Today we’d like to introduce you to Ava Smith
Hi Ava, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My father is a New York ironworker/ screenwriter and my mom acted after college, so I was really lucky to be brought up in a household that valued film and theater and treated it as art instead of everyday entertainment.
In highschool I never thought I wanted to pursue a career in acting. But I didn’t play a single sport and spent every single season in my school’s theater so I’m not sure how I didn’t come to the conclusion sooner honestly. In my junior year I decided that life is too short to not do exactly what makes you happy, and a year later I committed to SCAD.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest part about pursuing an artistic career path I think is the lack of path. There literally is no blueprint for how you are supposed to go about it. Most mornings I wake up and have a 5 second freak out and think what am I doing. I think a struggle has also been to not have a plan b, a backup option or something to fall back on. I love to have security and a set plan. I think with a career in the arts though I have to have faith in myself. So right now there is only option A, and that can cause mental struggle for sure.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an actor! In my time at SCAD I got the opportunity to participate in and work on theatrical productions as well as some amazing film projects. In my senior year I was cast in SCADS production of Gloria as the character of Callie, and the entire process was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Our director John Prosky led us through such an amazing process and I felt so lucky to be part of such a great cast and show. I was also fortunate enough to be in SCAD’s 2024 Showcase class where I was able to learn from my classmates and some of my most respected professors. Honestly an opportunity I will never ever take for granted and I’m so proud of everyone’s work. At the end of the year I was in SCAD’s backlot film Take Two which is in post production right now and that was an amazing experience. Working with such a talented student crew as well as leading industry professionals was so much fun I was really honored to be part of the cast.
Any big plans?
I am currently in the process of moving to New York! I have a wonderful new york manager and I am excited to relocate back up north where I am originally from.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://asmit209.wixsite.com/avamanyaactor-3/media
- Instagram: ava.manya
- Yelp: Actors Access- https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/2026934-5690556
- Soundcloud: IMDB- https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm14949363
- Other: https://vimeo.com/935478778/891a45fc1d SCAD SHOWCASE VIMEO LINK
