Meet Mitchell Peters

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mitchell Peters.

Mitchell, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey started in Sydney, Australia, where I was born and raised. After sitting in front of the TV at the age of five, watching Fred Astaire over and over again, I eventually begged my parents to put me in dance, singing and drama classes. Once they agreed, my childhood was filled with performing after school and on the weekends.

After studying Journalism, I felt that I couldn’t begin a career as a journalist until I really gave the entertainment industry a shot. So, I signed myself up for a 12-month screen acting program in Sydney. This opened the door to what would be a scary, exciting and fulfilling rollercoaster ride.

I knew Los Angeles was the place to be if I really wanted to pursue a career as an actor so I began working multiple jobs to save up as much money as I could. I packed up all my clothes and flew to the other side of the world with the intention of studying at the esteemed Stella Adler Academy of Acting for a few months. I instantly fell in love with the school, the teachers and my fellow students, but I didn’t have enough money to pay for classes while also trying to support myself in a big city. My classmate and good friend, Emily, suggested I sign up for the scholarship program seeing that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. It turns out that was probably the best decision I ever made because I was granted a full scholarship to the school’s full time acting program!

I’ve recently graduated and can say that completing the two-year program was the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. Now, as a working actor, I can say that getting the opportunity to hone in my craft as an actor and finding a safe space to tell stories has changed me and my work forever.

Great, 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?
As any LA transplant knows, it can be a tough city to live in. It’s a bumpy road trying to lay down a good foundation and finding a supportive mix of friends can be tough. Also, maintaining a strong sense of self in the entertainment industry is a challenge in itself. It’s easy to get caught up in the competitiveness of the industry and you can get lost in comparing yourself.

Living in Los Angeles on a student visa (which doesn’t give you legal permission to work in the country) was also a huge challenge for me. I’m lucky enough to have a supportive family who believed in my vision enough to work hard to keep me here. Despite the challenges, I believe everything in life shows up to teach us something. The ways in which I have grown in the past two years of living in Los Angeles has made all the hardships worth every minute.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Not only am I an actor but I am also a writer and filmmaker. This passion for writing and creating stories came out of a necessity to fuel my passion for acting. Instead of sitting around, waiting for somebody in a position of power to believe in me and give me a role, I took the power into my own hands and began creating my own roles. I ended up falling in love in the process of doing so and now split my time between acting and writing and creating my own projects.

I’ve just completed writing my first TV pilot while also writing another web series and short film. I also recently worked on music videos by artists, Ayisa (‘Adrenaline’) and Keemokazi (‘New Kid’), as a production assistant and assistant to the director. My recent acting credits across both film and theatre include “20 Past Closing” (Short Film), “Eastern Standard” (Short Film), “Three Sisters” (Theatre), Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” (Theatre), “Margaret” (Theatre). Across acting, writing and filmmaking, my biggest mission is to tell stories that move people. Stories that change the way people see themselves, their place in the world and their own lives are ultimately what I’m trying to put out into the universe.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Taking initiative as an artist and being productive on your own terms is one of the biggest pieces of advice I can give any artist. Also, collaborate, collaborate, collaborate. You can’t do this one your own. I mean, you can, but it will make your life a lot harder. Finding people you can rely on and be creative with will make the tough times a little easier.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchell.peters/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10838418/

Image Credit:
1. CeeCee Hood
2. Ines Coca
3. Sally Flegg

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