Rachel Lewis - Model/Actor/VO

File this under "Things I Never Thought I'd See Rachel Do." Those who know me know I suffer from extreme stage fright (one of several reasons I don't do theatre acting), and I am also not a fan of watching staged improv (I'd rather see it in the TV/Film setting). After some coaxing by Chicago agents, Chicago casting directors and my fave coach, I caved in and signed up for my first improv class. If you're like me and hesitant about improv and don't have the funds to afford a starting out class, in Lakeview is always offering discounts for Level 1 Improv with former instructors and participants of iO and Second City. For 7 weeks I became my most vulnerable I've ever been in acting, put away my judgements and played with a great group of both novice and experienced improv actors. Do I still overthink? Yes. Do I love being on stage now? Nope. But hopefully I'll be able to incorporate some of what I've learned into my commercial auditions (the auditions that often ask for improv). So here's to you, my Level 1 classmates aka YouTube Shorts...thank you for providing a safe space and good luck with whatever you pursue next. Thank you and for being such great instructors. And thank you to those who encouraged me and supported me to get up on that stage and perform in front of a bunch of strangers during the end-of-term celebration show with all the class levels. Y'know, I've realized that improv is a lil less stage frighty since there are no lines to worry about and as someone who had lost that ability to memorize lines for 3 years and can still have relapse moments, it really takes some of the pressure off.

Chicago Fire
May 7, 2025
Season 13, Episode 20, "Cut Me Open"
Real EMT/Medic

Hanako was off this episode, so I got to return to my role as a Real EMT/Medic and play on camera (I also stood in for the Jade character).

My most attractive quality is my resilience, my ability to survive. Without it, I would be lost in the chaos. Let me have my moment of panic, but I have it within me to keep on hustlin'. There are always choices. There are always solutions. I can't live in the past. I can't live in the future. I can only live in the present and do what I can Now as opposed to Later.

📷:

It's prom season, and I still fit into my prom dress. Hard to believe I had to go to prom solo because no one wanted to go with me. I only have 3 photos of me at my house before leaving for the prom. I've never been a portrait photographer, the only people photos I'd take being candids or action. Decided to have a lil self-portrait fun. Lighting had never been my forte in film school or photography classes. I did minimal editing on these.

I've never been a portrait photographer, the only people photos I'd take being candids or action. Decided to have a lil self-portrait fun. Lighting had never been my forte in film school or photography classes. I did minimal editing on these.

With Violet () not appearing in this scene, I was booked to return to my role as a Real EMT/Medic and was director-selected to be a medic for Damon (). In case you blinked and missed me, here I am, lol.

Chicago Fire
March 5, 2025
Season 13, Episode 15, "Too Close"
Real EMT/Medic

I'd never worked a Crossover before until the January 29, 2025 Crossover. Although some of the One Chicago Core Stand Ins got to crossover onto the other shows, I never left Fire. We also had a bunch of Utility Stand Ins joining us. In addition to my usual Violet role, I also stood in for Burgess, Jane Doe and Bates. I got to reunite with 2 of my Dark Matter S1 Core Stand Ins who were doing BG. I got to go to the Chicago Fire Burn Stage twice for Jane Doe and Bates...there isn't much reason for Violet to ever be there. In a surprise to me at the time of filming, I also made an appearance in the Med hour of the Crossover when I was told I'd be photo doubling for Jane Doe in security footage...filmed with the Fire crew. I should've gotten stunt pay...it was terrifying running with barely any visibility (my gas mask kept fogging up, the lighting was low, we were on a narrow pathway several feet above the ground, one misstep and I could've fallen over the edge, all while carrying a bag and a ladder and having to keep pace with the guy in front of me and the guy holding the rear of the ladder). When I told casting about this, between their laughs, they told me they had no idea that THAT is what I was going to have to do in that scene.