Today we’d like to introduce you to Fadhia Carmelle Marcelin.
Fadhia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and grew up in California. I am a Caribbean girl. Since I was little, I was always intrigued with the arts. My mother is a huge fan of theatre, and she introduced it to me as a child. I even remember vividly watching plays and operas on PBS. I have four sisters, so we were always playing make-believe and telling stories. I use to make soap opera episodes with my barbie dolls. I also use to record my sister and I telling tales, and doing our own version of “Masterpiece Theatre.” I loved watching movies as well; especially the old black and white classics. Stories as whole just always fascinated me.
In college, I changed my major from Biology (I thought my parents wanted me to be a doctor. WRONG. They just wanted me to do what I WANTED) to a double major: in Theatre and Mass Media Communications, with a minor in Art. I was hooked ever since. After college, I knew I wanted to follow the path of film and television, which lead me to make Los Angeles my home. Here, my training expanded. I became an ongoing student of Ivana Chubbuck’s at her studio. I also took on camera courses to enhance that technique. I also tried to just embrace a lot of the art LA had to offer, from museums, and art exhibits, to music concerts, to the city as a whole. LA is such a yummy mix to be in.
Since living in LA, I find myself always working on a project. Every year, I am blessed to have a couple projects booked (film, commercial, theatre, etc). I got the opportunity to participate in a film collective (7Thieves) with my friends. We made three films that we are pretty proud of. That made the producer bug bite me. I then got to produce two more projects after that. I am in the middle of preproduction of a short film right now. I love the process of it all. It is not easy, but it is something I respect and admire and will continue to learn about.
I also get the opportunity to work as a Production Manager at the Art of Acting Studio Acting Conservatory. I get to work closely with the second-year students as they work on shows their final year before graduating. It’s great to be around them. I always feel like I am the mama bear there. I am always trying to help where I can. I am one who makes sure things stay on track while being the nurturing support. It’s always good energy, and it feels good helping out.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, not bad, although, it is not always a smooth road. The struggles of feeling like you will never be seen, the constant rejection, fighting against things that are not in your control. Feeling like you are alone doing it… LOL, although the majority of my friends are actors. It just goes to show how everyone is on their own path. Yes, we are there for each other in support, but you are still on your own path to your goals individually. I still wouldn’t trade it for anything else. I feel like any career you chose has bumpy roads. It’s all part of the process, part of the journey. That is what keeps you humble and helps you appreciate it more.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am my work LOL, my business. Sounds a little direct, but I feel as artists, we are our own vessel of work. We use our mind and body as our instrument. I am an actor. I am an actor who at times, produces. I am one who is part of the storytelling world.
I never shy away from what I have in my toolbox. Being able to perform and be vulnerable, and to creatively delve into my inner work and emotions, letting go, and going there. I will always take on the challenge of doing that. Also, the joy of sharing a scene with someone, and connecting with them…It’s all part of an actor’s process. Whatever I receive, I am feeling, I discover, I use it and let it go into my work. I love it all.
I am known for having a big laugh with a laid back personality. There is some edginess to me as well since I am a bit of a tomboy. I feel I am the girl next door, who can be also be one of the guys.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The biggest role who I would say deserves credit first and foremost is my Mommy. She is my biggest cheerleader, my rock. She is one who helps me see things clearly and stay on the straight forward path. My family is VERY supportive, but my mom is THE ONE.
Ivana Chubbuck and Deryl Carroll are my mentors acting-wise. They are the ones who taught me to really understand my instrument and use everything I have. I learned a lot from them and continue to hold on to things they say.
My darling Mark Lehmann; my second half, also supports me. He is one who will not BS and tells me things I sometimes don’t want to hear but need to. He is SMART and knows his SHIT. He appreciates most artistic things, so I value and respect most of the things he has to say.
My friends are continuous supporters as well. There are some who are artists and ones who are not, yet, they are ALL supportive. I love them all dearly. It is good to have your people; it helps and it just feels good.
My buddy R. Ian MacLeod is one who I know has always been in my corner. I’ve known him since college and he was a key member of the film collective I was part of. I feel like at times, he is my Mickey, prepping me for the next fight. Whenever ever we work together, he always gets my hyped up and excited. He’s great; he’s basically family.
One of my BFFs, Dana Martin, especially is a big supporter. She is my partner in crime on this journey. She is a beast of an artist as well that I look up to and respect. We help each other roll up this hill.
I love my people.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fadhiacarmellemarcelin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facarmelle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaCarmelle/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FaCarmelle
Image Credit:
Alex Karavay, Carrie Gifford, Michelle Bonebright Carter, Letia Solomon, Mark Lehmann
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