Veronica Lauretta from Italy to LA to follow a dream.

Veronica Labretta grew up in Italy performing in musical theatre and originally believed her future would be in ballet. Her dream was to study at Juilliard in New York. Unfortunately, an injury forced her to stop dancing at a professional level, a turning point that led her to rethink her artistic path.

During that period, she began studying screenwriting while continuing to perform in musicals, which she had been doing since the age of six. Musical theatre gave her a strong foundation as a performer, but she gradually felt drawn toward film and television, where she could explore characters in a deeper and more intimate way.

After the passing of her mother, Veronica felt the need for a major life change. She moved to Vancouver for a few months through an EF program to study English, an experience that opened her world significantly. In 2019, she returned to Canada with a Working Holiday Visa, marking her first real step into the international industry. She began working as a background performer and later obtained small speaking roles in series such as Loudermilk and Motherland. Though brief, those moments on screen were deeply meaningful to her. At the time, her English was still improving, and working on set in another language pushed her to grow both personally and professionally.

When she returned to Italy during the pandemic, she was cast as the lead in the short film Evidence of Power, which went on to win several international awards. The role was particularly special to her because it relied heavily on physical acting and emotional expression rather than dialogue, presenting a new and exciting challenge.

At the same time, she was also training in dubbing in Rome, expanding her work as a voice artist. However, she continued to feel a strong pull toward the United States. The American industry had always been part of her dream, so she pursued a visa and eventually moved to Los Angeles.

Since arriving in LA, Veronica has worked consistently across different types of productions, including vertical series, which have proven to be an intense and valuable training ground. These projects require fast memorization, emotional intensity, and a strong presence on camera, all of which have helped shape her into a stronger actress.

Today, Veronica Labretta sees herself as an international performer working between cultures, languages, and different forms of storytelling. Her journey from Italy to North America has profoundly shaped who she is as an artist.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when you first moved to Los Angeles to build your acting career?

One of the biggest challenges when I first moved to Los Angeles was actually internal. When you arrive in an industry like this, it’s very easy to fall into the trap of putting other actors on a pedestal and feeling like you’re not enough. I had to work a lot on my mindset and my self-concept, reminding myself that everyone’s journey is different and that my perspective and background are part of what make me unique as an artist.

Another major challenge was the language and the accent. As an Italian actress working in the American industry, mastering the accent was essential, especially because I also work in voice acting and dubbing, where clarity and neutrality of speech are extremely important. I spent a lot of time training with my acting coach (Hannah Leight) and different accent coach to refine my American pronunciation and feel fully comfortable performing in another language.

Of course, building a career in a country that isn’t your own always comes with obstacles. But I’ve always loved challenges. For me, they’re not something to fear but something that pushes you to grow, both as an artist and as a person.

How would you describe your acting style and the type of roles you feel most connected to?

I would describe my acting style as very emotional and instinctive. I come from a musical theatre background, so physical expression and body language have always been an important part of the way I build a character. I really enjoy exploring emotions and playing with different emotional layers, because I believe that’s what truly connects a character with the audience.

I often find myself playing high school or college-age characters, and I actually love that. I’m a very energetic person and I still feel a bit like a teenager at heart, so I connect easily with that type of role and the emotional intensity that comes with it.

What I’m most drawn to are characters who have something meaningful to give to the audience. Those roles that stay with you after the story ends, the kind of characters that people can really feel and relate to. I love portraying characters who are passionate, a little messy, and deeply human. I just love characters that make people feel something.

And even though my career has moved more toward film and television, musical theatre will always have a special place in my heart. Whenever there’s a role that allows me to sing or dance, it feels like reconnecting with the art form where everything began for me.

Is there a particular role or project that has been especially meaningful to you so far in your career?

Every role I’ve played has been meaningful to me in some way. I always try to bring a part of my heart into every character, whether the role is big or small. For me, acting is about honesty and connection, so each project becomes part of my journey as an artist.

That said, one project that has been especially significant is the short film Evidence of Power. The story explores the theme of women striving to reach positions of power in a society where that can still be very challenging. What I loved about it was the message that women can succeed by supporting each other rather than competing in destructive ways. Being part of that story felt very meaningful to me, and in many ways it also marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life and career.

At the same time, every project has pushed me to grow in different ways as an actress. For example, I recently worked on a mini series where I played a cheerleader, and for the first time I had to train to perform a full cheer routine. It was a completely new experience for me and reminded me that acting often requires preparing both emotionally and physically for a role. I really enjoy those kinds of challenges because they allow you to approach the craft from every angle.

What differences have you noticed between the entertainment industry in Italy and the one in Los Angeles?

