Today we’d like to introduce you to Amaya Alexander.
Hi Amaya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi, it’s great to speak with you today. At the young age of eleven, I realized that acting is the career I intended to pursue. I began modeling and taking acting courses in my hometown. From there I went to Spelman College, where I received a degree in theater. Now I am training and acting in the Atlanta area.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road to say the least. Pursuing any career is difficult, nevertheless, a career that you are so passionate about it feels like it burns inside of you. The largest struggle that I had along the way is letting that passion consume me. From getting the script to booking the job, there is an endless amount of obstacles. Any great actor will agree that facing constant rejection requires a mindset shift. Another struggle on my journey is due to the pandemic. I was in my second year of college when the pandemic hit. I remember that most of us students thought that we would be returning before the end of the semester. The majority of my classes never resumed in person. Since then, I can’t count the number of times I have performed through a zoom screen. It is not the same experience but the industry has done its best to adapt to the circumstances.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In addition to being an actor, I’m a visual artist and photographer. I truly love art as a whole and the effect it has on it’s community. I would say that I am most proud of the theater work I’ve done because I have had the privilege to perform at the Academy Theatre and the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. As an actor, I believe my range sets me apart, and the intense research I do for each character that I create.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see the industry headed toward an individualized approach. I think more actors will continue to create their own content at their leisure and that influence will affect the majority of stories produced. Also, I see an increase in representation for every demographic.
