne studied dance, singing and acting from the age of 4 till she was 50. She only stopped, because her parents became ill. She also studied writing and directing for both theater and film. She has written and directed 17 plays of her own, and is now on her 7th screenplay. She has also directed other companies plays and films. As an actor, she had 3 agents. She belonged to all the unions. Equity/Sag/Aftra. She has been in over 40 plays. Her first play was at the age of 6. Throughout her career, she had major surgeries on her feet. Roxanne also suffers from autoimmune deficiency which causes her to have chronic pain everyday. She has always refused to let her diseases interfere with her life. An award winning Dancer, Actor, and Writer. She's unyielding in her pursuit to be creative. She also sings, evaluates films, and has recently been certified as a Film Critic. She has been bi-coastal for much of her career, working in N.Y. and L.A..After many years of acting, dancing, and singing, she decided to open her own Theater Company. She gave up her union cards, and put all of her money into the company. Working for Roxanne is not easy. She expects from everyone, what she gives to a project. She is very concerned about details. She makes all actors do intense research on their roles. She is not always liked by actors or staff members, but they all respect her as a director. I've seen her work actors to the point where they would be sweating. She will not stop until she brings the best performance from each of her actors. She is just as hard on her staff members. But, it is the reason her productions do so well. Roxanne is her worst critic. She always thinks, it could have been better. Critics have given her great reviews, but honestly, she takes them with a grain of salt. Her opinion of her productions is never as high as the critics or the audience. She is a perfectionist when it comes to any of the arts she has studied. If you ask her if she thinks she is good at her work, she will only say; "I know my craft." Some of the awards she's received, she feels were unjustified. She is totally honest, sometimes unfiltered, which has caused her to be disliked. She has told me, she is not doing this to make friends. Her goal is to create something that will leave an important message with her audience. So far, every thing she has written is based on real people and real situations. Her work is considered esoteric. She said to me; "I don't write pieces to pander to the public. I write pieces that I feel are interesting and educational. She is intense, and so is her work. Roxanne has studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in N.Y. and L.A., as well as The Actor's Studio, H.B. Studios, and Theater workshops. She had 2 private acting coaches, and also studied film. She has a Master's Degree in Theater Arts, and also has been teaching acting for many years. At this point of her life, her diseases have unfortunately progressed and she has made the decision to write spec scripts and work as a Film Critic. But, she just took on the position of being one of the writers and directors of a web- series. Like I said previously...Unyielding. Last year at the age of 58, she and her Dance Partner took home 1st Place at the National Finals Ballroom Dance Competitions. They are the National Champions of 2015. What nobody knows is that Roxanne danced with a seriously damaged right knee and a shattered bone in her right foot that happened several months prior at her martial arts class. Roxanne also takes boxing classes and is a veteran of working out at the gym. Her myriad of specialists want her to rest and stay off her feet. She refuses. She said; "A body with constant movement is healthier." I knew her parents well. When they passed, Roxanne went into seclusion. When she returned to the world, she came back with more enthusiasm and got right back to writing. Roxanne's emotions are at her finger tips. She explained to me that as an actor, director, and writer, we must always be aware of all our emotions. We can't put them in the back of our heads. We suffer most as artists because it's essential to be able to give any emotion at the drop of a hat. So, good or bad, we must carry those emotions with us at all times. I, personally disagree. I think that's too difficult for any human being to have to do, but I'm not Roxanne. She is unique and fearless. It's been a pleasure and an honor to work with her. Now, for the fun part. I'm going to tell you secrets about Roxanne that very few people know. She's been engaged 7 times, and married once. She was the party girl for many years. Her hot spots were: Studio 54, The Limelight, Danceateria and several smaller night spots in N.Y.C..She read for the part that Fran Drescher scored in Saturday Night Fever. The Director thought Roxanne was too tall and could really dance, even though she was trying to act like she couldn't. They kept her as an extra. Gina Gershon and Roxanne were always sent to audition for the same part. This caused friction between them, but eventually they became friends. Roxanne took acting classes with Tom Berenger and also directed him in a play. They're still friends. Roxanne and Julia Roberts had a mutual friend, who introduced them to one another. They would meet at Danceateria for drinks when Julia was in town. Roxanne has been friends with many celebrities and has dated several, including a Hugo Boss Model. I have been with her when she had plans to meet with them. I, must admit, I was star struck. Roxanne treated them, exactly as she treats me, like a friend. She has never asked any of these well known celebrities to be in her projects, or to get her work. She said to me; " If they were interested in being in one of my projects, or were interested in me being in one of their projects, I'm sure they would ask me." We're friends, and have a great time together. It's probably the reason they stay in touch with her. She has never asked them or anyone in the industry for work. This lady likes to do her own thing. And, may I add; She does it very well. Best time with her: We were doing a street scene in the play and the fake N.Y.C garbage pail on the stage was really bothering her, so we walked down 8th ave. and she saw a garbage pail on the corner. She told me to get on one side and she would get on the other. I was very nervous, but we picked up the dirty, smelly pail and walked 2 blocks holding it. Roxanne was laughing and said; "Don't be nervous. Act as if you're not doing anything wrong, and nobody will think you are committing a crime." And, she continued to laugh and talk. N.Y. is amazing. We walked 2 long blocks, crossed streets and not one person noticed. Yes, we did return it after the show. With love and respect.