Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Alig.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I fell in love with storytelling at a very young age. As a child, I would invite all the neighborhood kids over and tell everyone where to stand, what to say, and then, of course, I would insert myself and say my line. Essentially, I was directing and acting without knowing it! That led me to acting classes. Because I grew up in Northern Kentucky, I eventually got an agent based in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was sent on auditions and even booked a few jobs. It was intimidating and foreign to me, but I learned valuable lessons during that time. Eventually, I received a BA in Electronic Media from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. I felt confident in my acting skills but also wanted to learn about the actual process of filmmaking. My end goal is to produce and develop content that I can then star in hoping that I feel challenged as a performer and believe in the message. I’ve now been in Los Angeles for ten years working full-time as an actress. I’ve studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute of West Hollywood, Ivana Chubbuck Studios, and the Groundlings. I continue to take ongoing advanced classes at Margie Haber Studios.
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?
Living and working as an actress has definitely not been a smooth road. Before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting, I worked as a news anchor at an ABC affiliate in Mississippi. The job was steady, the pay was consistent, and it looked like I had a bright future in the world of news. However, my soul craved more creativity. I decided to walk away from what looked like a very promising and lucrative career in order to give acting a try. During my first two years in LA, I worked as a personal assistant. This job provided regular cash, but more importantly, it gave me a flexible schedule in order to allow time for auditions and acting gigs. Although I am eternally grateful for the couple who hired me and the flexibility they permitted, the job was not fulfilling. It didn’t provide much creativity nor did it stimulate me intellectually. Thankfully, I started to work consistently enough as an actress, that eventually I took the leap of faith and walked away from the part-time job. I was hopeful that my work as an actress would sustain and I would survive financially.
Since leaving that job, I have been working full-time as an actor and I thank the universe everyday for that gift. With that being said, the life of an artist is in a constant state of unknown. When will my next audition be? When will I book my next job? When will my next paycheck arrive? Will my work sustain me financially? Initially, these questions weighed heavily upon my mind but then you get used to this type of lifestyle. I was also fortunate enough to hit a stride where those concerns did not linger as much. There have also been times during my acting career of major self-doubt. This doubt would normally come when I hadn’t worked in a while and truly make me question whether or not I should continue on this path. But every time this happened, I would end up booking a great, rewarding gig. The universe reminded me to stay with the creative course. I don’t feel like my acting career has elevated to the place I’m hoping to attain, but I’m in love with the process and that’s enough.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As an actress, I am fortunate enough to book roles in all genres. I have done experimental films that explore the darkest sides of humanity, I have done projects that allow for over the top comedy, and I have filmed horror movies! Many actors get typecast, but I have yet to experience this issue. I work in drama, comedy, thrillers, you name it!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Thankfully, I have theatrical agents in Los Angeles and Atlanta. With my amazing team, TV is the big focus. I’ve been able to work steady as an actor for ten years, but we are really hoping to crack the world of TV. This year alone, I’ve had two TV roles, one on a FOX show and one on a HULU show. For a long time, as with many actors, I was auditioning as much as possible and taking most paid work that came my way. Fortunately, I am now at a place where, ‘No’, has more power. I am being more specific about the work I take part in and am being diligent in building a career rather than taking jobs.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.
rachelalig.com - Phone: LA Agent- Michael Zanuck: 818-707-9747 Atlanta Agent- Brent Duncan: 818-649-7772
- Email: [email protected] [email protected]
- Instagram: @rachelalig
- Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/rachel.alig - Other: https://www.imdb.com/
name/nm4131336/?ref_=tt_cl_t4
Image Credit:
Stephanie Girard, James Pratt
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