We were lucky to catch up with Diana Jurand recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Diana, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I got my work ethic through my upbringing and exposure to the performing arts. Being persistent and driven helps, too.
In a nutshell, I come from a high achieving family; for better or worse, I set the bar high for myself. In performing arts, “the show must go on,” so I’m used to executing the work regardless of the circumstances. Whether I’m swamped, or it’s been a long day of travel, or I’m not feeling well, my auditions and jobs always get done – that’s non negotiable for me. (Hey, I never said my work ethic development was healthy.) Though, as I’ve grown, I’ve learned to discern between what’s appropriate and what’s excessive.
For example: this summer, I had a last minute audition come through for a new TV show. At the time, I was in the midst of an 8-day shoot for another project, so I knew it would be a tight squeeze to get it done, and that it probably wouldn’t look the way a self-tape is expected to look. I filmed the audition between scenes, in costume which was pajamas, no makeup, no lights, no backdrop, no tripod (but I did have my travel mic, because good audio is key). I rested the phone on a windowsill and had to hold a deep squat for the scene to put myself in frame. I booked the job! Don’t let less-than-ideal circumstances keep you from taking a chance. Trust in yourself and say yes to yourself.
I’m a 2nd generation American. Both my parents have strong ties to their immigrant families who worked diligently to create stability for themselves and their loved ones. As I look at my life and its comparative comfort, I’m empowered to work hard and pursue excellence.
In the arts, I’ve had both nurturing and exacting experiences. Some teachers instilled the belief that one can always be replaced, which is in many cases absolutely true. What an incentive for staying sharp, relevant, and hungry! But I’ve found that the best teachers don’t lead using fear, and the best art isn’t made from a scarcity mindset. Resilience is key, even when you’re uninspired because this career is a marathon.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m an actor working in theater, film, print work, and voiceover, and it’s great because the people in entertainment are some of the most open-minded, curious, authentic, compassionate, wise, multidimensional people I know. Among the folks I work with, priorities include equity, professionalism, excellence, safety, and efficiency.
I’d like to talk about voiceover in particular because this specific community is extremely generous and encouraging in a way I don’t find in other genres of the business. Competition is stiff, and when your only tool is your voice, you *have* to be outstanding. I find that many VO artists are committed to continually growing, learning, and sharing resources. It might be in part because it’s such a niche field that folks tend to take care of each other. VO provides such a unique opportunity to play all kinds of beings, and that’s thrilling – every time I step into the booth it’s a new adventure, and opportunity to play.
My latest adventure is voicing Abigail in a Stardew Valley mod for PC, produced by Shannon Hobby. It’s been a treat to voice someone so witty and charming. The mod should be released early 2026 (check TikTok @shpoobie for updates).
What’s most exciting about producing your own work is that you have control over the stories you want to tell, and can work with great people who ultimately make the project what it is. Something I’m proud of is a spec ad I co-produced for the WNBA, using all women in front of and behind the camera, featuring a local semi-pro basketball team. I wanted to highlight the opportunity gap for women in sports across multiple areas (admin, leadership, broadcast, vo, among others). The final product lives on my Instagram – all the women who worked on it are incredibly skilled at what they do.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Willingness to try everything:
Something a director once taught me was that experimentation is key when making theater. Anytime you try a new bit or line delivery, for example, you can always come back to it. Imagine putting it on a bookshelf for safekeeping while you continue to experiment. I’m a huge advocate for gathering and trying as many ideas as possible to see what works, and not saying no to yourself. Some ideas may not be hits, and that’s great! It’s useful data! All of the experiments are part of the journey to the *best* fitting idea. Play in the sandbox and see what happens.
Persistence:
When I first started working professionally in live theater, I used to get so nervous before auditions. “Am I ready? Am I even right for this part?? Did I wear the right thing? Are my pieces relevant?” Once I started to audition at a significant volume, each audition felt less precious. (Not to say they weren’t important; every audition is an opportunity to be grateful for.) Once I learned that opportunities aren’t a limited resource, I began to relax. Sure I might not book *this* audition, or the next dozen, but each one is an “at bat.” Take the pressure off of yourself (because frankly, most of what you audition for you won’t book), and remember to create your own opportunities, separate from what you’re auditioning for.
Perspective/zoom out/touch grass:
It’s great to be committed to your craft. But also? Life is vast, and nuanced. Let’s get out there and live it! (Remember earlier, I said that as I grew I was able to discern between what’s appropriate and what’s excessive? Sometimes ya gotta *leave the booth.* Or tell your agents you’re *out of office* for a long weekend and U N P L U G. Or just plug into something different.) Being focused is great, but so is going on a walk and stopping to take pictures of every flower you see.
And finally, take improv.
If you’re early in your career:
1. Remember that your audition time is *yours.* Start when you’re ready, don’t forget to breathe.
2. Make sure any teachers you learn from are actively working in the field.
3. This career takes a while. Enjoy the process.
4. You’re going to mostly hear “no,” or nothing at all. And that’s showbiz!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always looking for engaging collaborators. Whether you’re a corporate client, animator, curriculum developer, or filmmaker anywhere in the world, I’d love to create something with you.
Most recently in voiceover, I’ve worked with some international clients on commercials, guided meditations, and video games, as well as American clients on short films, audiobooks, and documentary narration. I’m also working on a film project that I can’t share much about yet.
I’m in the midst of producing a couple of live theater projects as well, and am always looking to expand my network of creatives. I’m a huge advocate for sharing opportunities, and frequently share casting calls and job postings to folks I know who fit the bill (Remember in Miracle on 34th Street when Santa refers a mom to another store?) I’d love to meet more directors, producers, engineers, musicians, actors, and others in the industry so we can make some stellar art together.
My vo specialties are warm, conversational, witty reads with a little grit. Clients have requested I do what they’ve called the “Bryan Cranston” read. I’m also often ethereal Galadriel types, and tough leaders. Check out my demos and on-camera reels on my website. Speaking of, you can reach me there at www.dianajurand.com or give me a call or text at 240-342-6244. Thanks for taking the time to get to know me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dianajurand.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianajurand/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-jurand/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DianaJurand
Image Credits
Amanda Hooligan, , LJ Johnson, Roger P. Watts, Alex Butterfield, Lilli Drescher
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