We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sonya Macari a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Sonya 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 have always had good work ethic since childhood. It comes naturally to me, but it’s always easier when you are passionate about what you do. As an actor you are constantly striving for work. We all know that the industry is tough and jobs are so few and far in between. However, I work full time running my online platform for actors which is a wonderful sweet spot between my passion for the craft, business, and adding meaning for actors and my guests. With my business I constantly meet deadlines on time. I am a mother of two young children, Evie and Leo so I do my best to navigate my priorities and try hard to find smart ways to use my time. My company will be two years up and running this October and when it’s your own, no one will care for it as much as you do. Collaboration is hugely important to me, I curate sought after coaches, casting directions and actors for my platform. These creatives provide wonderful masterclasses and talks to actors across the globe as well as in the US. I have established positive working relationships with these creatives and and I’m very proud to say that I have had many backs for return classes.
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?
Creative Actors Studios is a platform dedicated for actors around the globe, giving them access to masterclasses, workshops and talks with casting directors, agents, acting coaches and many other creatives from Los Angeles.
Just recently I hosted a free inspiring and informative talk with one of the most original, versatile actors working in Hollywood today, Doug Jones ( Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape Of Water, Hellboy, Silver Surfer, Star Trek).
I am honored and excited to have working actor Michael Kostroff (Billions,The Wire, The Blacklist, Law & Order: SVU, etc.) come on board for a ‘Getting out of your head and into the scene Masterclass coming up soon!
May is Mental Health Month and as actors, we understand the importance of looking after both our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. So, I’m delighted to bring a special class with one of LA’s most sought-after therapists, Johnny 0’ Callaghan who works with some Hollywood’s highest profile actors. This workshop will begin with mindful intention setting, free forming of what gets in your way, it begins to recognize the negative stories we tell ourselves about our career. Establishing a new story where you are the winner with ideal scene work, creating morning routines, affirmations.
His espresso meditation to help with nerves and an open interactive chat with what you are specifically dealing with. The workshop will end with a closing meditation.
I usually schedule the events on a Saturday at 10am which is 6/7pm in countries like Ireland, Italy, France and England. We have actors zooming in for classes from all over the world and of course from The U.S also.
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?
Some advice would be to listen and observe your peers, mentors and bosses. When you’re the “new person” the best way to learn is to observe. I have learned a lot by observing people I admire, I still do.
Be prepared, learn, study and practice so when opportunity strikes you are prepared! Also, develop self-discipline and be reliable so people can count on you and of course don’t forget self-care, so important!
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth? Well I would have to say my mental growth has improved in the last 12 months. The way I think and learn is different. I work hard at staying informed about trends and updates in my business which I believe helps me and it’s lead to increased productivity at work. I’m in charge of making decisions on who comes on board on my platform. I’m very instinctual and this is one of my super powers. Every event has been a success. I can only hope I keep making right decisions Also my communications skills also my biggest area of growth. With the free talks that I have on my platform, I interview the creatives for 90 minutes and then I open it up to the room for Q&A’s. When I initially started the business I had no idea this was a skill I was about to learn and embark on. I’m a good active listener which helps a lot but I have to say I threw myself into the deep end and they get easier and easier. I have interviewed incredible creatives working in Hollywood with 100’s of actors in attendance. The feedback is alway positive and the actors are so inspired and motivated. I cannot tell you how rewarding this is and so much fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.creativeactingstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeactingstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativeactingstudios
Image Credits
These pictures are the creatives i have coming up next month on Creative Acting studios. Picture one. ‘Michael Kostroff will be teaching ‘ Getting out of your head and into the scene’ Masterclass. May 20th. Picture 2. Johnny O’Callaghan will be teaching ‘ Surviving and succeeding in the business of acting’ May 6th ‘
