Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Nejman.
Julia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was raised near Chicago and found a love for entertaining at a young age. My mother comes from the Philippines and, boy, do they love to sing and dance. You can’t expect to leave a Filipino family gathering without a karaoke session or dance breaks in between food servings.
As I grew, I started to learn instruments such as piano, violin, and upright bass. It wasn’t until high school that I used my voice to its best abilities. My high school theater experience really started in the costume shop, but I dove right into the acting scene shortly after.
I had never felt such joy until then; it was an outlet for me to explore my quirks. The arts were a way for me to escape anything worth running from. With the support of family, instructors, and friends in and out of the theater department I decided to move to Los Angeles.
I started studying at the New York Film Academy where I earned my BFA in Acting for Film just last year. With a background in theater, my main focus was to start figuring out this “film thing.” While my degree is technically in film, NYFA allowed for opportunities both on set and on stage.
I was able to meet individuals from all over the world- all with unique styles. Not only was I able to focus on my craft with an amazing set of faculty, but also connect with young artists who are willing to grow together. Since then, I have been involved in a couple of plays, a few short films, and a web-series.
As for my own projects, I’m currently producing a web-series with my writing partner. I am also working closely with a couple of friends to produce some music with visual content.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely been and continues to be a ride… But I can confidently say that most of the struggle came from battling demons in my own mind. As much as I would love to find blame in something else, it’s usually just me getting in my own way.
One battle was the thought that I could only focus on one art form. This is true to some extent, knowing the time and attention that is required to explore art. However, why stop myself from performing in a play on Monday, then do a dance gig on Tuesday, and then write a song on Wednesday.
As long as I stay consistent and set goals for myself, I can choose to do whatever I please with the time I have.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m an actor, but I take pride in the fact that I am available to help where I can. I dance, sing, direct, write, do makeup, costumes, etc. etc. etc. I stay focused by only doing projects I’m interested in and not just saying “yes” to say “yes.” I surround myself with individuals who are on similar wavelengths and/or I can learn from. Therefore, I have no issue working on set as an assistant director -or whatever it may be- if it means I get to support a fellow artist.
My film style is mainly inspired by Dogme 95; I like to enjoy what is there when it is there. Productions of this style can get tedious but provide such a beautifully raw end result. As far as stage, I’ve been especially affected by the in-yer-face theatre style and plays as well as immersive theater. I take pleasure in the discomfort of an audience (when justified), and in-yer-face has no boundaries. An immersive experience is unique in the creation of a working relationship between the audience and the play itself.
At the end of the day, I want to act. I provide unconditional support to those I choose around me, but also need to feed myself artistically. Keeping myself first and creating art that which I can achieve my own mental success is my business.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Read the book on how I did it the first time. Ha. My path has not been perfect by any means, but I do believe every step along the way had to happen for a reason. I find strength in the trials and tribulations along the way. I don’t want to think about “if” I had another chance: my chance is now.
Contact Info:
- Email: juliaanejman@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Peter Gawo, Saru, Lotta Lemetti, Capital W Performance, Paola Lendof, Kyah Cook
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