Today we’d like to introduce you to Saana Laigren.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Saana. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was always drawn to performing, ever since I was a little girl. I loved telling stories and being in the center of attention. When I was a pre-teen, I saw Grease-musical in my hometown theatre. After the show, I asked my mom how could I get to be on that very stage one day. That autumn I joined a theater group for teenagers. A few of years ago I performed on that very stage – in a musical, with the same people I had seen in Grease. After high school, I studied acting for two years in Finland. During those years I got to be part of a couple of screen acting workshops and knew immediately that was something I wanted to pursue. After finishing school in Finland, I traveled to L.A and took a short-term workshop in acting for film at New York Film Academy. I fell in love with the city and the lifestyle and decided to apply for a certificate program.
I graduated from New York Film Academy in September 2018 and have been a working actor ever since. I am living my dream, doing exactly what I love now. I am so grateful for all the great projects I have had an honor to be part of and I am looking forward to what the future has to offer for me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It wasn’t always smooth. The biggest battle I had was with my own doubts and fears. I kept wondering if I am good enough or if I was meant to do this. There were some moments I considered giving up my dream, but every time I had a thought like that something happened – a chance or a project appeared from nowhere. I took those moments as a sign to keep going and working towards my dreams.
What else should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the others?
I have mostly done dramatic roles – in the beginning, I feel like I only had sad parts. I was always the girl with sad, teary eyes: a teen mom, a cheated wife, a victim. Maybe it is because I am Finnish – there is a stereotype that we tend to be melancholic. Lately, I have been casted in more diverse parts, but drama is still what I do best.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success has meant being able to do what I love, which is acting. I guess as long as I am acting I feel like I am doing something right. Of course, there are goals that I would like to achieve, I am a very goal oriented person.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.saanalaigren.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saanaelenal/
Image Credit:
Alejandro Mateos Rodriguez, Ronja Tammenpää
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