Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Mack
Hi Amy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It honestly all began when I was around five years old. I was an extremely talkative child. My parents took me to a dinner theatre to see a family friend in the production of The Wiz and that’s all she wrote! My parents told me they were nervous to take me because of my talking, but when the curtain came up, they said I was silent and still the entire time. My mom reminded that as soon as the show ended, I cried the whole way home saying, “I want to do that!” Although I don’t remember much about that particular performance, I’ll never forget how it made me feel, because I feel it every time I see or perform in a show. After that show, my parents put me in drama clubs, dance studios and performing arts programs. I was determined to be an actress all the way until it was time to pick colleges. Something switched and I decided to put my dreams away for a “practical career” in science. My college experience was what you would expect. But, I always felt like something was missing. The summer before my senior year I studied abroad in Greece. One of the requirements of the program was to keep a daily journal of our thoughts, feelings and activities. Perhaps it was the ocean air or the siestas, but I really began to contemplate what was next for my life and I realized my life lacked passion and maybe even purpose. All this came out in my journal. We had to turn in our journals and have an interview with our professor as part of our final grade. That is where I got the push I needed from and unexpected person. My professor mentioned that he noticed my natural flair for acting, seeing how it showed up even in the smallest moments. He also gained deeper insight into my thoughts and feelings through my journal. In my interview, he told me “Amy, just go for it. it’s clear you to pursue acting. Do what you love.” And just like that, I was back in it. Once the semester started, I auditioned for everything I could. After college, I got a full-time job in the job field of my degree, but made sure to stay aligned with what I wanted for my life. From 5pm – 9pm I was in dance class, voice lessons and rehearsals for musical theatre productions. After two years, I started to feel like acting was more of a hobby than a career for me. I decided it was time to go big or stay home. So, I quit my job, packed my things and moved to NYC. It’s amazing how the universe will conspire to work in your favor once you have the courage to leap! During my seven years in NYC I booked national tours, regional theatre performances and even animation voiceover jobs. Then the pandemic hit. Live theatre was shut down indefinitely, and I felt the universe pushing me to pivot. So, I started to contemplate the move to LA, which honestly scared me more than anything. I looked for guidance everywhere about the move. Church, magic 8 balls, fortune cookies, anything! Ultimately, I had to look within. So, I made the leap to Los Angeles. And like I said, “the universe conspires!”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Far, far from smooth! But the biggest struggle has been against myself. When I quit my full-time job to move to NYC, my CEO asked to meet with me after receiving my resignation. During the meeting he did everything he could to discourage me from moving. Asking me questions like, “Are you sure about this? Do you know how hard this pursuit will be? Do you really thing you can do something like this?’ I couldn’t believe it. He made me question my own abilities. And that was when the first brick of the road block was laid. The mind is a powerful thing and once that seed of doubt was planted, from someone I looked up to, it was a challenge to make sure it didn’t grow. I think we’ve all had a moment where we have tried to talk ourselves out of an opportunity because of fear or self-doubt. With the nature of acting, you will always be competing more or less for a job, for every job. It’s not for the faint of heart! You’ve got to have unwavering belief in yourself, even when it feels like it’s not the logical thing to do. See it through!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an artist and storyteller. Musical theatre is weaved heavily throughout my journey and will always be my first love. Being in the theatre transcends me to a place where I feel an overwhelming sense of joy. Although I’ve spent more time on stage, the most popular project I’ve been part of was voiceover work for an animation called Baby Shark. Yes, that Baby Shark. I’m an A-list celebrity by my niece’s standards. Every artist has their individual spark of flair. My flair is connected to my deep sense of play, willingness to learn, ability to observe and my connection to my own humanity.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My family, The Macks! Gary, Tanya, Gary Jr., Tiana and Marcus Mack. My parents have listened to me sing at full volume, tap dance in the basement and let’s not even get into how much time and money they spent paying for costumes and shuffling me to and from rehearsals. With all that, none of it compares to their loving affirmations to encourage me to continue on my journey, no matter what it is or where it takes me. Nicole Davis has been pushing me to be the best version of myself since 5th grade. I wouldn’t want to do this without her in my corner. Ciara Harris inspires and challenges me to surpass my perceived limits. Nicole Smith is and will always be my musical theatre partner in crime, any day, anytime! Chelsea Cox is the ultimate MVP—always, in all ways! And that extends far beyond acting. Tameishia Peterson has been my rock, ultimate reader and integral part in my growth. Cecilia Newton has been with me on this journey from coast to coast and holding me down since we met. My sorority sisters and close friends have cheered me on the whole way.
Image Credits
Headshot – Ambe J. Williams
