Life & Work with Daria Alasmar of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daria Alasmar

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?
The world of acting has been a cornerstone of my life since early childhood. I played my first role at the age of five—Mary Lennox from *The Secret Garden*—during my time in Germany, where I spent much of my early years. Throughout my school days, I was consistently drawn to the stage, participating in acting competitions and securing numerous awards. Even though my parents didn’t foresee me turning this passion into a career, for me, acting was always more than just a pastime—it was my calling.

When my family moved to the cultural heart of Russia, Saint Petersburg, my parents encouraged me to pursue what they considered a “real” profession. I heeded their wishes and enrolled in a Journalism program after high school, but I could never shake off the pull of the stage. To satisfy that craving, I joined a stand-up comedy club at university, where my friends would constantly remind me, “You belong on stage. You’re a natural-born actress.” Those words stuck with me, and secretly, I began applying to acting schools in Saint Petersburg and Moscow.

Eventually, I was accepted, and when I broke the news to my parents, they weren’t exactly thrilled, but they recognized there was no holding me back at that point. I had the privilege of studying under some of the finest coaches in Russia, masters of the Stanislavsky, Chekhov, and Meyerhold methods. After successfully graduating, I set my sights on Los Angeles to further my career, as I believe acting is a craft that must be honed continuously. In LA, I’ve had the pleasure of training at renowned institutions such as Ivana Chubbuck Studio and The Groundlings, which have been invaluable in shaping my approach to performance.

This year has been particularly thrilling for me. I signed with VODA Talent, a boutique talent management firm founded by the visionary producer Courtney LeMarco. One of my recent highlights was playing Adriana in *The Comedy of Errors* by William Shakespeare, where I received an exceptional review: “Leading the charge and setting the bar for everyone else is Daria Alasmar as Adriana. Alasmar’s performance is like watching a Hershfield sketch come to life, exaggerated, fascinating, and hilarious.” (by Sean McMullen, The Press Telegram) This role has been a fun, liberating experience, allowing me to embrace Adriana’s quirky, love-struck character fully. One of my favorite moments from the production was rolling out of a carpet to Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” in a scene where I performed a playful dance for my character’s supposed husband—who, in a humorous twist, wasn’t really her husband at all! It was a hilarious, memorable moment that epitomized the joy of theater for me. Adriana is easily the kookiest role I’ve taken on, and I’ve loved every second of embracing that silliness on stage.

Currently, I’m working on a feature film, *Charlie Buster*, directed by Farzan Deljou and starring Michael Madsen and my dear friend Simon Martin. I play Lisa, a casting director with a sharp, distinctive personality. It’s been an exciting project, I’ve had such a great pleasure working with an exceptionally talented cast and crew and I can’t wait for the audience to see it—definitely one to keep an eye on! My journey in this industry has been as challenging as it has been rewarding, every step has been worth it and I’m excited for what’s to come. There are a couple of exciting projects in the works, stay connected with me via Instagram @DariaAlasmar

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been interesting to say the least, and one of my greatest struggles has been grappling with my own perfectionism. For years, I was consumed by the pursuit of perfecting every aspect of my craft, only to realize that it was an impossible goal. This relentless drive for perfection led to constant self-doubt, making me feel like nothing I created or performed would ever be good enough. It took a long time to understand that perfection is not only unattainable, but also counterproductive to artistic growth.

What I’ve learned is that striving for excellence, rather than perfection, allows for so much more freedom. It opens up space for creativity to flow and helps to alleviate the anxieties and self-criticism that can plague artists. Of course, those feelings never completely go away—self-doubt and anxiety are companions to many of us in this field—but I’ve come to realize that the mindset you bring to your work is just as critical as the work itself. Embracing imperfection has been liberating and has allowed me to be more present in my performances, to take risks, and to find joy in the process, rather than obsessing over the outcome.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a classically trained actress with a BFA in acting (Bachelor of Fine Arts), and I’ve been fortunate to receive training in a wide range of acting techniques, which have greatly shaped my artistic identity. Whether it’s drama or comedy, I approach each role with the same passion and dedication, striving to bring authenticity to every character. I have a deep love for working on multilayered, complex characters—those that challenge me to explore the depths of human emotion and psychology.

One of the things I take pride in is my adaptability. I consider myself a chameleon, able to adjust quickly to different environments and situations. I’m flexible, open-minded, and not afraid to take risks. Whether on set or on stage, I tap into a part of myself that is fearless, fully immersed in the role, and willing to push boundaries. I love that acting allows me to transform and embody different personas; it feels like a new version of Daria wakes up each time, ready to give everything to the performance.

What sets me apart is my willingness to dive deep into every character, no matter how challenging, and my ability to bring them to life with authenticity. I thrive on the creative process, and I’m not afraid to go all the way to make a character believable. I’m proud of the versatility I’ve developed through my training, and how it allows me to explore a broad spectrum of roles. That ability to morph and take risks, while maintaining a strong sense of emotional truth, is something I believe truly defines my work.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Los Angeles has its own unmistakable charm, and I believe it’s a city that leaves no room for indifference—you either fall in love with it or you don’t. When I moved here, I made a conscious decision to keep an open mind and avoid having any expectations, and I’m glad I did. It was love at first sight for me, starting with the weather. Coming from a place where snow and freezing temperatures dominated for months, LA’s sunny, temperate climate was a dream come true. For someone like me, it feels like summer all year round, which is such a gift.

One of the things I value most is having time to unwind and reconnect with myself when I’m off duty. LA offers the perfect backdrop for that, whether it’s hiking through its scenic trails or enjoying a peaceful day at the beach—two of my absolute favorite pastimes. The natural beauty here feeds both my body and soul, and I love how the city’s landscape seamlessly integrates both urban life and nature.

As for the downside, I don’t think it will come as a surprise when I say that the traffic is what I like least about LA. It’s a universal complaint for anyone who lives here. I once saw a TikTok that perfectly summed it up: “Only in LA can leaving 15 minutes late make you arrive an hour late.” It made me laugh because it’s so true. But even that hasn’t been a deal breaker for me. I actually enjoy driving, so I use the time in traffic to sing along to my favorite songs or go over scripts for upcoming roles, not taking my eyes off the road of course! Haha In a way, it turns something frustrating into an opportunity for productivity and fun.

At the end of the day, I love everything about this city, and I’m proud to call LA my home. It’s a place that fosters creativity and has become a haven for me in so many ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vodatalent.com/actor-women/women/2361498/daria-alasmar
• Instagram: @DariaAlasmar
• IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm15331024/

Image Credits
Photos in red swimsuit: Photographer Priten Vora, for Motsi.com

Featured image: Photographer Sam Lewis

Headshot in pink dress with blue scarf on and wearing the green top smiling: Photographer Michael Round

4 pictures of me as Adriana in The Comedy of Errors, Photographer: Priten Vora