By Siera Schubach, Staff Writer

Published in print Nov. 2, 2014

Torrey Laamar (Belcher) is one of UNCG’s very own rising stars. A BFA acting major, Torrey recently finished shooting the independent film “Blackbird” starring Mo’Nique and Isaiah Washington.

“It’s set in a small Baptist town and is about this guy, Randy, who struggles with his sexuality. It’s a coming of age story,” explains Torrey.

Torrey plays Todd, a young musician who is in love with his girlfriend Leslie (D. Woods) but whose best friend, Randy (Julian Walker), is in love with him. “This film really shows a new side to black culture because in the black community it is looked down upon to be homosexual. It really shows a life that people have not seen, and an issue from a new angle.”

Working on “Blackbird” has been a great experience for Torrey and opened up new avenues for him to pursue, including performing a song he wrote in the film. “I realized how big this film was and that it could change lives…it made me set goals for myself to be part of things that promote a positive message”.

It was in high school that Torrey found his passion for acting. “I’m a Leo, so it was mostly for the attention,” he says with a wide, warm smile. After winning an acting award at the North Carolina Theatre Conference, Torrey realized he could succeed and decided to pursue acting. “I’m glad throughout my life that I have encountered people that have brought down my ego and reminded me that it’s not about me.”

Intelligent and introspective, Torrey explains his philosophy on life and the difficulties that minorities face in the film industry. “Parts are written specifically for certain races and I don’t like that… I don’t want to be put into a type. I want to show all the characters I can be”.

Currently preparing for his starring role in “The Velveteen Rabbit” on the UNCG stage, Torrey seems excited about the possibilities of his future. “It’s all just coming to reality for me. This has been all in my dreams; I’ve seen it and I knew it was going to happen for me.”

“The Velveteen Rabbit” runs November 13 through November 23 and “Blackbird” will be released this coming spring.