Hi, I am Clariza Vicente Filipowski. As long as I can remember I have always been a performer. I had always entered talent shows as a child and performed routines for my mother, I loved being free to express and my mother really encouraged that. I loved performing, it was in my blood and in my family to be free, dance, laugh and sing. I was a very artistic child and everything I did was always about the love of the art, to create, share and make a difference, it brings people together. I sang, danced and acted and the day I was cast as Liesl in my school musical Sound of Music was the day I found the love of my life.
#gains #squats pic.twitter.com/ARXdWyNA
— Clariza Vicente (@actorclariza) November 23, 2012
Did you study acting
Acting was always a part of my life, on and off and I did extra work and enrolled in an extras agency it kept me educated and I was on set working and learning the business part time. The year 2007 came when I decided that this was my passion and I want to do this for the rest of my life, I had to give it everything I’ve got so I enrolled in workshops to begin. I did presenting, producing, casting workshops, dialect coaching, voice and movement classes.
After the initial process and as I got more experience I enrolled in a longer course the Eric Morris technique that then continued to attending Anthony Brendan Wongs Ivana Chubbucks technique in Sydney . I went on to drama school and graduated from The Actors College of Theatre and Television to complete my certificate 3 in Screen and Theatre, I took extra workshops in between and ended up in L.A last year to complete intensive coaching and acting classes for two months at The Acting Centre, a new school for actors. The work never stops, I am always working on my craft.
What acting technique do you use
I am trained in the Eric Morris technique, sense memory and I still reference Ivana Chubbuck’s technique however after experiencing the training at The Acting Centre in L.A it’s all I use now to get me to a place that I need to be. It’s a new fresh take on acting; you have an imagination so use it. It’s just being, to just be. It works every time!
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
don’t act, follow your instinct and don’t second guess yourself. You are not in competition with others; you have your own unique talent so be yourself. Casting directors are not your enemy they want to give you the job; they really want it to be you, so relax and show them what you got. Don’t be a pleaser.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
Yes. Accent coaching, workshops if it is in line with my technique and f it improves on my current skill. I take private coaching to get prepared for an audition. Script reads with friends is a great way to keep things fresh and read, read, read.
What acting books do you read
Freeing the actor – Eric Morris, The Power of the actor – Ivana Chubbuck, How to get the part without falling apart – Margie Haber, The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron, Accents – Robert Blumenfeld
How do you keep fit as an actor
Fitness is my life. This is what keeps me strong, in my game and grounded. I love martial arts, boxing and muay thai. I also do Crossfit full time and balance it out with Yoga and Meditation practice.
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
Depending on the type of role, I may get private coaching to get a different eye but I break down the script, I really take the time to read it several times from my character’s point of view and the others. I read it out loud many times. There is always something new to be found by reading it over.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
I just become, I put myself in that character’s story and heart. I don’t try to act like that character I am that character, with my quirks and all, finding the similarities and working with that.
How do you stay fresh on set
Relax, stretch and take a few deep breaths. I would center myself and be in my quiet place, if time permits I would work with my scene partner.
Describe a memorable character you played
The Sunday Night Show, The Dana Vulin Story – Network 7. 2014 Production. Character – Natalie Dimitrovska.
The character I played was a troubled woman, she was fueled by jealousy, anger and drugs, there were many layers to playing this role, and her backstory is fascinating.
This was a reenactment based on a true story of two friends that got caught up on methamphetamines, lies, sex and Dana close to being burnt alive.
Explain one creative choice you took on set
When I played the character Tatiana in a play called Away for one my final performance in Drama School. There was this moment halfway through my monologue, I chose to be still, silent for a moment and really reflected on my life as her as me, I didn’t feel the need to keep talking, I just needed to take a breath and my tears began to fell, this was not rehearsed this was my interpretation. My direction was to tell a story from my point of view, trust and just be, and I did.
What do you want most from a director
Passion, Perspective, Communication and Freedom.
What actors do you long to work with
Meryl Streep
Why
She is a legend! She is a well-rounded actress, down to earth and I could learn plenty from her. Working with her would be fun, challenging and an opportunity.
What advice would you give to actors
Always have fun and live with passion. If the fun and passion disappears and it becomes hard work, take a moment and have a break. Reboot. Don’t quit, just get back to where you left off and trust in the process.
Briefly write about your career
I have performed in many TV commercials, short plays, live shows, short films, web series, TV series, producing and presenting. I have played a variety of characters, daughter, a psycho, a mother, villain and a hero. I love to do my own stunts and get physical on set so action is my genre, I also love horror. I am a big horror fan! If this business has taught me anything it is being humble. I have taken on small jobs to bigger jobs and I have always been grateful for the experience. Acting is for life and the skills you gain technically and professionally you can take everywhere with you.
