Meet Cassandra Hollis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Hollis.

Cassandra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My introduction to performing happened when I was three years old, in the backyard of my family home. With our patio serving as the stage, we put on productions and for 25 cents, my little friends and older kids in the neighborhood would come over to see us dance and act. I don’t remember a whole lot about it but I do remember how I felt when I looked out at their faces. My nervousness would fade when I looked out into the audience and saw the joy in their eyes. I loved performing for them. I loved dressing up and acting as a character. I loved to dance.

That love has only grown through the years. As a performer, nothing compares to that magnetic moment with the audience while live on stage acting in a play, dancing in a performance or singing, And I am equally as passionate about acting for film and television. There’s nothing like being on set!

So, my formal training as an actor/dancer has been eclectic yet consistent. I trained during my undergraduate college years at the University of Georgia, taking a few acting and dance classes there. I trained in dance classes at Georgia State U during my MA in Communications program there. And I have taken acting classes at schools, film festivals and programs, in Atlanta, New York, and Miami. I flew to New York in 2017 for a one-day intensive about playwright, genius, Mr. August Wilson, at the Juilliard School and in 2018, I was accepted into the Yale University Conservatory for Actors. Nevertheless, training never stops and I am ever-working on my crafts.

The journey has included years of hard work and very gratifying triumphs. I am thankful to be a working Actor; professional Dancer and Award-winning filmmaker.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d say the biggest challenge I had to overcome was the fear of auditioning. I believe that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power as it says in scripture, but you couldn’t tell my trembling hands that (lol). Sometimes, my heart would pound out of my chest. However, it did not stop me from auditioning and auditioning well. Prayer and my faith in God’s plan changed that.

Preparation made the difference too! Oh, trust I still get nervous sometimes before auditions and acting, dancing, etc. But, it is not out of fear but excitement and passion drives those feelings.

I formed a production company, Holy Hill Productions, to produce and direct films and possibly act in some of them. Of the 8 films that I directed, wrote and produced, I starred in a three-part series about the Underground Railroad. That project began with the intent to do one short film about an enslaved couple escaping on the Underground Railroad but it took on a life of its own. First, I was invited to enter it into a film festival where it won the Audience Favorite award. Then it was accepted into the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program of the National Park Service. Due to audience demand, the, “Mattie, Johnny and Smooth White Stones” story became a three-part series,shot on-location in Atlanta, Ripley, Ohio and Ontario, Canada. In addition, I directed two films in Barbados WI, two other films in Atlanta and one in DC.

While I was making films, I continued to train and build my acting toolbox. Starring in a film that I directed, was a game-changer for me and then one day, I was ready to launch out officially to pursue acting 100%. Since then, God has opened many doors. The life of an Actor is filled with unknowns but I LOVE that about it now. For me, it is all about Jeremiah 29:11.

Tell us about your work– what should we know?
Some of the highlights of my acting career so far include a recurring role as Medical Examiner on the TV One Network true crime series, “ATL Homicide,” during its inaugural season. And this summer of 2020, I landed a recurring role on an upcoming series on another national network. It was amazing to work on this project throughout the summer of this unusual year of 2020. Covid-19 has completely changed the production atmosphere. Also, my work includes lead roles and some supporting roles in independent films, commercials, stage plays and industrials.

My most proud moment? So far, I think I am most proud of having been accepted into the highly competitive Yale University Conservatory for Actors. On day one we were told that literally thousands of applicants applied from around the world and we were the top 30 selected. I was able to share that experience with my precious mother who stayed with me a few weeks at Yale in New Haven, Connecticut.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Yes, I believe aligning with your unique purpose on earth is essential to success. I think my belief that my work as an Actress/Dancer/Artist has purpose is most important to my success. God endowed me with these talents and gifts to make a difference.

Our presence and voices are more critical than ever before. This year has been a paradigm shift in the way that we see ourselves and the world that we live in. I want to be a part of that important work and I want to give God the Glory while doing it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandrahollis/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassandra.hollis
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/cassandrahollis

Image Credit:
Headshot: Photographer Damaris Starr

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