Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Damiani.
Hi Rachel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a mom of three from Minnesota, where I had a career as a professional ballroom dancer. During my third pregnancy, I was struck with debilitating symptoms that went on for two years, during which time I was unable to dance or even care for my children. It was a very hard time. But something inside me told me I wasn’t meant to live that way. One day, I had a moment of surrender. I let go and trusted in a higher power. Shortly after, someone came into my life who was able to help me. I healed completely! My healing experience changed me. I wanted to live a more purposeful life. A chance trip to LA inspired me to make a change. On that gut feeling (and an incredibly supportive husband), I uprooted my family and relocated here.
When I first arrived, I didn’t know what I was here to do. But after meeting so many amazing creatives in the entertainment industry, I decided to try an acting class. While working on my first scene, I slipped into a total flow state–I had dropped in. I was in love! Acting didn’t feel like playing pretend at all. It was the most truthful version of me, connecting deeply with the most truthful version of another person. I thought acting is making me a better person and the world a better place. I had found the purpose I was seeking.
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?
As a mom of three, I have an enormous amount to juggle. My children are still young, so it often feels like I need to be in two places at once. Sometimes, I actually do! I have to give my kids a bath at night but have an audition to work on, etc. That situation can feel impossible. But you just have to get creative. I end up singing my lines to my six years old son, or saying them in silly voices while I bathe him, so it’s like a game we’re playing. I rehearse scenes with my daughters or practice accents while reading to them at night. My kids love it and it forces me out of my head and into a playful space. Not to mention, kids know how to act naturally and I learn a lot from observing them. At the end of the day, having to both show up for the people in my life and pursue my passion makes me better at both.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional actor proud SAG-AFTRA member, and also work as a Junior Development Executive for an independent producer, Rebel Entertainment. I recently co-executive produced Freud’s Last Session, starring Anthony Hopkins and Matthew Goode, which comes out in theaters on Christmas day. I have Stanislavsky-based acting training from Berg Studios and the Last Acting Studio, as well as improv training from Second City. I’m also a former pro ballroom dancer, classical pianist and francophone. I have been cast in both dramatic and comedic roles and have loved all of it. In my development role at Rebel, I am involved in the entire process of development, financing, and production of major films and TV series. I’m very proud of our commitment at Rebel to working in an ethical way and creating a positive environment on set.
I especially love building my network and connecting with people from all areas of the industry, then leveraging those relationships to bring people and projects together. There’s something so exciting and special about finding that natural chemistry between people and the stories they want to tell. When it all comes together, it’s truly magical!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Changes, indeed! I’m doing this interview as my union, SAG-AFTRA, is going on strike along with the WGA. I think we are living in very interesting times. The systems and structures that have given us security in the past are no longer serving us. Technology is developing faster than we can decide how to ethically use it. People are drained, financially and spiritually. Our health and the health of the planet as a whole are in crisis.
With all this upheaval, there is a massive opportunity to recreate things in a more collaborative, humanitarian and sustainable way. The entertainment industry has a long history of exploitation. But exploitation is playing the short game. The public needs art. Artists make art, and producers sell and distribute it. This is 100% a collaboration. To play the long game, the business model needs to reflect that basic truth. Technology is developing rapidly and is here to stay. But people control the technology–people who have the choice to channel it in a way that does good. With great power comes great responsibility. I believe this is the kind of deep reflection that is happening now. We are all being called not just to make money and be successful but to consider the impact of our work on each other and the planet.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.racheldamiani.com
- Instagram: @rachel.damiani
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheldamianiactor/
- Other: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/Racheldamiani
Image Credits
Joanna Degeneres Bella Saville
