We recently connected with Andante Petit-Homme and have shared our conversation below.
Andante, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I found out at an early age that I was different than most LOL. With maturity and studying how I was treated from loved ones and naysayers, I figured that there was no pleasing both parties with the thoughts I had in life, pursuing things that I liked and choosing who I hung out with so I unknowingly began to be me.
Lots of risk taking and bold choices whether it was entering rooms and cracking jokes amongst new crowds of people to ease tension/be the butt of the joke or moving to Los Angeles, CA with nothing but $700 and Dunkin’ Donuts gift card; I always would enter with my personality to get reactions LOL!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an actor who is all about building community through the art! I recently completed my intensive at the British Academy of Dramatic Arts Midsummer in Oxford Programme. I have created community through art while beginning my career in the city of Los Angeles, CA.
One major community being the Los Angeles Black Male Actor Association (LABMAA) and the other being the Andante Movement Playhouse (AMP).
LABMAA is a community of black male actors from different backgrounds to have intimate conversation to thwart the negative perceptions built around us in the acting industry as well as build a brotherly community for one another as we continue our climb within the realms of Hollywood and entertainment!
AMP was a community that I created during the times of COVID when there was little to no work for actors. The intention was to just bring theatre works to the community of LA…its exceeded its goal and began getting actors signed by representation in the LA market! It created a pathway to give actors the hope and opportunity to leverage up their careers in a city that is difficult to find work in.
I believe the artistry within one should inspire others to create which is why I create community and share my gifts through my craft always!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
PERSISTENCE, VISION, AND COURAGE were the main three! Everything I’ve learned or gained on my journey came from an honest connection with someone I didn’t know who wanted to see me progress and succeed.
My advice would be to not be so standoff-ish to someone you don’t know and try to meet new people every time you step out for the RIGHT REASONS! People come with stories and stories are what teach us the life lessons to pass on to newer people!
1. Say Hi to someone you normally wouldn’t.
2. Treat someone like how you want to be treated.
3. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries
4. BREATHE and know that you aren’t the only one who has been through what you’ve been through!
5. Switch things up in your daily routine to get a fresher result!
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
MY BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT has been to really listen to people and feel if they’re in support of me or not. I trusted people and showed my true self and they responded negatively towards me. Keeping my energy controlled so I have enough for me versus others is what I learned in the past 7 months while out on my artistic travels of building my craft.
I felt so alone that I had the reserve power to pour into me and make my own decisions and stand by them. I became more of a listener than a talker in my work and my everyday relationships. So blessed!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @andante_movement
- Facebook: Andante Petit-Homme
