Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Clare Umberger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Clare with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I know I get my work ethic from my mom. Growing up with a single mom and seeing all she did to provide for us and how she worked all the time and continued to learn and want to learn about how to become better in her field along the way, even as an adult, really inspired me. Nothing ever comes easy and it’s one thing to reach a place but it’s harder to stay there and continue to excel from there.
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?
I am an actor and model and have been in the industry since I was three years old! I moved down to Georgia about a year and a half ago to pursue acting and it has been the most incredible journey. I’ve done a couple of these interviews since then and it’s really cool to see how far I’ve come since I moved down here. I’ll occasionally read back on the articles and think to myself, wow I’ve booked this since then or wow now I have representation in Atlanta which was a huge goal of mine. I’m very excited to see the opportunities that 2023 brings. I truly do love acting and I love feeling a connection to my young self when I do it, as well. It’s something that has really been consistent through my whole life.
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?
1. Classes are so important. Not only what you learn from different teachers is invaluable but the connections and friends you make in those classes are immensely helpful along your journey. You need a support system in this industry and it’s great to know people who are pursuing and going through the same thing you are. 2. You have to be okay with criticism and being vulnerable. I will never forget the times on set where I’ve been told after crying (in a scene) that it was either too much and I need to dial it back or give more. You have to be okay with criticism in your most vulnerable state in front of dozens of crew members and other actors. Getting comfortable with embarrassing yourself is just part of the job. 🙂
3. Try not to get too attached to an audition. I seriously struggle with this but have been consistently working on it. It’s hard not to get your hopes up for certain opportunities and then it becomes all you can think about. BUT if you don’t get it, there will be more auditions. I always tell myself what is meant to be yours, will be yours, and anything else I need to let go of.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I know this is the case for so many actors, but Jenna Fischer’s “The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide” has motivated me more than any other book I’ve read. I feel like I have more than half the pages in the book bookmarked. That is the book that truly encouraged me to move to pursue acting. She gives great tips and overall, it is a great read for even non-actors. Highly recommend!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/wherezclare
Image Credits
Eli Plunkett
