Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecily Baring-gould
Hi Cecily, 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?
My acting story started in 2022. Seemingly out of the blue, but looking back at my childhood and teenage years – and a whole lot of other whispers since – I’ve come to realize that it wasn’t that odd of a move. I grew up immersed in the arts and studied ballet, tap and contemporary dance from 4-17. I then took a detour and became very interested in fashion. After graduating from university I moved to New York for a fashion PR internship, which turned into a 10+ year career in the industry. We were traveling for the European shows when Covid hit and after returning to New York I lost my job and had to move back to Australia. It was during that 18 month period when Aussie borders were closed and I was forced to be still that I got closely reacquainted with my creativity. I felt intense resistance to returning to my previous field of work or anything even remotely similar. I painted a lot during this time and one afternoon while painting I had the realization to explore acting. It was clear as day and made so much sense to me, although it sounded completely crazy to say out loud. That same week I enrolled in a 1 week screen acting intensive with NIDA. From the very first hour of that very first class, I knew I’d found the thing that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It felt like home. Two months later I was accepted into the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York City. I moved back to New York and experienced the most enriching, transformative and exquisitely demanding 18 months of my life. I’ve since graduated and have gained formative industry experience that I couldn’t have dreamt up a year ago, accumulating knowledge of the craft and the industry, working on the biggest and the smallest of productions, assisting and learning from remarkable talents and masters in the craft, collaborating with creative friends on plays and other projects that make our souls sing, and navigating the beginning stages of this entirely new path I’m on. It’s a very cool thing to have a beginner’s mindset again.
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?
I definitely wouldn’t describe it as smooth. Let’s just say i’ve lived in more than 10 places in 2 years. But there have been unbelievable synchronicities and gifts along the way and i’ve grown immeasurably. I was under no illusion that this would be easy!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an actress currently based in New York. I love theater and film equally. I’m most proud of my courage to follow my instincts and start something new, regardless of its difficulty and even if it meant stripping myself of the securities I’d previously become accustomed to. It’s a bumpy ride but so worth it.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking definitely isn’t my strong suit but I will say that my most valuable and special connections and relationships, whether they be a mentor or friend or creative collaborator, haven’t required any sort of a networking strategy. They’ve entered my orbit and developed naturally. I think my advice would be to always put yourself in situations that inspire you and make you grow. You’ll inevitably come across people that you can learn from, who inspire and energize you, who hold a safe space for you, and who make you want to constantly be better. Stick with those people, and respect and nurture those relationships.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecily.bg
Image Credits
Photographer Credit: Sonni Frej
Photographer Credit: Pamela Torres
Photographer Credit: Iva Batistic
