Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyne Wen.
Hi Jocelyne, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I remember seeing a preview for a school play when I was in Kindergarten and I told my teacher I wanted to perform. When we went to talk to the directing teacher, she told me I needed to be in first grade to audition for productions. From then on, I would always find ways to perform and create, whether it was art or dance class, cheerleading, or the school play or musical.
For college, I tried to go a more practical route. I earned my B.A. in Psychology and a Theatre Arts minor at UCLA. During my senior year, I had finished most of my major coursework and was focused on my minor. During this time, I realized I wanted to pursue acting professionally. Initially, I was planning on going to Graduate school for my Master but the more I did acting classes, the more I knew I would regret not pursuing my dream. It took some time for me to feel okay not going “safe” route. By graduation, I already had a plan to get into acting classes and learn my craft.
Since then, I’ve done lots of independent and student films. I’ve produced and performed in many of my own projects including stage performances, short films, and even a musical, along with other creatives and artists. I joined a sketch comedy group called TMI Hollywood. I eventually found my current Manager and have joined the Union (SAG/AFTRA). I’m currently auditioning for mostly TV projects but some film as well. It took many years to get to this point and I know my career is just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve learned so much about the industry in my years working to become eligible to join SAG/AFTRA. It’s a lot of trial and error. First part is coming up with strong materials so that up and coming directors and filmmakers want to call you in to audition. On top of that, I knew I really wanted to focus on learning the craft. You want to be prepared so that you can deliver when you are called into those rooms. I also found that even if you get cast in something, it doesn’t mean that it will actually make it to being filmed. And even if you get to shoot it, doesn’t mean the project will be edited and completed. And even if a project is completed, it doesn’t mean that it’ll get accepted into film festivals or picked up for distribution. Regardless, every experience is part of your journey and adding little tools to your arsenal as an actor. Even if you never got the footage for that short you filmed, you still had another opportunity to perform; to break down a scene & character while acting on a film set.
It really is so true that you want to get lost in the process of creating characters and scenes that you’d want to watch within your own performances and take everything else that happens within the casting & filming process as a learning experience. There are so many factors outside your control but your growth as a performer and artist is of utmost importance and going to serve you in future opportunities.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been really drawn to dark comedy over the years. I performed in a run of ‘Sister Cities’ by Colette Freedman onstage at the Sidewalk Theatre in Burbank a few years back, which is a super macabre but hilarious play. I recently wrote and acted in a comedic drama that draws on my time in therapy and my struggles with my mental health, specifically with depression and anxiety, which are common in trauma survivors, such as myself. I hope to provide a space for those dealing with similar experiences to face these topics in a way that feels less scary and alone, maybe even finding some humor/relief in some of our darkest times.
That being said, I didn’t have the smoothest childhood and had to grow up fast. Like many of us, I took a lot of solace in escaping through films/shows, art, & music that were darker and more morbid. I am definitely a product of my generation of Tim Burton and the Addams family film lovers and I grew up enjoying old Horror films. I also LOVED comedy; MadTV, SNL and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark were a few of my favorites.
I’m very inspired by ‘What We do in the Shadows’, the film, as well as the amazing TV show. I’m currently developing my own script for a spooky comedy, definitely a kind of tribute to my favorite genre and characters.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I really love what Jenna Fischer says in her book ‘The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide’ and that is to get out there and work with other industry professionals, even if it’s not in a performing capacity. Just get involved. Acting class is, of course, a great place to start. I’ve also met some of my best and most helpful mentors while bartending with them. Being a part of theater and live performance is another great way to meet actors who have been in the industry for a while and can share their experiences with you.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: imdb.me/jocelynewen
- Instagram: @glamourghoulbeautyschool
Image Credits
Image 1: Therapy Session Still from Comedic Drama ‘No Time to Cry’ Cinematography by Raul Aquino Image 2: Short film ‘Dream Broker’ Still Director by Tim McCook Image 3: Appearing in Stage Production of ‘Sister Cities’ by Colette Freedman at the Sidewalk Theatre Production Image 4: Appearing as Carolina Stage Production of ‘Sister Cities’ by Colette Freedman at the Sidewalk Theatre Production Image 5: Appearing in the ‘TMI Hollywood’ Sketch Comedy show Season 9, Episode 23
