Meet Justin Lang | Actor & Teaching Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Lang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Somebody once said “Nobody with a good childhood ever went into show business…” That makes sense for me and many of my closest friends I’ve met in this business. I honestly have never “had the conversation with myself” or “decided” a career in the arts was what I was “going to do with my life”. I’ve been creating and performing since childhood – since before I knew what show business actually meant, and it’s never gone away. It’s the only job I’ve ever had that I understand. Storytelling and the oral tradition of sharing with a live audience has always made sense to me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I actually feel like there are more things we all have in common than sets us apart. As an artist, I feel it’s important for me to live a full life so that I can bring that richness of life to my relationships and my work. I’ve had a unique life that brings a unique experience and perspective to how I work with my team. I’m constantly thinking about other people and what I can do to be a better team player.

For me, the hardest part about this job as an artist is my own mental toughness and health. Some days, I can leap over buildings in a single bound; other days feel like I was hit with a ton of bricks. I’ve had to learn to accept life on life’s terms and not my terms. It takes discipline to accomplish this. Discipline is doing what you hate to do but doing it like you love it. I’ve found that I have to have clear, simple, and specific goals to get it all done. Someone smart once said, “A goal without a plan is a wish.” I absolutely believe that. The most important goal for me right now is my mental health. The plan is to try and take it one day at a time and continue to work on and develop my character. Character drives talent to greatness.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
“The Friendly” and “Fall Brewing” are my local haunts. Both located on 30th near’ish Adams Ave. “The Friendly” has the best burgers (In n Out is a close second). “Fall Brewing” has the best craft beer and a huge selection. “Morley Field Disc Golf” course is a nice walk in the park and great exercise. “Sunset Cliffs” to clear the mind.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is the danger of listing mentors, I could be here all day. I need to shoutout my mom and my brother and my family that did the best they could through a unique childhood. To the Horn’s that grew up with me and are still in my life 30+ years later. Poor Players & New Fortune. Moxie. The Playhouse. Backyard. Fogle. Tiffani. Walter. Tim. My Fellowship. Since my girlfriend and I got together 10 years ago, she’s lived with some very strange men. I’m grateful to her for always helping me get off book, run lines, and talk through very odd ideas that come into my brain.

Image Credits
Cowboy photo by Robby Lutfy