Conversations with the Inspiring Tina Mirka

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Mirka.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began my acting career at age 10 in Austin, Texas. After countless years of begging my parents to try acting, they had finally let me attend an open call for background in the film “How to Eat Fried Worms”. Well, I was picked as one of the final 50 – out of the thousands that showed up to the call!

After spending weeks of long, unglamorous days on set, my mom was sure I’d give up acting. But, boy, was she wrong. I had caught the acting bug. Not only that, I knew I was destined to act. I signed up for acting classes at a local studio, which then led to me meeting my first agent. After years of doing smaller films around the Austin area, my family decided it was time for me to experience the big leagues, AKA, Los Angeles.

As projects started coming along, what started as a two-week trip became three months, which then became a year, and, eventually, all of high school. Despite taking a minor break afterward to attend college on the East Coast (at Duke University), I am now proud to again call Los Angeles my home. I’ve also been able to shape a career out of my lifelong passion – with numerous TV shows, films, and national commercials now under my belt. And best of all, the best is yet to come…

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My acting journey has definitely not been a smooth road by any stretch of the imagination, especially when the odds are completely stacked against you, statistically-speaking. Once you pass a certain hurdle, there is still always another one that can seem almost impossible to surmount. For example, after you get that first part, it’s about getting that first leading part, then the SAG card and the top agent – or the co-star role, then the guest star role, recurring role, series regular role, and so on.

With this business and many others, it can be easy to doubt yourself whenever someone rejects you. And as an actor, you have to be comfortable with this happening on an extremely regular basis. After all, only one actor of hundreds – or thousands – gets the part in the end. This process even continues when an actor reaches the “peak” of his or her career. Perhaps you’ve won an Oscar, but the other actor(s) being considered might have won five Oscars – or quite simply, are better fit for the role.

My advice to those starting out (or, really, anywhere along the journey) is to not take rejections so personally. You could be turned down for a part simply because they wanted a redhead, but you’re a brunette. Many times, casting decisions come down to factors other than who is the most talented. In fact, I’ve attended panels where casting directors and directors have mentioned that they know who will get the part (or, at least, get called back) before they even open their mouth. It’s crazy.

Whenever I find myself worrying or overthinking, I like to practice breathing deeply, journaling, or going on a walk in nature until I feel neutral again. There is also a ton of power in learning to let go. One of the most freeing things I’ve learned is that what’s truly meant for you WILL be yours. Period. Don’t get me wrong – you should always be prepared/proactive, but there are always going to be factors that are completely out of your hands in the end. Once you learn to accept that, you’ll achieve so much more inner peace and you’ll be ready for what IS meant for you. I promise.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a young female actively pursuing my acting dreams in Los Angeles. Right now, I have multiple projects that are airing on TV and can be found on platforms like Netflix.

Aside from my passion for acting, I have a deep desire to make a positive impact on the world. When I was younger, I dealt with various health issues and want to be a role model for others going through similar struggles. I’ve always imagined myself starting a health organization or nonprofit.

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Absolutely. There’s a strong need for women in every realm you can imagine. From there, the best fit depends on the individual female’s skillset and/or preferences. People of all backgrounds, including genders, will inevitably bring their own unique ideas and life experiences to the table, and that’s where the true magic happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tinamirka.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tinamirka/

Image Credit:
Tina Mirka

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