Conversations with Yasmin Spain

Hi Yasmin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from Michigan. I’m also a licensed cosmetologist and previous salon owner. I’ve always been very creative. I heard a song one day 20 years ago by Tony Toni Tone called “It never Rains in Southern California” coming from the Midwest that intrigued me, so I headed out to the West Coast! When I arrived, working in the entertainment industry was not on my agenda. However, I DO love food and I was told I could get free food on set – and my journey began. I started doing background work, but the entrepreneur in me wasn’t content with the wages. I wanted to level up, my goal in life was to always do better and move to the next level. I found an agent, I started auditioning and my very first audition was for a Network Show on CBS and I booked a co-starring role and because I had no training, I struggled in the casting rooms for the next three years with no bookings. It was then I decided if I wanted to compete I had to train, I trained with some of the Best Acting Teachers Hollywood had to offer for five years straight, three days a week – In the interim, I discovered I was good at teaching, I would help my friends with auditions, they started booking and “Your Acting Studio” was established six years ago – which is also an acronym for YAS and also The Y.A.S. WorkShop. I also do private coaching sessions and I can be contacted through my website YASActingworkshop.com.

Alright, 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?
My journey has NOT been smooth as an actor. Everyone thinks acting is easy. With me booking my first job without training my thought pattern was why train if I’m already booking – well that’s because acting is not about luck; it’s about technique and most actors and definitely Stand Up Comics have to come to the realization that you can’t teach talent, but if you want to compete in the industry you will NEED to learn technique! I had to realize that myself also, so I made the decision to train, and what most actors don’t know is once you start training, you develop a lot of self-discovery which in turn helps you grow as a person and an actor.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m constantly on a journey to learn more. I’m an acting teacher and a Booking Coach. I specialize in actors booking auditions. I just traveled to London this past summer to study drama at a university. It’s not a cliche, there’s some Amazing talent that comes from the UK and I’m happy I had the opportunity to train with some of the best Actors while visiting London. It made me stronger and when I coach my clients since I returned, we’ve had a big advantage of having better auditions!

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I absolutely love your city. I was a huge fan of the Bronner Brothers Conventions. I’ve attended previous years before and always had a blast. I also LOVE the restaurants and nightlife. Atlanta can be a little cliquish, however I say. just find your clique and live your Life!