From my experience, there are some noticeable differences between the entertainment industry in Italy and in Los Angeles, especially in terms of approach and opportunities.

When it comes to acting, I feel that in Italy many directors tend to look for a more traditional and sometimes more academic style of performance. In Los Angeles, what I love is that the approach often feels more natural and immersive. Actors are encouraged to truly live the character, to embody them emotionally rather than simply perform the lines. That level of emotional authenticity is something I really enjoy exploring.

I’ve also noticed differences in the voice acting and dubbing industry. In the United States, it’s quite common to submit demos directly to studios or to find voice acting auditions on platforms like Actors Access or Casting Networks, just like with on-camera acting. In Italy, the industry tends to be more closed and relationship-based, and since the pandemic it has become even more difficult to physically access studios or present your demo in person, which can make entering the field more challenging.

That being said, Italy has an incredibly strong dubbing tradition and a very refined technical approach. Training in dubbing in Italy gave me a very solid foundation, and that preparation has helped me a lot when working in voice acting here in the United States.

Of course, this is only based on my personal experience, and I have many talented friends and colleagues in the Italian industry whom I deeply respect. Italy has extraordinary performers and artists, so there is a lot of mutual inspiration between the two worlds. In a way, I feel lucky to carry both influences with me , the strong technical foundation from Italy and the creative freedom I’ve experienced in Los Angeles.

How do you usually prepare for a role? Do you have a specific process when building a character?

My preparation usually begins with understanding the character as deeply as possible. I like to analyze who they are beyond the lines on the page. I think about how they walk, how they speak, what their past might be, and what experiences shaped the person we see in the story.

If the character has a difficult background, I often do research to understand how someone in that situation might react emotionally in certain moments, so that my performance feels honest and believable. If the project is set in a specific historical period, I also spend time researching that era to better understand the context the character lives in.

Sometimes, before fully memorizing the script, I like to watch a movie or series with a character that has a similar emotional tone or energy. Not to copy the performance, but to help me explore different possibilities in how certain lines could be interpreted.

I actually begin this process even during auditions. As soon as I receive a self tape request, I start analyzing the character and building a small world around them. I also like to dress in a way that reflects how the character might look, because it helps me feel more connected to them.

When I’m performing, Vikiy disappears. In that moment I’m completely present inside the character, emotionally and mentally. For me, acting is about fully stepping into another person’s soul and letting their story live through you.

Artificial Intelligence is becoming more present in the entertainment industry. What are your thoughts on the role of AI in filmmaking and acting?

Artificial Intelligence is definitely becoming more present in the entertainment industry, and I think it’s something we need to approach with both curiosity and responsibility.

Technology has always played an important role in filmmaking. From visual effects to editing tools, innovation has helped storytellers bring incredible worlds to life. In that sense, AI can be a powerful creative tool that supports filmmakers and expands what is technically possible.

At the same time, I believe it’s very important to protect artists and their work. An actor’s voice, image, and performance are deeply personal, and they should never be used without clear consent and fair compensation. The human element is the heart of storytelling, and no technology can truly replace the emotional truth that actors bring to a role.

For me, the ideal future is one where technology and human creativity work together. AI can help the industry evolve, but the soul of cinema will always come from real people telling real stories.

If you could give advice to your younger self from ten years ago, what would you say?

If I could speak to my younger self from ten years ago, I think the first thing I would do is simply hug her.

Back then I was very different from who I am today. I wasn’t on social media yet, and after losing my mother I went through a period where I felt very alone. Many friendships disappeared, and I was often seen as the quiet, slightly awkward girl who loved reading books and watching TV shows. When I spoke about my dream of acting abroad, many people told me I was unrealistic.

But I had made a promise to my mother that I would follow my dreams and live my life fully, no matter how difficult the path might be.

So if I could go back, I would tell that younger version of myself not to be afraid and to keep believing. I would tell her that things will change. That one day she will move to America, that English will become her second language, that she will work on many projects and that her voice and her work will reach people around the world.

Most importantly, I would tell her that she will learn to be proud of herself. Because in the end, that is what truly matters. When you believe in your dreams and stay true to who you are, life has a beautiful way of surprising you.

What keeps you motivated during the more challenging moments of an acting career?

What keeps me motivated during the more challenging moments is first and foremost my parents. I made a promise to them that nothing and no one would stop me until I achieved my dream of building my career in Hollywood. It may sound ambitious, but remembering that promise gives me strength.

I often think about how they always told me they were proud of me. My parents faced very difficult moments in their lives with incredible courage, and remembering their strength helps me keep perspective. If they could face such serious challenges with dignity and resilience, then I can certainly face a difficult audition, a rejection, or a hard day on set.

