Give us some background on Jocelyn, the actress?
I’ve performed all my life; literally, I have the tapes to prove
it. I danced a lot since high school and once I got to college,
something felt like it was missing. I applied to a few extra jobs
and realized on set is where I wanted to be. Within a year I shot
several short films, appeared numerous times on MTV and landed a
spot in the off Broadway play "
Platanos and Collard
Greens".
How important is acting in your life?
I love acting and just being on stage. It really is the highlight
of my week knowing that every weekend I’ll be on that stage
performing for others.
Do you have a preferred genre to watch?
I love horror films and cheesy 1970 films.
Do you prefer stage or film acting?
Its two different worlds – on stage you get the response
immediately by hearing the audience laugh or what have you; on film
and TV it’s like your moment lives on forever. Plus you can
actually see your work (which is something I am still not used to).
I love them both.
How much of an influence do you think
actors/actresses have on the public?
Unfortunately instead of appreciating the work these actors and
actresses do, we now get into their personal lives which, as we
know, usually aren’t the best especially to model ones self
after.
Have you ever collaborated with any mainstream
actors/actresses?
As of yet no, but my best memory was on set in a Burger King
commercial directed none other than Spike Lee. Though I didn’t have
a major part just being able to speak with him however brief that
was, was really amazing.
If you had a choice of all actors/actresses in the world, who
would you prefer to work with? Why?
I think Shia Labeouf is an amazing actor. I chose him because he is
of my generation and his films and TV work appeal to me. He seems
to take his work seriously which I appreciate because sometimes
it’s easy to forget how lucky we are to be able to work in this
industry.
Who are your influences?
I love Eva Mendes, not because she has done any monumental roles
but the fact is, I feel she represents the Latin community really
well. She doesn’t hide the fact that she is Hispanic but she
doesn’t use it as "
yes I’m Latina now put me in a movie because
of that”. I also admire Nicholas Cage, John Travolta, and
Rachel McAdams from
The Notebook. She really is an amazing,
versatile actress.
How do you describe yourself to people?
I think I am an honest, smart, super funny, caring, sometimes blunt
person.
Do you find it hard to "convince" people when adapting a
role?
As of yet most of the roles I’ve done have been comedic so that’s
pretty easy. I am currently rehearsing the lead in the
Platanos
and Collard Greens which has been a bit difficult but she
represents my vulnerable side.
What effect, if any, do you think pirating has had on
movies?
I honestly feel that the movie experience is now a luxury. At 12
bucks a ticket, families can't go to the movies how they used to,
especially low income families. Maybe if movies were more
affordable, pirating wouldn’t be such a huge business. It’s really
an insane cycle.
What effect, if any do you think the internet has had on
movies?
Same as above. Now with the internet people can watch whole movies
or new media for free.
How would you define the word "success"?
It's def not about money or fame. To me success is being at a place
in your life where you are able to do something you love and be
surrounded by people that you love; being able to meet goals that
you set for yourself all mean success to me.
What's the craziest thing you've ever done on stage?
I was on tour in
Platanos and Collard Greens playing a
character named Nilsa. In one scene she does this silly rap and
starts dancing. I started doing the robot which was the most fun
ever because I am obsessed with doing the robot. It took me a while
to stop and get back to my lines. Lol.
What are your short term acting goals?
I am currently looking for representation (i.e. an agent) which is
necessary to audition and progress to bigger projects and def
needed if you want to go to LA which is where I want to go within a
year.
What are your long term acting goals?
I would love to be on a TV show. Just being able to go to work
everyday and make something that people look forward to watching
every week would be my dream come true. I know this will happen
which is why I am working hard to reach it as quick as I can.
You are currently in Platanos and
Collard Greens. What is that experience like?
First off it’s a really good, hilarious and educational play so I
suggest everyone go see it. The cast is really amazing and talented
and I can honestly say everyone is a true character. I like being
able to play multiple characters and also travel around the nation
to colleges and so on so they can be able to see the story as
well.
Does that play resonate more with you being that you are
Hispanic or do you think its themes are universal?
I am Puerto Rican and the play revolves around a Dominican and
Black couple; however it does bring to light an issue in many
Hispanic homes which is that some traditional families will not
accept a relationship between a Hispanic woman and Black man. My
family is very accepting but the play doesn’t bash; it really does
educate audiences as to why this is the thought of many traditional
Hispanics.
Would you ever do reality television?
I would love to do
The Real World (MTV) – it’s been my
childhood dream lol. As of now I don’t think I would really do a
reality show.
Aside from acting, have you ever pursued any other career
path?
Marketing and advertising is passion of mine. I would love to get
into the advertising business.
Between dance and acting, which of the crafts do you prefer?
Why?
I love both but I find in my acting I can utilize my dancing
background which is the best of both worlds for me.
What is your performing philosophy or words to live by?
If for any reason I don’t love performing I will stop because I
will not do this just for the money. It’s too important of a craft
to disrespect.
Final Quote.
As long as you love it, do it.
Want more Jocelyn Marie? Check out her
WEBSITE or contact her via
EMAIL.
To see her on stage, upcoming show dates for
Platanos and
Collard Greens are
August 15th, 22nd, 29th, and
30th.
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