Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Hays.
Hi Amanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been passionate about the arts since I was three years old. I grew up in a family that is full of talent but always went the more traditional route. I like to think of myself as the black sheep, always going against the norm. I began studying performing arts at a very early age. I want to say around six years old. It all started at Centerstage Dance Academy in Long Beach, where I did ballet and discovered my love for movement. The love for movement eventually became a love for expression overall. I soon joined John Robert Powers acting school, where I studied commercial acting every Saturday.
At the age of 13, I had the awesome opportunity to walk my first runway. I was 5’9” at the time! There, a model was born! I went on to study at performing arts schools all throughout grade school and college while also working as a young model. My high school years were the most influential when it came to choosing entertainment as my career path. I attended Alexander Hamilton High School, where I was in the music academy. There I was able to find my voice as a singer and an actress, and continued dancing as well. I moved on to AMDA College of Performing Arts in Hollywood where I studied studio acting, stage combat, film production, and so much more. I won’t lie.. after college I fell off of my path for a few years and was just working meaningless jobs, trying to make things work just like any other young person. But I could not ignore the artistic flame burning within. I prayed on it and gave all my worries to God.
Soon after, my life started to get back on track. This past year, I fully immersed myself back into my art. I had the amazing opportunity to work with the legendary Richard Lawson as an extra in his feature film “Black Terror”, and there began an awesome relationship with his acting studio Richard Lawson Studios where I am currently studying. There is no other studio like it! I’ve never felt more at home and supported. I am also working as part of the RLS team where I help run the social media. I also had the opportunity to work on “Deserve” a short film by Malaiye, another creative genius from the city which is absolutely killing it in the festival circuit currently! My plan moving forward is to start working on some original pieces in both music and film. That’ll be the focus for 2024. Oh, and modeling of course! I’ll always be a model!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My biggest struggle up until recently was confidence. Always felt like things needed to be perfect in order for them to be seen. The recent passing of my mother has made me view things entirely differently in life. She always pushed for me to be myself unapologetically. And so now I feel this extra push to make sure that my voice is heard in my gifts are seen no matter who thinks what. Everything I do now is to make her proud.
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?
Acting is what I am best known for in my community, but it doesn’t stop there! Vocally, I am trained in jazz and classical. One of my proudest moments as a singer was getting to sing background for Steve Lacy a few years back. Something I hope to get the chance to do again soon. Of course, the runway at 13 is one of my proudest moments as well! I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to stand out just by being me. I’m not one to follow a trend, “Fake it”, or try extra hard to be seen. I think I’ve naturally always been a very bright light.
How do you think about happiness?
Creating joy for others. I know, everyone always says, “Your happiness should come first.” But I’m happiest when I can leave a positive impression on someone. We live in a world with enough evil. What do I get out of adding to it? Not a thing!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @amandahaze1
Image Credits
Malaiye
