Meet Annmarie Santos

We recently connected with Annmarie Santos and have shared our conversation below.

Annmarie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I was choosing my minor for my two-week adventure at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. There were two options I was between: Creative Writing and Acting. Now, I loved writing stories, but the thought of having other people read what I would write scared that 14-year-old girl enough to try acting. I was never opposed to acting since I did a couple of plays as a kid, but it would be the first time in years that I would be acting on the stage.

However, once we got started, I fell in love. My passion for acting and theatre grew and I started doing shows at my high school and community college. I didn’t want to do anything else, so I did all that I could theater-wise. Classes, shows, you name it.

The longer I studied, the more I learned that acting isn’t just about playing a character; it’s moving people in ways they didn’t think they could. Making other people feel the emotions that you, the character, are feeling in this moment. Changing people’s point of view from something I get to create is a joy I can’t even begin to express.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Professionally, I am an actress. I love being able to tell stories on the stage and live in other worlds that are completely different from ours.

I have always loved the creative aspects of life. I did band and choir in high school, but there was always something about being a different character for a couple of hours that really made me feel at home. It’s almost like an outlet.

When you do character studies, you have to understand who your character is inside and out. Even if you don’t agree with the actions of your character, you have to put yourself in their shoes and understand why they do what they do. THAT is what makes theater come to life: the true authentic feelings of those characters.

I also love modeling. Being able to showcase what designers can creative with fabrics relates to acting in a way. It isn’t the same as being a whole new person for two and a half hours straight, but you still are someone new. The clothing you wear represents the kind of person who wears it. You have to be able to display who that person is. That’s probably why I like modeling just as much as acting.

I was recently published in Con Magazine’s November edition and I also have a couple of films coming up, so keep an eye out for those.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Being open minded, mentally strong, and quick on your feet.

While at AMDA, I was scared to get criticized by people who have worked in the industry. However, the longer I was there, the more I learned how to find different ways to play the characters I was assigned. If a director or producer tells you to try something different, don’t take it as something personal. Sometimes all they need to see is that character in a different light to get the true feeling of that scene. And sometimes, trying something different out will result in a breakthrough that maybe you couldn’t get to before. Always be willing to try new things because you never know what could come up as a result.

This kind of business is tough. You won’t be able to get approval from everyone and you have to be willing to accept that fact. I am known as being a people pleaser, so I try my best to fit in a box that will make everyone happy. However, that isn’t possible. There will always be negative comments and reviews about what you do, but having a strong support system that helps you through those hard times of hate and discord can improve your mentality a lot. It also helps to be open and honest about your feelings, whether just to yourself or with people you trust.

In the industry, a lot changes very quickly. I have had rehearsals canceled and rescheduled many times that you always have to know how to manage your time. Sometimes you are needed two days after booking a shoot while others give you months to prepare. You always have to be able to know your availability and if things change on you, being able to change as well and communicate with the people involved.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Self confidence. It is really hard to not compare myself to others, especially with the industry I am in. However, I have learned that in the last year, there is a spot for me to grow and succeed.

I have done lots of modeling shows and photoshoots as well as booking and filming film shoots. After auditioning for months on end and not hearing anything from them, it starts to deter you from wanting to pursue it. But I kept fighting and auditioning. Once I got my first “yes,” I realized that I can do it. I have the talent, skills, and drive to make it in this industry. No matter how many “no’s” you get, if you have the passion and drive, you can do whatever you set your mind to.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

David Andrews
M. Todd Burton
Les Rorick
Justin Dunlap

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