In the spirit of following recommended procedures, we ask Members not to visit the ACTRA Manitoba office in person but to conduct business with the office by email or phone.
When did you become involved in the industry and how? I started out doing community theatre in my hometown of Fall River, Massachusetts when I was in grade 9, and after that, became heavily involved in school musicals and plays. After I graduated from high school, I became a Theatre and Film major at The University of Massachusetts, in Amherst, MA. I earned my B.A. in June 1986 on a Saturday and moved to New York City three days later on the following Tuesday. In New York I started working as a receptionist at an interior design company and then as a waitress for about a year. Around that same time, I also started booking background work on various NYC soap operas. I also did some commercial print work and landed a few roles in Off- Broadway plays. Eventually, I was cast in a U.S. National commercial for “Tinactin Athletes Foot Powder”, which ran during the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Stanley Cup etc.; that commercial paid more than I could have ever imagined for one day’s work, so I was able to quit waitressing fairly early on, and dedicate all of my time to working as an actor. I did my research and hired the best headshot photographer in NYC at that time and got three great shots. I then made up postcards of my headshots (a common industry tool in the days before the internet existed) and mailed one out every other day for about six months to ensure that the casting directors in New York knew who I was. I was so excited when I booked my first small speaking role on “All My Children” that I invited my friends over to watch the episode when it aired on television. I recall recoiling in horror at…
In January, the Manitoba Federation of Labour held their mid-term conference on The Future of Work: The Next Century of Solidarity. Included here is a summary of the presentations.
How has being an ACTRA member benefited you so far? A: I have gotten more roles since joining ACTRA and feel like I have more opportunities. I also got to present an award at the last ACTRA Awards, which was awesome. What do you like most about the art of acting? A: The environment – it is such a fun environment, and I love getting to pretend to be different characters. And the relationships – everyone is so kind. I have made so many friends and met so many amazing actors. Which role has been your favourite to play? A: I love them all!! Melinda Landers in the Grudge was great. I loved the stunts, the makeup and scaring people! Maeryn in The Christmas Club was also awesome because I got to dance and I love to dance. Amazing Winter Romance was so great because we got to film out at the snow maze… and I really like the movie I am working on now!! Do you have any tips for actors, whether in auditioning or after being cast? A: When you have an audition don’t worry about the lines. Just go in and do your best and then forget about it. When you get a part and are on set, be a good listener and be kind to everyone. Where do you want to be career-wise in the future? A: I would love to still be acting, maybe in New York or Hollywood! Maybe get an Oscar or a Grammy one day. I also love to sing and I’d like to be a veterinarian. February 2020…
Congratulations to the eight MIPs selected to receive grants in 2019!
American Cinematographer published an excellent feature on Stand! in their September 2019 issue.
