Meet Aurèléa | Actor & Creative

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

Hi Aurèléa, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking is relevant in all aspects of my life and career. I’ve taken a lot of risks to get to where I am today and I find that more often than not, taking a risk on something that you’re really passionate about is extremely rewarding. Initially the biggest risk I took was upending my life in Australia, where I grew up, and moving across the world to New York City. All though it had always been a dream of mine, it was still a big risk whether I would be able to maintain a life in the US and be able to successfully work here. Almost 3 years later, I have completed my conservatory course and finished up my first full year working as an actor in the states. The next big risk I took was getting my O1 work Visa so that I can stay and continue the foundation that I have built for myself here. I have been very lucky to experience the highs and lows of being an actor in New York and I have worked so many types of jobs that have afforded me a lot of experience in the past year. Something I personally take risks on is the type of jobs that I take. As someone who is starting their career in a whole new country, the advice I’m often given is to say yes to everything. I do honestly think this advice is worthwhile as it has been some of the strangest jobs I’ve done that have led me to amazing and fruitful opportunities. That being said, being fulfilled in my career means doing jobs that that I am passionate about, so I make sure that the sorts of jobs that I pursue and choose to work on are going to bring me joy and I am not just doing for the sake of a credit. It’s quite a tricky balance between sustaining yourself in the industry and only working on projects that you love, and it’s still something that I am navigating but I do believe that the more risks you take, the more payout you will get in the end!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Growing up in Australia, I always dreamed of moving to New York City and pursuing my dream of becoming an actor. I had a lot of help along the way and after a lot of rejection and heartbreak and determination I moved from Melbourne to New York when I was 19. I spent 2 years studying at an acting conservatory and then another year working all over the city in theatre, indie film & tv.

As an actor you’ll always hear that you need to find your ‘niche’, something that defines who you are in the industry so that casting directors can place you in roles. I spent years trying to figure out what that was for me, and still to this day I’m asked what ‘type’ I’m usually cast as. I’ve found that I have had the most success thus far in my career by being as versatile as I possibly can. Of course nobody can escape certain type casts and I am often cast to play similar characters as certain points in my life. That being said, I’ve been very lucky to have been offered an array of different characters in my career and this is something that I am very excited to pursue in the future. My advice is to keep your options open and try to say yes to as much as possible, within reason of course. Many doors have been opened for me this way and you never know what opportunities are waiting for you around the corner.

It’s never easy being an immigrant in the United States but as a white cis woman I’m extremely privileged to be in the position that I am. Trying to find work in New York City is a challenge in itself but when you have to worry about visa’s and work authorizations, it adds a whole new level to the challenge. I want to send my love and support to anyone that’s currently going through the visa process, especially those in the arts, I know first hand how dehumanizing the process is and how much of a toll it takes on your mental health. Just know that if this is what you really want, there will always be a way, and with a lot of perseverance you will succeed as long as you never give up on your dreams.

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?
As an Australian in New York City, when I first moved here I was like a kid in a candy store so it’s safe to say I have a few favourite spots around the city. For coffee I love Grind in Hell’s Kitchen, my favourite brunch is Ruby’s in Soho and in my opinion, the best New York pizza is RubiRosa’s. A hidden gem I love is Kyclades Greek Taverna in Astoria, they have greek food that is absolutely to die for! I’m constantly trying new places though, when my wallet allows me!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been very lucky to have worked with a lot of people that have been integral to my career and successes over the past year. Joining the Stag & Lion Theatre Company in New York City was one of those jobs that I had no idea where it would take me. After being cast late in the process in a role in Macbeth, I went on to work on 4 consecutive shows with them as well as working closely with Joshua Koehn, the artistic director & Chelsea LeSage, the managing director, who have both been so important to my ongoing success and opportunity in the industry. I feel extremely lucky to have been welcomed so openly into the company and to have been afforded the opportunity to work in such a freeing and creative space. The Stag & Lion family are some of the most glorious people I have ever met and I cannot express how grateful I am to them for the generosity they have shown me.

Website: aurelea.org

Instagram: @aurelear

Youtube: Aurelea

Image Credits
Adam Michael Coacher, Daniel Wilson, Maria Kazikhanov, Abhishek Ojha, Hard Plastic by Katrina Villarreal, Chelsea Lesage/Devin Romero.