Meet Anny Jules | Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anny Jules and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anny, how do you think about risk?
Taking a risk has brought on many rewards and fulfillment in my life. To me; taking a risk means displaying the ultimate act of faith in yourself and your inner power. When you truly believe in yourself and your abilities, you can’t lose. The most recent risk I’ve taken is moving to the Southeast about two years ago and taking a leap to pursue acting again. Prior to moving, I had to take a long hiatus mainly due to some health issues. I had to undergo surgery on my feet and had to learn how to walk again over the course of two years. And right before moving to ATL, I was diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease; an inner ear disease that can cause vertigo attacks, tinnitus, and progressive hearing loss, among other things. Despite the odds, I always felt pulled to move to ATL to pursue what I know is my calling. So two years ago, I packed my bags, bet on myself, and so far, I’ve been reaping the rewards and I am truly grateful. I’ve had the opportunity to act alongside some extremely talented people and some pretty stellar projects.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been singing and acting professionally since the age of 5. Growing up in New York, I was a theater kid and my most notable role was playing Young Nala in “The Lion King” on Broadway at the age of 10. That was truly a life changing experience and made me realize without a shadow of a doubt that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Theater has definitely helped me in my transition to film. The muscle memory and stamina that you build when performing a show on stage every night translates in a way when you are on set and having to do several takes of a scene. I love feeding off the audience’s energy on stage and I love the intimate moments I can create behind a lens. It’s amazing. Since moving to the Southeast, I’ve had the opportunity to work on some awesome shows on some awesome networks and streaming services like FOX, Netflix, BET, Lifetime, and The CW. I have more projects currently in the works that I am equally as excited about; stay tuned.

I think the biggest challenge in show business is the constant rejection. You continuously get what feels like a million no’s before getting that one yes, and it is a repetitive cycle that happens after each booking and with each audition. It can get discouraging and it is easy to let that self-doubt creep in and make you question your talents. I think what’s helped me stay motivated in the midst of it all is one: my support system, two: making sure I live a FULL life outside of auditioning and finding hobbies that fuel me in other creative ways, and three: understanding the business and knowing that as an actor your are just one piece of the bigger puzzle and you not booking the job is not a personal attack against you.

Don’t take it personal. There will be other auditions, and what’s meant for you will be yours. Do good work, keep learning, and the rest will follow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am still exploring this vibrant city so I haven’t established any go to places quite yet but I will say that I thoroughly enjoy going to see live theater all over ATL at venues such as the Alliance, Fox, Aurora, Synchronicity, the Strand. On my down time, you can probably find me in a theater taking in some live performances. Nothing like it!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When thinking about my success thus far; I stand by the statement that it takes a village. There are definitely a multitude of people I would love to shoutout who have helped and inspired me along the way. I knew I wanted to be a professional actress and singer since the age of 5 and my mom and dad were pivotal in cultivating that dream for me. From driving me to every audition, to staying late nights with me backstage or on set and having to work the next morning, the list goes on and on and I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice. I also want to shoutout my partner Marshall who has been my ultimate support system and calm while navigating this rollercoaster of a business. Not to mention; he is my go to reader for self tape auditions! He is also a creative who currently works in the Atlanta theater community as a producer, director, and stage manager. One of my very first acting coaches when living in New York was the late and great Ann Ratray; I’d like to give her a special shoutout for helping me hone my talents and realize my passion for acting.

Last but not least, I want to shoutout The Working Actor Group which has become my acting home since moving to ATL. It’s allowed me the privilege to not only coach other actors for their auditions, but it is run by some truly incredible working actors who have created a one-stop shop for the Atlanta acting community to get headshots done, take class, work on branding, network, and the list goes on. Check it out: www.theworkingactorgroup.com

Website: imdb.me/annyjules

Instagram: @annyjules