Meet Angela DiMarco

We recently connected with Angela DiMarco and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I have always loved storytelling and how it can make others feel seen and less alone. Growing up poor, raised by my resilient mother, we didn’t have a lot of material things. But it never really bothered me because I had an immense imagination. I was constantly creating worlds, up in the trees, or walking down the sidewalk doing impressions. I remember putting on little skits for my mom because I loved to make her laugh. To this day, there is nothing better than hearing her laughter.

Soon I found myself on stage at school, making my own movies on a camcorder or even recording stories on cassette tapes and sharing them with my teachers. Whether it was hearing the applause of the Theatre audience, or a teacher using my work as an example for class, I learned the power of storytelling at a young age.

I was also a bullied child, kids and teens can be quite cruel. But I found ways to make them laugh with me versus at me. Or I would do what my Mom taught me, keep being myself and not let others shape who I am. Instead I connected to my artistry, which felt fully like my purpose by the time I was 10 years old. I was on my first feature film set, a small role in a film with Shirley MacLain. My mom was with me, of course, and she loved Shirley! We got to meet her and I’ll never forget what she said to me… “Is this your first film?” I told her yes. “Do you love acting?” I told her how much I loved it and she said “Then never give up. Keep doing what you are doing” She then looked over at my mom and smiled at her and squeezed my mom’s hand. As if to say “You’re a great mom” Which she is.

As I got older I continued to perform on stage and started diving into more films. I feel extremely grateful for every role I have been offered. However, I felt my purpose go to a whole new level when I started producing my own work. This was after attending Summit K-12 Alternative school of the Arts, studying in a BFA program, moving to Los Angeles and performing on stage and screen for 20 years. THEN, I felt confident enough in myself and the stories I wanted to share. And it was very clear, I needed to produce strong female led stories. And so I did. And I still do.

My incredible Husband, David S. Hogan, and I started Mighty Tripod Productions and Mighty Tripod Acting Studio in 2012. Since then, I have produced over two dozen shorts, 4 plays and 3 feature films. But there are two pieces that are extra close to my heart and I cherish the impact they have made.

My directorial debut, Always, a short film dedicated to our son, Caleb. I had already lost two babies prior, I was the furthest along with Caleb but I went into early labor… as soon as my husband and I said hello, we had to say goodbye. I didn’t know I was going to write a film about this loss. I didn’t know I was going to direct myself in a role so raw and close to home. I didn’t know I would produce this film and it would screen all over the world. From its international premiere in CANNES short film corner, to here at home, in the Seattle International Film Festival in 2018. I also didn’t know that KUOW would reach out to me to be interviewed by Bill Radke, to talk about my film and my loss. I didn’t know any of this would happen but it did and it changed everything for me.

I was contacted by so many people who thanked me for sharing my story. Folks who saw my film, Always, reached out and wanted to tell me their story. Friends and family, who never spoke about their loss before, called me and shared. THIS IS THE POWER OF SHARING YOUR STORY.

The other film that is close to my heart is currently doing its festival circuit right now. A Trapdoor is a dramatic story about addiction, trauma, loss and family. Written by James James, who has become a dear friend, and dedicated to Nina DeLand, his sister in law who lost her battle with addiction. It took 3 years of pre production, raising funds and finding the right cast and crew. My husband and I directed the film, we invited our favorite artists onto the crew and we cast insanely talented actors. Almost all of our cast and crew had a story of addiction. And they knew the purpose and power of bringing this story to life.

We have had the honor of screening A Trapdoor at 5 different festivals so far and have garnered one or more awards at each festivals. But we don’t do it for the awards, we create these films to share it with others. Nothing compares to being able to sit in a movie theatre, with an audience, and watch films together.

I have attended every festival and so many people come up to me to tell me their story of addiction. I am beyond proud of how A Trapdoor has affected people this year.

So how did I find my purpose? I was shown by my Mother’s never-ending love and support, that my superpower was sharing stories. That I was truly enough. And that when I felt alone, or knocked down, or ripped open, that other people are feeling the exact same way. So why not come together and lift each other up, with the good, the bad and the MIGHTY.

Thank you BoldJourney for inviting me to be part of a platform that lets us connect in this often disconnected World.
Angela DiMarco aka Mama DiMarco
#MamaDiMarcoSays #YouAreEnough #YouAreNotAlone

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?

You all know from my “Purpose” answer, that I am an actor and producing. When I am not producing or performing on stage or screen, you can find me teaching at our studio, Mighty Tripod Acting Studio. This is where I got my nickname “Mama DiMarco”, from my students. It has carried over into the Film and Theatre Community and I love it so much.

I love teaching! Helping others on their artistic path is so fulfilling. I have been in this business for 40 years and I want to share what I have learned. How to spot those “Red Flags”, how to succeed in a smaller market and how important Self Love is. This industry can be brutal. Constantly interviewing for a job you probably won’t get. It’s easy for an Actor to think they are not good enough. But there are no many things out of our control.

So we teach our students how to build their confidence because there is NOBODY like YOU! We also encourage each actor to EMPOWER their Art. Keep putting in the work and don’t wait for others to offer you opportunities, GO CREATE THEM!

I also LOVE NATURE! I think it is so important to have other hobbies and interests outside of the industry. I always feel most at peace when I am in nature. Whether it’s hugging a tree, planting something in the earth or dancing in the rain. I think Mother Nature is so healing and when we give back to her, she does the same in return. We have a 3 acre farm with 40+ chickens, a 14 year old Turkey, 6 ducks, 2 dogs, many fruit trees, various berries and so many species of birds I can’t keep track. And we are now a certified Natural Wildlife Habitat!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I feel these three important qualities have changed every decade or so. But I would saw these three are most important…
Self Love
Perseverance
Humor

Advice for all the actors starting their journey…
Don’t compare and despair.
Stop waiting for the “right time” the time is NOW.
Don’t only wait for others to give you opportunities, CREATE YOUR OWN.
Believe in yourself because YOU ARE ENOUGH!

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

One of the most impactful things my Mom did for me at an early age…
She encouraged my artistic side.
She took me to movies.
She took me to see plays.
She shared her writing with me. She is an incredible writer!
She brought me to her band gigs and I loved watching her perform (she was the drummer and wrote many songs).

My Mom was so supportive and having someone always in your corner makes this career easier to enjoy the ride.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.MightyTripod.com
• Instagram: @ImAngelaDiMarco
• Facebook: @ImAngelaDiMarco
• Other: Our current Film, A Trapdoor
  IG: @ATrapdoorMovie
  FB: @ATrapdoorMovie

  Our Acting Studio and Production Company
  IG: @MightyTripod
  FB: @MightyTripod

Image Credits

Pic 1: Angela DiMarco as a kiddo
Pic 2: Angela DiMarco in Nature
Pic 3: Angela DiMarco and David S. Hogan at SIFF’s Golden 50th Opening
Pic 4: Angela DiMarco with Mom and David S. Hogan at Angela’s opening night at Village Theatre (for Dial M for Murder)
Pic 5: Angela DiMarco with Heather Pilder Olson (Writer) and Nicole Pouchet (Director) at the SIFF Gala
Pic 6: AFMX (Albuquerque Film & Music Experience) Angela DiMarco and David Hogan with the Award Winning Filmmakers of Heartstorm and Gutter (Donaldson Brothers)
Pic 7: A Trapdoor Poster
Pic 8: Always Poster