Another huge source of motivation for me is the support system I have around me. My best friends and my community have been incredibly important in my journey. I feel very lucky because I have people in my life who support me unconditionally in everything I do.

There are days in this industry when it’s easy to doubt yourself. But what makes the difference is having people who believe in you even on the days when you temporarily stop believing in yourself. And finding people like that is something truly rare and special.

What kind of stories or characters are you most excited to explore in the future?

In the future, I would love the opportunity to explore characters who are a little closer to my own personality. So far, I’ve often been cast as the popular girl, the slightly sharp or manipulative character, the confident and sometimes intimidating presence. Those roles are fun to play, but I would really enjoy portraying someone softer and more grounded, a character with a quieter emotional depth.

I would also love to be part of a musical film or series. Musical theatre is where my artistic journey began, so returning to that world in a cinematic way would feel like coming home.

Since I’ve always been a passionate reader, another dream of mine would be to bring to life a character from one of my favorite books. We’re living in a time where so many beloved novels are being adapted for the screen, especially thanks to the influence of book communities online, so who knows, maybe one day that opportunity will come.

Most of all, I’m excited about characters who truly resonate with people. The kind of roles where audiences can see themselves in the character, laugh with them, cry with them, and feel understood through their journey. Those are the stories that stay with us.

And ultimately, I believe the right role always finds you at the right moment. I’m excited to see what the future has in store.

What should audiences expect from you next? Are there any upcoming projects you can share with us?

At the moment I’m not currently working on a new project, but I’m really looking forward to being back on set and in the recording studio soon. In the meantime, I’m enjoying seeing some of the projects I worked on a few months ago finally being released. It’s always a special feeling when people reach out to tell me they’ve seen me in a project and felt something from the performance. Those messages mean a lot to me.

Right now I’m continuing to focus on training, auditions, and preparing for the next opportunities. This industry is always moving, and I’m excited for what’s coming next. I truly believe the most exciting chapters are still ahead.

What message would you like to share with aspiring actors who dream of building a career in Los Angeles?

The most important thing I would say to aspiring actors who dream of building a career in Los Angeles is to truly believe that you belong in this industry just as much as anyone else. It’s very easy to look at others and feel like they are somehow more talented or more deserving, but the moment you understand that you are just as much an actor as anyone else, everything begins to shift.

Believing in yourself is essential, especially when it comes to auditions. If you don’t believe in your own talent and your own voice, it becomes very difficult for others to see that confidence in you. But when you truly trust yourself and the work you bring into the room, people can feel it.

This industry can be challenging, but confidence and persistence make a huge difference. When you believe in yourself, others start believing in you too. And sometimes that belief is exactly what opens the next door.

For anyone dreaming of Los Angeles, my advice is simple: keep studying, keep growing, and never let someone else define the limits of your dream.

If your journey in Los Angeles were a film, what would its title be?

If my journey in Los Angeles were a film, I think I would call it Delulu.

I’m a big believer in the idea that if you truly believe something is yours, eventually it finds its way to you. Some people call that manifestation, others call it optimism… and some might say it’s a little delusional.

But honestly, that mindset has guided a lot of my life. There have been many moments when people told me something was impossible or that a certain opportunity would never happen for me. And my response has always been something like, “Just move a little, you’re blocking my sunlight. I’m pretty sure it’s going to happen.”

I like to think that being a little “delulu” is sometimes necessary in this industry. You have to believe in possibilities before anyone else sees them. And in a funny way, many of the things I once imagined for my life have actually come true.

So yes… Delulu would probably be the perfect title.

What would you say to young Veronica, knowing what you know now? 

If I could speak to young Veronica today, I think I would simply tell her: don’t be afraid of who you are.

There were moments when she felt different, when people didn’t understand her dreams or thought they were too big. But I would tell her that those dreams are not a weakness, they are exactly what will guide her.

I would also tell her that life will take her places she can’t even imagine yet, and that every challenge she faces will help shape the person she becomes.

Most importantly, I would tell her to keep believing, even when it feels lonely. Because one day she will look back and realize that everything she once dreamed about was actually the beginning of her story.

Is there aanything we didn't cover that you want to add? 

One thing I would love to add is how important television and storytelling have been in my life. Growing up, TV shows were often a source of comfort for me during difficult moments. The characters sometimes felt like imaginary friends who kept me company when I needed it most.

I still remember the excitement I felt when I was younger and ran fan pages for some of my favorite actors. The moment I received a notification from one of them felt like the happiest thing in the world.

Those small moments meant so much to me, and they reminded me how powerful stories and artists can be in someone’s life. If one day my work can bring that same comfort or inspiration to someone else, even in a small way, I think that would be one of the most beautiful parts of this career.

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