Today we’d like to introduce you to Anja Racić.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Thank you for reaching out to me, I am delighted to share my story with such a radiant community. When I turned 15, my parents gifted me a set of bags, a plane ticket and a whole lot of love as I set off for a 5,219 mile long journey to the United States. I was finally turning the birthday wishes into a reality. After seven years of living in various cities such as Atlanta and Chicago, I found myself in Los Angeles.
I was born and raised in Novi Sad, Serbia, an unmapped crossroads of European history. A region that has bled over and over again, yet always defied the eradication of the Slavic Soul.
Living with a Slavic Soul is an inexorable lifestyle; a constant pursuit to fill a craving void of generational sorrow, led by a valiant need to survive against all odds.
I follow in the legacy of fighters, of people who gave up their lives for the sake of freedom. Indebted to their sacrifices, I am fortunate enough to continue their fight, only not on the field, but through creation.
This is why I have set off to become a world citizen with a Slavic Soul; an artist in pursuit of their highest potential in honor of the ones who came before me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Whenever you decide to leave your hometown, you choose to live a life of an eternal foreigner. I used to struggle with this feeling of solitary; I was no longer a true Serbian, but I was never going to become a true American.
But after 8 years of living my life out of suitcases, I learned to love the life of a wanderer. I’ve learned that if you get to know yourself well enough and have enough curiosity for the world around you, the home can truly be anywhere you go.
However, on the less poetic side of things, the immigration process for international students is a great obstacle.
By the time I graduate from an acting conservatory at the Stella Adler Art of Acting Studio, it will have been more than 8 years, and therefore, more than one-third of my life, that I have spent in the United States. However, this does not increase my chances of remaining in this country.
There are specific rules that prohibit international students from working while studying. Upon our graduation, we get up to one year to “demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim” in order to remain in the country.
Being an emerging artist is a challenging lifestyle to begin with and with the ticking clock looming overhead, it is a cause of great anxiety for many international students.
But in the spirit of the Slavic Soul, I am determined to find my way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Driven by my curiosity, I’ve always found myself to be a multi-hyphenate artist.
Growing up as a competitive dancer, I’ve developed a keen sense of discipline. This commitment to the artistic process has enriched other modes of expression like being an actor, singer, choreographer, writer and producer.
As an actor, I am in continuous pursuit of discovering the truth of the characters I play. It is my job to serve as a channel for their expression, no matter through which medium it might be; whether it’s camera, stage, written word, song or dance.
Challenges inspire me; for I know that growth is on the other side.
Recently, I made my LA stage debut with an award-nominated solo show ’Steps of Glory’ as a part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Bringing this performance to life and handling the entire process has been a hugely rewarding experience.
On one side, it pushed me to make a wholehearted jump into the unknown territory of producing and writing; forcing me to overcome many self-imposed limits. And on the other side, I’ve gotten a chance to meet some of the most extraordinary independent artists in Los Angeles. It is a gift to be a part of a community brave enough to step into the light and share such diverse stories.
What’s next?
After I graduate from the acting conservatory in December, I plan to… well, is anyone reading this willing to cast me in their upcoming film? Haha, jokes, jokes, however, that would be incredibly helpful with my current visa situation.
Led by a myriad of auditions and producing more original work, the next year will be focused on setting up a strong foundation for a long-lasting career in the performing arts.
At times when I felt stuck or wary, art has always been a catalyst for new movement toward living a fuller life. I aspire for my art to be a catalyst for others; to inspire them to look inwards, towards their lives with more curiosity, more truth and more compassion.
Additionally, I am hugely passionate about bringing the artistic community together.
Los Angeles can be a lonely city and I find it important for artists to have a meeting place. A necessary change emerges through a collision of extraordinary people and this is where the idea for the Earthlings Ensemble started.
The Earthlings are committed to cultivating a community of diverse artists through creating opportunities for them to meet, collaborate and grow. Although we are in our early stages, we have already facilitated a variety of creativity and acting workshops. We plan to continue expanding our community through our ongoing workshops, as well as future play readings, film festivals and stage productions. Check out our Instagram @earthlingsensemble on how to get involved.
With all that being said, I am looking forward to the upcoming year. Instead of timidly observing life, these days I prefer to dive into it. I want to feel that I exist; no longer shying away from anything that life has in store for me. I am ready.
Ready to learn. Ready to grow. Ready to share.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racicanja/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anja.racic1/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHsSPKLuko-PRNFLtuqICg
Image Credits
Aleksandar Girafon, Marc Carthwright, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Rabun Gap Nacoochee School
