Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Danna.
Hi AJ, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As an entertainer, I’ve been fortunate to perform with some great teams over the years. Like many actors, I started my performing journey in theatre arts. I later trained in improv comedy (short-form and long-form improv) with ComedySportz LA and The Groundlings School. Over the years, I began to observe a variety of practical applications for these improv skills; I’ve been utilizing them in immersive theatre productions ever since.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I think it goes without saying that most creative journeys are full of ups and downs – but at the end of the day, there’s nothing I’d rather be doing. When you’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of business, it can be easy to lose sight of the reasons you’re working in the creative arts; getting back in touch with yourself and your values can be a great way to make the road a little smoother throughout your journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an actor, I’m grateful to frequent the world of immersive entertainment. Whether it be IP-based activations, pop-up art installations, or intimate theatre shows, I particularly enjoy opportunities to make one-on-one connections with audiences. As a consumer, I was influenced by this very form of entertainment from a young age; theme parks and family-friendly shows across the Los Angeles area are present throughout some of my earliest memories. I am proud of my current position on the other side of the curtain, as someone who gets to help bring these experiences to life for today’s audiences. Who knows… perhaps someone we entertain will even be inspired to pursue a career in creative arts like I did!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
A wise old actor named Bruce Campbell (don’t tell him I called him “old”) once told me, “People who try to discourage you from pursuing a career in the arts are just concerned about you and your future.” This perspective lines up with what I know a lot of fellow artists may experience at some point in their journey. In a sense, pursuing any sort of career that doesn’t always provide compensation five days a week could be considered a risk; in this case, you’ll never know what possibilities lie outside of that realm of security unless you take the risk. Only you know what’s best for your soul. To continue the quote from Campbell, “The people who are concerned for you don’t really know anything, so get busy.”
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.ajdanna.com/
- Instagram: @ajdanna
Image Credits
David Muller
