We were lucky to catch up with Anna Demaria recently and have shared our conversation below.
Anna , so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?
In some ways I think empathy is an active choice, but I think being an empathetic person is an innate quality. I attribute my empathetic nature to my lifelong struggle with anxiety. Or perhaps my empathetic nature is what kickstarted my anxiety. Either way, I have been sensitive to the wellbeing of others since a young age. I grew up in a household where we were encouraged to tap into our empathetic nature. My brother and I were taught to recognize the impact our actions had- not just on ourselves, but on others. I think we all have a reservoir of empathy within us, but as we get older our modes of expressing it become more limited. Think of a little kid at recess- if a classmate trips and falls, their friends run over asking if they are okay, maybe even calling a teacher over or insisting that they see the nurse. In adulthood, when we see others trip and fall (literally or metaphorically) we are more inclined to turn a blind eye and decide it’s not our problem. My parents taught me that it’s important that we care for others not for our own gain, but to bring out the best in each other. You really never know what someone else is going through, and how an empathetic gesture can change their day.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Since I was a kid, I’ve felt that the reason I’m in this world is to tell stories. I am fascinated by the human experience and wish to learn more about how people cope with the demands of life. This curiosity has led me to pursue acting. In the past I have focused mostly on theatre, but have recently found myself drawn to film and television pursuits. My favorite projects are those that spark catharsis. Laughter is my personal favorite form of catharsis. As a result, I am drawn to projects that allow me to explore life through a comedic lens. In addition to acting, I enjoy writing, which helps me process my emotions. Last winter I produced a short film that I wrote, which was an incredibly fun and rewarding project. I hope to bring more personal projects to life in the future. Right now I am working to hone my acting chops at The Norris Studio in North Hollywood (I highly recommend this studio to anyone who is looking for an artistic home base), and am expanding my vocal abilities with Jonathan Price Voice Studio. Being in class is essential for me to gain the skills and support I need to continue pursuing a performance career.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three things have helped pull me through the chaos of pursuing an artistic career thus far: a sense of humor, vulnerability, and intuition. In my opinion, having a sense of humor is essential to getting through almost any situation. If you’re able to step back and find the humor in a situation, whether in the moment or weeks later, your can move through difficult moments with more ease. Being vulnerable and willing to share my heart with others has been essential to my well being and growth as a person. I often find that when we are vulnerable with others, they are likely to be vulnerable with us. It’s a way to connect more deeply with others, and if not, then it’s a way to connect with ourselves. There is immense power in recognizing and voicing where we need help to heal. The most important tool, which I am still working on following, is our intuition. That “gut feeling” we get about decisions is there to protect us in so many ways. I find that my logical mind often conflicts with that gut feeling, but leaning into my intuition has yet to fail me.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I am currently struggling with burnout in a major way. I have been juggling numerous commitments that all demand large amounts of time and energy, which have left me feeling depleted. Most days I struggle to find the energy to fuel my artistic pursuits, my full time survival job, and the multiple classes I take to keep my skills sharp. I am in the process of learning how to divide my time so I can effectively manage my schedule, take care of myself, and find a sense of balance. I am doing this by being more mindful about what auditions I attend, prioritizing those that bring a sense of excitement. It helps me immensely to talk to others who are facing similar challenges, so reaching out and asking for help has been essential to my well being. We all struggle with something, and it always helps to know you’re not alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annademaria.com
- Instagram: @annamdemaria
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@annamdemaria
Image Credits
Headshots by Tandem Photo
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
