Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanne Morales.
Jeanne, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I studied to get my degree in Criminal Justice, but I always knew that I wanted to break into the entertainment industry. I was trying to do it the “smart” way where I can make a living then use that income towards chasing that artistic goal once the time right. I also cared too much about what is seemed as prestigious, and what would make my family proud. So there I was, a college graduate who graduated with honors, multiple internships in the field, great references, and I could not get a single job, not even after some great interviews! To make some income, I worked as a background actor on anything I could, just to make ends meet. Then after seeing all that goes on behind the scenes of the film industry, I was hooked! As a child, I always wanted to perform in some way, whether that was modeling, dancing, or acting. At this point, my eyes were open to the acting world in a new way, and I knew I need to work towards it. I used my days as a background actor to network and learn as much as I could. I decided to stop applying to jobs, period! I am a strong believer in purpose and how if something is for you, it will happen. I just knew that what I wanted was a position that is industry-related, and had flexibility, should opportunities arise. As soon as I made this decision, I received a notification from an acting studio looking for an assistant from a Facebook group that I was no longer looking into. Something told me to look at it on that day. It was the job post that seemed to fit all that I was looking for! I applied Thursday, interviewed Saturday, and started on Monday! This was about seven years ago, and I am still there at The Actor’s Scene.
Over the years, I have worked my way up in my career by training, connecting, and following opportunities. It was working here where I learned so much about the Atlanta film industry and what trends adjust with time. My experience allowed me to work my way to coaching in this industry. I have been coaching for years on acting, personal development, modeling, public speaking, and preparing students for taped auditions. I also just recently completed my year anniversary coaching at the new studio in Marrietta, Peachtree Acting studio, where I was able to create my own curriculums based on personal experiences on what works for different levels and personality types. I had no idea that my pursuit of acting on camera would lead me to play a role in other’s careers as well!
Has it been a smooth road?
Of course not! Most pursuing a dream in any industry would say that it is never an easy road to success, but most do not get to see or hear about the tough situations. My biggest struggle when starting, was getting over my shyness and building my confidence. My whole life, I had been labeled shy and told that I need to speak up. As a child, some thought I was mute! It was only close friends and those in my home who saw my silly and lively side. I would make videos with my best friend on my dad’s cam corder, which is so silly to think about now! We made music videos, talk shows, commercials, horror scenes, and more! I would never show these to anyone, and no one knew I had this side to me. That caused an issue for those around me who doubted why I was even going for this type of industry since I was so “shy”. In college is when I took the steps toward bettering my public speaking and networking skills. Now I love public speaking and love to help others get better at it as well!
My diagnosis as to what makes anyone as shy as I have always been, is simply the fear of “looking bad.” I never wanted to say the wrong thing, or look silly in a moment that was not supposed to be silly. I did not want to look ugly. This caused all these walls to come up and stay up. I would say this wall was finally broken (at least halfway) after my first year of acting training. I was working on a piece for a showcase performance, and my coach would not let me sit down until it was perfect. Usually, time constraints cause coaches to have to shorten attention to certain students so that everyone will have their opportunity to perform and receive feedback. This coach did not allow that, even when I asked for a break! I felt tears starting to form in my eyes and knew I just had to do it so that I can finally stop. Then I performed it based on my coach’s expectations, and he was so proud! Since my “turn” was finally over, I walked out of the building to cry! These were not tears of being upset, but a release of emotion, because I finally felt that wall tear down. I felt liberated, and all of my performances after that became more natural. Not only have my performances gotten better, but I have always taken experiences like these as a way to connect with students on their struggles. They need to know that I understand the fear.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I want to consider myself as a business, and working on showing more of my abilities in a way that, I am hoping, would inspire others to live their authentic selves. I always say, “If you are looking for your purpose, look at your childhood.” Our individual purpose and passions have already been there and we dabbled in them in childhood. If they did not relay in adulthood, it is because we allowed other things to get in the way. Fear is usually the big one! Once we realize that the only thing stopping us is our own fear or decision making, then we can be free to understand that we each have our personal individual stories and paths. This is definitely something that I have gone through and learned myself. I have actually been told my “superpower” is that I strive to make sure that each person believes they are unique and valuable, with the power to turn their dreams into reality. I am so grateful that I may have had this impact, even if just on one person—this being in relation to all kinds of dreams, not just career dreams. For example, I have shared lots of travel pictures on my social media to show a glimpse of the experience in a creative way. Though not a travel blogger, my hopes is that those who view the pictures can see that if I was able to find a way to travel, so can they. I am using travel as a big example since I see this on most people’s list of goals and dreams! I knew I was tired of the excuses. I wanted an adventurous lifestyle, so I researched endlessly until I found the way to do it that fits for me.
As far as the services I currently offer, one would most likely find me in a taping room! I assist actors in their taped audition skills, and I am known for being able to assist them in creating a full environment in the little bubble that they have to work with. I also work on assisting with interview skills for auditions. I recently had a pre-teen actor tape with me for the first time. A large part of the audition was an interview. He said he has never worked on this skill and does not enjoy it. We were able to have him deliver great and personable answers in a short time. Midway through our session, his parent comes in with the script. She did not realize he also had to memorize and prepare this, which included lots of action and reaction! We took the rest of our session to work on this and how urgent his movements could be, even in this small frame. A few days later, his mom reached out to tell me that he booked it and it was a Marvel film! She called me their lucky charm.
Overall, I want to be known for my creativity. This means that I have to work more towards showcasing my abilities and improving my talents! I am working on a production with fellow colleagues that will be released this year. This includes a rom-com web series, as well as a short drama where we wrote and produced ourselves. I will also learn to improve my creative abilities to work on videos that will inspire others to do the same. We all have those things that make us happy. We should make time to do them, whether that be singing or playing an instrument! Something I have been learning is that if others cannot or will not offer us the opportunities, we have to create the opportunities ourselves! With this in mind, my partner and I are in the works of opening a business that will cater to this DIY mindset, which will allow others to take their ideas and turn them to properly executed works. Hopefully, we can set up another interview at that time!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta has definitely been growing its reputation as a hub for creative individuals. That is why so many more people are compelled and inspired to create their own visions instead of waiting on others. As far as acting goes, it is a great place to start. This area still needs to improve it’s reputation for actors, as most leading roles are cast in other markets, even if filmed here. Though the opportunity for larger roles is steadily becoming available here, some actors tend to forget that this is a career that involves lots of work. Therefore, if those handfuls of actors who see this as a hobby, rather than a job, get in front of production from other markets, it still holds Atlanta back for other actors who work tirelessly toward this dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theactorsscene.com/
- Email: jeanne.morales@hotmail.com
- Instagram: JeanneMorales
- Other: https://www.peachtreeactingstudio.com/#our-coaches
Image Credit:
Ben Rollins
David Martin
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