Life & Work with Suzanna Akins of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanna Akins.

Hi Suzanna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Sacramento, California, and when I was a junior in high school my best friend signed us up to audition for the school play “Grease.” I landed the role of Betty Rizzo and absolutely fell in love with acting, the theater community, and knew what I wanted to do with my life. I went to college up in Oregon, where I studied film and theater and got to act in a feature film shooting in Portland called “Bad Exorcists,” which solidified my desire to move to Los Angeles after college and really go for it. I was also on University of Oregon’s Absolute Improv team, which was such a great community and experience. So, ten years ago I moved to L.A. to pursue acting, and have been here ever since.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a crazy, fun, challenging, emotional, beautiful ride. The first five years out here, I waited tables, bartended, nannied, tutored math, anything to pay rent while auditioning. I was lucky enough to get type cast right away as a young mom in commercials, and got to do some fun web series and indie films. During COVID, when the restaurant I served at briefly closed, I decided to do a 6 month coding/web development bootcamp through UCLA Extension. I got hired as a software developer at an aerospace company in July 2021, which has been a steady source of income and allowed me to continue pursuing acting without the stress of worrying about money so much. And I have health benefits, what?! That said, I’m juggling two careers which can be hard in terms of managing time and attention. So I’d say the biggest struggle over the years has been balancing a “survival” job, romantic relationships, and hobbies with the dedication, time, passion, and commitment that a career in acting requires.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an actor and recently started writing as well – I just finished a first draft of a feature film in January that I’m really excited about. My favorite type of acting is comedy. Although among my friends I’m known as the “commercial queen” because I do have a high booking rate for commercials and have been in over 30 nationals. I’m most proud of just sticking it out in LA, struggling through those beginning years, figuring out the city, and navigating this industry with no connections when I moved here. I didn’t know anyone, and have made my own way and feel like I have a great community and support system here now.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I’d say have a really solid survival job if you can. It just takes so much pressure off. You’ll be less desperate in auditions. You’ll be less stressed about money. It’ll create more space for your creativity. And be fearless! Go for it. Be yourself. Unless you’re a jerk. Then…don’t be yourself. Be nice. Also! This industry is smaller than you think – you WILL work with people again. Be professional, cooperative, collaborative, and kind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://imdb.me/suzannaakins
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodsuzanna/