Meet Hila Naus: Performing Artist, Actress & Singer

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

Hi Hila, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
That’s a great question! Well, for me I think it would be that you cannot take everything personally in this business.

When I first started auditioning in NYC, fresh out of college, I remember I had a hard time accepting that. For example, if I had a really good audition, and I wouldn’t get a callback, I would wonder why and would believe it was because I wasn’t good enough for whatever reason. Even though in school (AMDA) I was taught very well about the audition process and how you’re not going to get a “yes” very often, and mostly hear a “no” or nothing at all for that matter for reasons that have nothing to do with you personally or your talent, I still had a hard at the beginning and felt like I was being rejected over and over. But for sure, I did get those “yes”es often too. With time, I kept thinking about the things I learned in school and started practicing what I like to call “take it, nail it and leave it”, meaning, I get the audition materials, come into the audition room, give my absolute 100%, leave the room and forget about it. Just move on from the situation. It wasn’t easy at first but now it actually works for me, and at some point, I stopped taking things as personally as I used to thanks to this. So if they call you back, that’s wonderful, but if not, no harm, no foul, right?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey was definitely an interesting one. I moved to the states at age 23 right from Bnei Brak, Israel, and started college right away. The transition wasn’t easy as I had to adjust to the different culture, the language, the business and to be able to blend in. In addition, I came from a strict religious Jewish background, so it was another big change for me that differs from many others that move to a different country and pursue a similar path. I think, throughout the years, I overcame many challenges thanks to my stubbornness, persistence, and my support system, and the fact that I truly believe in my craft, so I push myself, even more, when times are hard.

One of the biggest moments that I am most proud of is that when I was 16, I followed my personal dreams, I didn’t share much about it at the time but I auditioned for one of the most respected acting colleges in Israel that held a youth program.

The audition was a very nerve-racking situation for me, because it was my absolute first audition and I didn’t really have any experience prior to that nor guidance beforehand, and I didn’t even know how it works or what to do exactly, but I went for it,  and I winged it, and this was while I was attending all-girls high school. I was pretty much alone in the unknown process, but I followed my dreams and ended up getting accepted against the odds.

The program itself was truly one of the most remarkable experiences in my life that I’ll never forget. It taught me a lot, but most of all it proved to me that there is nothing you cannot do as long as it is in your hands and your control to push yourself forward.

In my career, I want to be able to inspire people to do what they love, to follow their hearts, despite the hardships. I want to share my personal story but also, as an actress, I want to portray characters that have similar journeys. In particular, women that overcame the challenges in order to achieve their goals and those who fight for the underdog.

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?
Since I live in NYC, I would take a friend to Times Square area first. It’s a must-see. All the Broadway theaters are there and it’s one of a kind place, especially for tourists. After I would go to the West and East Village and Lower East Side, there is so much history around these areas. Then, head over to the Freedom Tower, of course, this area is phenomenal! Later, head south to visit Brooklyn, places like Dumbo, Williamsburg, and Bushwick are also must-see and experience, the people there, the vibe, it’s very unique. NYC also has the best pizza slice, so we must have that and go to 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar to have cocktails and view the Empire State Building at night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my best and closest friends in NYC. They have helped and supported me in the most difficult times and were happy for me on the greatest days in my career. I remember in the first years in the U.S. I had a difficult time coping because I didn’t have this emotional support system that I really needed in order to help myself rise up and go on. It was difficult, but I managed somehow. Over time, I found my people and learned that it is actually very important to have a support system that respects you and fully believes in you with no judgment, that wants you to succeed and won’t try to pull you down while you try to do your best. It was something I realized after interacting with different types of people I trusted once that didn’t help me or supported me and even didn’t respect me and tried to bring me down. So I am very grateful to have those people in my life. I don’t think I could have managed to survive in the industry this long without them!

Website: www.hilanaus.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilanaus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilanaus

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/hilanaus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hilanaus

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/hilanaus

Image Credits
Film credits: The Lark(s), El Cat. Photo Credits: Gregory Faulk (G. S. Faulk), Arseniy Grobovnikov Andreza Ortiz and Ben Kalish for Extraordinary Aliens Fundraiser Chelsea Film Festival