Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayna Benardo.
Shayna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in South Florida by two concert caterers. Growing up, I wanted to be an astronaut, and I did explore that, but I quickly realized I really wanted to play the ones in the movies!
And so, at 16 my acting career took off with a Five Below commercial down in Miami. At that time I had felt like such an observer in life, always the kid on the outside looking in. Starting on this path marked the beginning of a lot of self-discovery and personal evolution through the lens of acting.
It taught me so much and has brought me here to Atlanta, GA, where I continue to learn and evolve alongside such esteemed peers and mentors.
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?
It’s been challenging, but I only learn more about myself and how I can relate to this craft as I go. Growing up I dealt with a lot of anxiety. I still do sometimes. Acting has taught me so much about interpreting those big emotions.
Wanting to be gentle with myself, but also having the pressure of succeeding while I’m ‘young’ can be daunting, but I feel like I have my footing, and a great support system to keep me going.
I moved up to Georgia on my own. I threw whatever I could fit in my car and said, ‘Let’s make this work.’ And here we are! Only a few air mattresses and cardboard box tables later.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Of course. I primarily work on indie, slice-of-life, original projects- that’s what I’m drawn to and what I excel in. It’s always such an honor to work on those new ideas, whether with talented students or full-time pros.
Stories that call out the elephant in the room or aim to aid in self-discovery are my favorite to work on. A favorite project I did called Of Our Trespasses by Taylor
Ross focused on those themes, specifically discussing the traumatic religious upbringings many people face in the LGBTQ community.
I’m also really inspired these days by actors whose performances push the envelope. One example is Barry Keoghan’s performance in Saltburn. It was so stunning. Goals. That is the kind of work I hope to do.
I am proud to share my most recently aired role is as Roberta Steele in DC’s Doom Patrol. Not only did I play Brendan Fraser’s great-granddaughter, but local Atlanta icon Bethany Anne Lind’s granddaughter. I’m a fan of the show and both of them so it was pretty mind-blowing binge-watching it and then boom I’m in a set chair next to Robotman. It was an honor to be part of such a fun, original show that focuses on mental health. Check it out on HBO Max!
I am also proud to share that I am represented by the wonderful team at 22Talent!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The ability to not take things personally. So much is out of our control in this business, the one thing we can do is adjust how we’ll let it affect us. That, and having grace for myself and others.
I make a lot of mistakes, and as an actor, you fail a lot. If I didn’t allow myself to evolve into the kind of person who has grace for myself and others for simply trying or boldly failing, I’d be in pretty bad shape.
That quality can give you such freedom in your performances. You can say to yourself- ‘if someone else doesn’t like it, that’s okay, I was being truthful, and that’s all I can do.’
And ain’t that life?
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.shaynabenardo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaynabenardo/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/shayna_b/
Image Credits
Chase Anderson
