Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Altenbach.
Hi Brittany, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was always a performer from a little girl. I was always in trouble at school for being the class clown and talking too much. I grew up in the state of Florida, where I’m originally from and attended the Barbizon School for Modeling there. My first real acting experience started in my High School Drama Class. I was cast as the lead role of Christine Gorman in Neil Simon’s play “Rumors”. Nothing in the world can explain the feeling of being on a stage performing in front of people. I went to Keiser University for about two years and decided that being in college was not what I wanted to pursue at the moment. I remember my dad not being happy with me wanting to drop out of college, but he knew I wanted my dream. I made a decision that I needed to be an actor. That was all I wanted.
I attended John Robert Powers Acting and Modeling School in Tampa, Florida. There I went to several workshops and classes for acting. I was selected to go to an event called iPop that would allow me to perform in front of agents and managers. The purpose was to sign on with an agency. At the time, I was three months pregnant with my son, and during that time, agents did not want to work with me. After leaving the event, I fell back on school, moved to Georgia with my husband and son, and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with an Associate Degree in Political Science. I stopped acting and worked in the law/legal field. I also joined the US Air Force. I kept writing stories and poetry. I never felt like I was done with acting or modeling. It was always there for me. I knew I absolutely had to be on TV.
I started going online and finding casting calls in the local area. I had gotten a few small background parts but never had the ability to showcase my acting ability. That’s when I met Nina Nesbitt, the CEO and Founder of Industry Direct Models and Talent, LLC. Right away, I began working with her on my career. From there I started booking lead roles in films. I booked my first role as Sarah Myers in the Film “Mark Of The Butterfly “and the ball kept rolling. I landed a few more leading roles, including my most recent as Detective Michelle Dorsey in “Take Me To Amazing,” Directed by Amiri Thompson. I have since then signed on with two agents, one based here on the East Coast and the other on the West Coast. I am currently getting prepared for an event in July to see representation in New York! This journey has been many years, many tears, and many sacrifices, but I’ve been extremely persistent and deserving. Acting has never given up on me, and from the looks of my accomplishments so far, I’m definitely not giving up on acting.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been an interesting road, that’s for sure. Bumpy most of the time, but that’s what has made the successes worth it. So many times I have questioned my ability to be an actor that is the one who makes it to the top. Sure, I’ve gotten what seem to me to be small principle roles, but then you hit a wall. In this industry, you are rejected more than you are cast. I have had to set my acting career aside for reasons like working a 9-5. I mean you can’t make it to the audition without money. I had a child that discouraged industry professionals to want to work with me. Constantly having to stay up with classes to improve myself as an actor only to not be cast. Sometimes this industry is extremely unstable.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Acting is a part of my life it’s not just something that I do. Every project that I work on I’m always gonna give it one hundred percent, no matter how small the role or how large the role. I make sure that I keep training, keep studying and working on my craft. I’m never unteachable. I am most proud of my ability to bring what I learn and do from my Military background over to the screen. I have been able to portray characters in films that have complimented my skills and allowed me to bring the director’s vision to life. What sets me apart is my ability to relate and empathize to all types of people. I am humble, yet strong in my craft and to genuinely love what I do. I take my career personally and I’m passionate about it because it’s mine. Right now I’m focused on the New York Model Tour that I am attending in July. I am looking forward to sitting with Modeling Agencies and Casting Agents to showcase my ability to walk the runway and pose, as well as doing what I do best-ACT
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
DO NOT QUIT! It may seem easier to say than to do, but persistence is the way to go. Yes, I still remind myself of those words every day. It is easy to want to stop acting when nothing seems to be happening for me, but then something does happen, and I laugh at myself for the doubts. Invest in yourself. It may take time, but I am worth it. I push through because I want the life and dreams I have.
Contact Info:
- Email: Brittany.Altenbach@gmail.com
- Website: www.BrittanyAltenbach.com
- Instagram: Official_BrittanyAltenbach
- Facebook: BrittanyAltenbach
Image Credits
Anthony Paderewski Nakia T Hamilton Chris Carter Marquand Ragland Shadtree K-Dee
