Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Dawson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Crystal. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Introductions have never been simple or easy for me but always raise an eyebrow followed by a myriad of questions. I was born in Thailand and raised in a village for my first six years. My parents are missionaries, so my siblings and I were brought up helping underprivileged communities in Thailand. I had a street load of friends who gave me the Thai name nong Kaew and I learned the language. Later we lived in Cambodia, continuing to provide opportunities and I loved making friends there. In between this move we lived in Australia for two years. So, you can see I had some major moves, met a lot of people and said goodbye to many friends and pets. By the time high school rolled around, I’d been to seven countries, six schools, moved house six times and learned three languages. We then “settled” in Perth, Australia. Hence “where are you from” or “where is home” have never been simple for me to answer.
However, my upbringing keeps me humble and curious about people and cultures. I have a wide circle of interests and relish learning new skills. I’ve worked numerous jobs in hotel services, on a ship, landscape designer, receptionist, food services but tended to enjoy my roles in film and theatre, dance, singing, children’s entertainment, State Emergency Services and leading youth group, more. So how did I get from Perth, the most isolated city in the world to Hollywood? Two planes and like, 22 hours of my life! But seriously, I have always enjoyed the arts but kept it as a side hobby, listening to all the excuses for why it wouldn’t work out and why I wouldn’t “make it” as an actor. Eventually, the hobby wasn’t enough and I decided I’d rather live with failure than regret and took the chance of a more fulfilling career. Best decision ever! I googled acting schools, prayed, attended AMTC in Orlando, received a scholarship to New York Film Academy and graduated from the L.A. campus in 2018 and have been acting full time ever since!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Growing up interculturally (MK, PK, and TCK) definitely has its benefits but also its challenges. Living in South-East Asia, as the only white kid on the block, I always stood out. Then when living in Australia I continued to stand out, having no knowledge of Pop culture, idioms or artists, “who was Queen or Delta Goodrem and why Beanie Babies?” All through my crucial high school years, I was desperately trying to play catch up to fit in and couldn’t understand ‘first world problems’.
However, my saving grace was in drama class! We explored, imagined, created worlds together and I excelled! Acting makes me feel connected to people and it’s a privilege and a challenge to see life from another’s point of view. Something that I had been doing all my life! Until this point, a simple sense of belonging was an elusive concept. Acting and my faith gave me this. I learned more about God, how He loves all people so I grew in my friendship with Him. Experiencing all these places, peoples and faiths has given me a unique edge and perspective on life that I bring to my acting constantly.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am an actor. A lively, down to earth, hardworking team player. I have been in short films, feature films, commercials, TV and theater productions both locally and internationally. I appreciate all genres but if I had to choose which I enjoy most it would be “adventure dramedy”. I love a bit of depth to comedy and have great comedic timing. The more I learn about this industry the more I want to learn! With the focus on acting but also an interest in working behind the scenes as production assistant, production designer, scripty, assistant director and more. If I had superpowers, they would be to speak all languages and to have the ability to stop time so that I could learn everything, because there is never enough time! My diverse life experiences set me apart. Whether it’s getting along with people from 52 countries on a ship, performing around the world, using a chainsaw, rock climbing, playing sports or having traveled to 20 countries.
I am currently working on a feature film with Streetlight Films called SAFE HOUSE; directed by Paul Street (BORDERLAND, PSYCHOPATH ). Last month, I was also a featured actor on SILICON CEASAR, a short film directed by D. Charles Griffith (NO WOMAN’S FACE REMEMBERS, THANK YOU, GOOD NIGHT) and produced by Robert Zimmer Jnr; writer of EMMY AWARD-WINNING SERIES; SUNSET BEACH. SILICON CEASAR has already won 3 “Best Screenplay” awards: LOS ANGELES FILM AWARD 2019, HOLLYWOOD JUST 4 SHORTS and INDIE SHORT FEST MAY 2019.
I am most proud of myself for actually taking the leap to Los Angeles and balancing out my mindset, listening to my head and my heart! It’s a daunting move but so far, it’s been worth every moment. I’ve never felt closer in my relationship with God than when I’m stepping out of my comfort zone. As I have found, stepping out of your comfort zone inadvertently expands your comfort zone! I am very excited about my acting journey with the ultimate goal of being a bridge between cultures bringing people together and being a positive role model. I believe that films are a powerful platform that can inspire the world to change.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Pursued acting sooner. Perhaps been more open about my challenges as well, but I wouldn’t have changed much else. I realize now that my upbringing can be a bridge between cultures and hopefully help people understand each other a little better. Practically though, there are a few tips and hacks I wish I’d known before moving to study in the USA that I hope to pass on to future international students.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.crystaldawson.com
- Email: crystal@crystaldawson.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/crystal.joy.dawson
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-dawson
Image Credit:
Pristine Pixels, Elina Dmitrieva, Joan Ogbonnaya, Paint VK, Dayana Espinoza
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
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Margaret Maisey
July 7, 2019 at 12:14
So exciting to hear what you are doing in life, and how you have managed to keep God central in a challenging industry. Heaps of blessings! Margaret (I used to work with your parents in Tak and knew you when you were a toddler)
Crystal Dawson
August 14, 2019 at 17:18
Wow! Hi Margaret, thank you so much for the encouragement and memories! I’ve found a new mission field.
Bless.
McKenzie
July 8, 2019 at 04:11
We enjoyed reading this, Crystal! Keep the on being His expression to your generation!
Love – Lindsay & Myk
Crystal Dawson
August 14, 2019 at 17:20
Thank you Lindsay and Myk for the encouragement, it means so much!!