Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoe Wiesner.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Zoe. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always wanted to be an actor. Even at a young age, I was drawn to old Hollywood movies and musicals. I named my favorite dolls Gene Kelly and Eva Peron. Other children framed their Christmas lists around toys – I asked for an agent.
My parents hoped that the countless dance recitals, martial arts competitions and local theater productions would satisfy my need to perform, but I wanted more. With some trepidation, they agreed to let me attend a performing arts summer camp in upstate New York and I loved every minute. Now there was no stopping me.
At ten years old, I booked my first film while living in Florida. I continued to gather experience working on student films and independent films. My dance and martial arts background helped me book some print ads and a few local commercials. At 12 years old, I was introduced to voice acting and I was cast in animated cartoon series and did voice-over work for Netflix films. Voice over was a new and exciting challenge. For three years, I was the spokesperson voice for Panera Bread’s national campaign. I traveled to New York and recorded in Los Angeles, Miami and Atlanta.
I am 16 years old now and I love acting more than ever. I train constantly with acting coaches in LA and Atlanta as I’m working to grow into bigger roles in television, film and voice.
In addition to acting, I have school and I enjoy other activities. I also write music and sing. I have been studying ballet for years and I am a second-degree blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do and a first-degree blackbelt in Ko Am Mu Do.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Acting is definitely not an easy road. My first struggle was getting my parents onboard – now they are all in. Now my biggest struggle is staying organized to finding time to do everything. For example, when you have 24 hours to prepare an audition for a role while at the same time you need to write a paper for history class and study for a physics test it gets stressful. I was homeschooled for many years and now attend a private high school that allows me to have a flexible schedule. Attending a typical high school is impossible as I have to be available to audition and work when the production schedule dictates.
Being an actor is fun and exciting but you have to maintain a positive mental attitude in the face of lots of ups and downs. It is a tough business. I try to surround myself with positive people and balance my physical activities and creative outlets.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I think what sets me apart from others is that I am tenacious and constantly working to sharpen all of the skills that could further my career – acting, singing. dancing and martial arts. My parents are both hard-working entrepreneurs and because of that influence, I look at my acting career as a business and run it with high business standards.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been a little zany. As a child, I was fearless and very social. One time at age three, my parents were horrified when I stood on a chair in restaurant and assertively proclaimed myself as the Queen. To my parent’s relief, people applauded and addressed me as “my lady” as they walked by. On another occasion, when I was about ten years old, I befriended a kind but gritty guitar player from a blues band – and was asked to take the stage and introduce the band to the crowd.
I enjoy life. In addition to acting, I enjoy reading, listening to music, singing, playing the ukulele, volunteering, and keeping up with friends I’ve made in my travels from California to Bahrain.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zoewiesner.com
Image Credit:
Michael Roud
Dawn Wolf
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