Ever since I was little, my mind was already made up that I was going to be a performer of some sort. My very first time acting in front of an audience was in my high school’s Thalian Society production of the musical Little Shop of Horrors. I had the role of Ronnette, one of the doowap chicks and I had the time of my life. I remember having a part in the show where I had to sing a solo piece in a musical number and the spotlight was directly on me. I felt such a rush of adrenaline, excitement, & energy from the audience; from that point on I knew that acting was something that I really wanted to pursue. After my first production, I made sure that I was a part of every production that was put on until I graduated.
The show went flawlessly!! If you want tickets for the Ep.4 on Dec.12th, INBOX me!! Thanks!!☺️😘 #cast #actress #nola pic.twitter.com/42y6wghwsP
— Alexandria Jo’Nel (@_Aleje_) September 27, 2015
Did you study acting
My senior year in high school I booked my first gig as an extra on HBO’s Treme. I loved the feeling of being on set, being around cameras, and enjoyed working the long hours until the next morning. After that experience, I wanted to step away from theatre and become a film actor. I immediately signed up for acting classes at JAQ’S Acting Studio in New Orleans that was owned by actor/mentor Jaqueline Fleming and for a short period of time I studied film acting in an adult master class under Tommye Myrick. By having a theatre background, I really had to learn how to tone it down for the camera and I learned that less is more. Ms. T (as we used to call her) was tough in a great way because she really made you dig deep to get into the heart of a character. I studied skills that help me hone my craft. I’ve been taught and I’m still being taught by some great acting coaches.
What acting technique do you use
I use quite a few techniques when preparing for a role with one of them being sense memory. As an actor I feel that it’s important to live, experience life as a human being because those experience make you become a well-rounded actor. I then can use those experience as fuel to my performances. I consider myself a method actor which really works for me because by embodying the character as a whole I’m really able to deliver a more believable performance as the person, not as Alexandria. As soon as I get a role, I immediately do my research about a character. I study how they walk, talk, act, feel, their weaknesses as well as their strengths, their occupation, past experiences, etc. I take everything that I know from that person and become that, embody it for the whole duration of the production. The recent technique that I have studied is from the book, The Power of The Actor by Ivana Chubbuck.
Troubles-Live Sitcom
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
The biggest misconception I think people have about acting is that it’s easy and that anyone can do it. It has to be something that you really want to do because it is hard work. It’s not as glamorous as people think it is, as a matter of fact it’s not glamorous at all. Not only do you have to study the craft itself but you also need to learn the business. Plenty of actors starting out don’t know the business and I think it’s really important to network; sell yourself. Starting out I think is the hardest time because most of your time will be in an audition room/submitting a video audition then being on a movie set. As an actor you have to strong yet vulnerable at the same time, you must have tough skin in this industry and you can’t give up if it’s your passion.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
I’m constantly taking classes to improve my craft. Right now I’m taking classes with New Orleans actor, acting coach, and director Trazi Lashawn with Best Motion Pictures. He’s amazing at what he does and he gets you where you need to be. I’m also planning on studying with actor/acting coach Lance Nichols, he’s been in the industry for a very long time, and is very well-respected in what he does.
What acting books do you read
By being in classes all the time, I really don’t read too many acting books but it’s something that I really want to start doing. The last acting book that I’ve read though was Power of The Actor by Ivana Chubbuck, it was so good that I couldn’t put it down.
Troubles After Hours
How do you keep fit as an actor
I’ve always been very a fit person due to my track and dance background. So, I continue to run, and go to the gym whenever I can. I love doing yoga; not only does it keep me fit but it keeps me mentally intact. I find peace in burning some incense, heating up a cup of chai tea and meditate as well as pray every day for internal strength. My diet has always been kind of rough especially being raised in the south and in New Orleans at that. I’m trying this holistic approach in my diet and it’s definitely not easy *laughing*.
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
When I’m offered a role I read the script at least twice and then I immediately start memorizing my lines. I believe that the sooner you understand the storyline and memorize your lines; the more time you’ll have with that character.
How do you take a character in a script to an honest, believable and breathing person
I put myself in the characters shoes/situation. I’ll figure out if there’s something that the character and I have in common, then literally become that character. I’ll go where that character will go, find somebody like that character and observe if I can. I embody the character physically, mentally, and react the way that character would react.
How do you stay fresh on set
Well, it depends on the person I’m portraying and the type of scene that I’m doing. By being a method actor it’s harder to get unfocused because you lived that character throughout the production. Although, if I’m doing a scene where I have to be in a dark or emotional place, on set I like to stay to myself as much as possible. Especially between takes because I want to be kept in that same head space until the director says cut.
On set filming LA Film Prize short film “Moscato & Plan B Pills” pic.twitter.com/FhQpjPX8kx
— Alexandria Jo’Nel (@_Aleje_) April 24, 2015
Describe a memorable character you played
The most memorable character that I’ve played is a sexy, crazy, psychotic character named Sandra in the new live staged sitcom, “Troubles after Hours” by Best Motion Pictures. We started production early 2015 and we’re still in production. Dec.12th will be our 4th episode at the New Orleans Jazz Market.
Explain one creative choice you took on set
One time I was on set of a big indie film, with a heavily featured role as the woman of one of the supporting actors. In one scene, one of the main actors came in the room and the director wanted me to be scared. My character is smoking in the scene, so in between takes the smoke was making my eyes burn and water. I knew that my close up was coming up, so I thought about it and decided that I’m going to cry. Then as soon as we started rolling again, my eyes were tearing up and a tear came down out of fear. The director loved it; I just hope it made the final cut *laughing*.
What do you want most from a director
What I want most from a director is to allow me to be free to make whatever creative decisions is necessary for the well-being of my character. It’s that trust relationship between an actor and director, that’s needed for a successful project.
What actors do you long to work with
Angela Bassett.
Why
Because not only is she beautiful but she’s one of the very few actors in our time that makes you feel what her character is feeling. On screen she has a way with words that’s indescribable, you can feel them. I think she’s one of the best yet underrated actress of our time.
What advice would you give to actors
It doesn’t matter how many no’s you get, never give up and continue to push that door open. Always believe and trust the talents that you’ve been given.
Briefly write about your career
The most recent productions I’ve done this year has been the ones that has had a great effect on my career as of now. I’ve had a role as Bolden’s Muse in feature Bolden! (Nov.2015), Sheba in Vincent-N-Roxxy (In Prod.), Sarah in Dinner with the Alchemist (In Prod.), Kimberly in Magnolia M. (In Prod.), Chere in Kooshma (Pre-Prod.), and Sandra in Troubles After Hours (In Prod.). All of these projects have made me not only a better actor but a fearless actor. Being in these films have also gave me inspiration to write my own films and start my own film company in the near future. Most of these haven’t come out yet but when they do I know that more opportunity will be coming my way.
