Conversations with Tessa Lundgren

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessa Lundgren.

Hi Tessa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to the art of acting and storytelling. Thankfully I grew up with the best siblings and we would build off of one another’s imaginations and put on performances and such. It definitely helped us make the best of a challenging childhood. In this, I learned how being creative helps heal the soul, create connection, and inspire action.
When I started college, however, I decided to pursue Physical Therapy. Which is also a great path to helping others. But I realized one day, while in class, that I had actually shifted into a space where I was holding other people’s opinions over how I should live my life, in greater regard, and I needed to “course correct”. That meant reconnecting with what my natural gifts/talents/interests were before I started listening to outside influences. I then enrolled in the Mesa College Theatre Program in San Diego.
Within the first couple days that semester, auditions were held for the musical they were putting on that season, “Peter and the Starcatcher”. Everyone had to audition. So, I had my first audition! Cold reading a scene and singing acapella. Somehow landed the lead role. Everything felt like it clicked! As if I was where I’m meant to be, doing what I’m meant to do. As time went on, I continued to land the lead roles and earn acting awards and nominations. Including an Irene Ryan acting nomination, which meant I was invited to compete in a round-style of auditions alongside my peers. I then transitioned into film acting where I fell in love with the subtly and intimacy that’s required for acting in front of the camera. More importantly, I befriended some amazingly talented people along the way. Which lead to making some indie features and short films with friends, like “Caged and Wild” directed by Anthony Coryell and “Bye-Lingo” directed by James Snyder, to name a few. I also had the opportunity to expand my skills behind the camera with a bit of everything from PA work, to SFX makeup, to Production Coordinating, and more..
Now I’m living in LA. I continue to show up, put in the work, support my those around me, and I’m truly so grateful for all the opportunities and amazing people that God has brought into my life.

This year, I am so happy to have worked on some bigger production film sets. Smaller roles, obviously, but I think being invited to work on a handful of sets for Hulu, HBO, and Netflix tv shows and more, is a huge honor and has been a fantastic experience! I can see myself being one of those actors where you go back to watch a show and realize that I was there the whole time.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Far from it. There are days I question everything. If I’m good enough, if I’m doing enough, if I’ve embarrassed myself enough. This path is one that asks you to be vulnerable and be ok with lots of rejection over and over and over again. This path can also be very lonely. If you truly want it, it’s up to you to prove you’re dedicated and able to put aside temporary pleasures in order to build something long lasting. From passing on going out with friends, to finding a day job(s) that offers a flexible schedule for last minute auditions/bookings, down to how I fuel and care for my body (my main instrument as an actor). These are some of the choices and sacrifices this career asks you to make if you truly want what you say you want. Of course, there needs to be a healthy balance of enjoying life and pursuing your dreams, but everything is in moderation and is viewed through a lens of “does this align with me and where I’m going/what I’m creating?” etc.. That’s also why I am so protective of the time God has given me, and how I spend it, and who I spend it with. Discipline is key. Then there’s the fear of being replaced by AI. So, lots. There’s a lot of challenges to navigate both internally and externally. I know I’m not the only artist who is experiencing this, but I do appreciate these challenges. It’s a privilege at the end of the day, to pursue what I love. Regardless of the destination, all the ups and downs are proof of life and this path is beautiful in its own way. This is all a part of the story.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actress. I started on stage before I fell in love with acting for film.
I’m so focused on becoming the best version of myself. I have a solid work ethic, dedication to learning, and I truly do what I can to support my fellow artists and those around me get to where they want to be as well. I want to see everyone achieve their dreams.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to help others heal through my work as an actress, where you’re able to maybe connect with the character or story I play a role in. I plan to create connection and bring people together. As a result, I hope it will inspire positive action.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lundgrentessa.wixsite.com/actingresume/resume
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officially_tessalundgren/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10875507/

Image Credits
The main headshot in the brown leather jacket is taken by, Sean Kara Photography.
The rest I took myself.