Today we’d like to introduce you to Addie Doyle.
Addie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, and could basically sing and dance before I could talk and walk. Performing and telling stories was always a natural part of my existence. And probably, to the annoyance of everyone around me. There was never one “aha!” moment where I said, “oh, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” It was always there. I was most influenced by watching movies starring Gene Kelly, Ann Margaret, Chita Rivera, and Fred Astaire. These performers were “triple threats,” and I was determined to learn how to move, sing, and act like them. I enrolled in Boston Ballet from ages 3-11. I then danced in a pre-professional dance company, Boston Youth Moves, until I was 17, peaking at 25 hours a week on top of school commitments. Dance continues to be a passion of mine however, I was looking to broaden my storytelling color palette. I went to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts for a BFA in Acting at the Lee Strasberg Institute for Theatre and Film.
From that experience, I began to gravitate towards the filmmaking options the University provided, which ultimately lead me to where I am based today, Los Angeles. Here, I’ve found a community of artists who not only audition for TV, Film, and Theatre in the traditional sense but are also looking to create their own artistic opportunities. I began screenwriting after graduation and in 2018 made the leap to start making my own films. With one completed title (Last Hurrah), one in the festival circuit (The Ceremony), one in post-production (Punch Me In), and two in pre-production, I feel like I’m slowly getting back to that 6-year-old version of myself whose best part of her day was playing pretend and make up imaginary worlds in her bedroom.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would not have much to draw on or share creatively if there weren’t struggles. And the biggest struggle has always come down to–what will I do if the external world can’t validate me? All of us, no matter what field we are in, are looking for some kind of pat on the back or trophy. We just want to be seen for our talents, instincts, and intelligence. I do find, the more I quiet that noise, the more I center myself in my larger vision for the future, the more I can be of service. It takes the pressure off my ego and brings it the focus back to the desire to connect, collaborate, and empower.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My professional experience in acting, dancing, and singing does open up a lot more performance opportunities. My production company, North Node, specializes in stories told from a feminine perspective. There is always an exploration of self-centeredness and selfishness in all of our films. Which now, more than ever, has been particularly juicy to unpack.
What were you like growing up?
I was that kid always staring out the window. I guess in many ways, I still am. Growing up, I felt like I had to mask my sensitivity in order to just make it through the day. I was diagnosed with several learning disabilities at an early age, so I always felt like I was behind. But now, I don’t look at those at disabilities, because I see it was just encouraging me to step into another lane. I’m grateful for my traditional education because it gave me the confidence to discern what is for me and what is not for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theaddiedoyle.com
- Email: theaddiedoyle@gmail.com
- Instagram: @theaddiedoyle
- Twitter: @theaddiedoyle
- Other: Tiktok: @theaddiedoyle
Image Credit:
The Artists Project LA
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