I was born and raised in Odessa, Ukraine and moved to the U.S. at the age of 16. I hold a degree in Marketing and Finance from Fordham University and attend Bruce Ornstein Acting Workshop. I made my feature debut as a lead in David Bezmozgis’ Natasha and a theatre debut as a member of Wednesday Repertory Company in New York. My latest project After the Long Beat by Naoto Mitake is in post production.
Did you study acting
My first acting class was in College and even though my major was not of the arts I always found an opportunity to take theatre as an elective. Upon graduation I attended HB Studio and currently I am studying with Bruce Ornstein. I feel like a desire to be an actor has always been within me… it just became feasible to pursue it when I moved to the US.
— Sasha K Gordon (@SashaKseniya) August 9, 2014
What acting technique do you use
Being from Eastern Europe I find Method acting to be the most soulful if you will. I have read Stanislavsky’s as well his student Maria Knebel’s numerous works. However, having said that, I am a firm believer that an actor should have multiple techniques in their arsenal. Different roles call for different methods as the array of people we become as actors is countless. I use bits and pieces of other techniques as well and personally don’t think that once size fits all when it comes to acting.
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
Acting is not about the glamour and “looking pretty”. Sure, I believe that if you work on your craft and keep going at it you will eventually become successful but it shouldn’t become an end goal. To me acting is an art where you shouldn’t be afraid to get down and dirty. It is also not about playing “you” in different situations. Of course, typecasting is something that has gotten a lot of actors world fame, but to me acting is about going out there and creating the characters that are completely different to you.
What was your experience on the Lover’s Game
It’s been great to work with Danielle Earle. She lives and breathes filmmaking and it’s truly inspiring to be around people like that. Miranda McCauley was the one who introduced me to Daniele and gave me this opportunity. It’s been a pleasure to work with such a talented actress.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
I go to acting class 3-4 times a week but also look for inspiration in other areas of the arts. I go to museums, concerts, I paint and write. I believe that to better your craft you have to open your senses up to all the artistic expressions and also to look for artistic expressions in the places that are the least expected to have them.
What acting books do you read
Stanislavski “My Life in Art”, “An Actor Prepares”, “An Actor’s work on the Role”, Uta Hagen “A Challenge For The Actor”, Friedman “Callback”.
How do you keep fit as an actor
I workout constantly, do yoga, play tennis and jog. Healthy body=healthy mind. I find that acting inspires me and helps my mental state tremendously. That feeling that you have a purpose and can contribute to the society through the arts keeps me going.
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
I go into the preparation immediately. First mental, then physical. But it starts with reading the script.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
I analyze the script, research the role hence the inception of the character begins. Rehearsal brings together the mental and physical preparation.
How do you stay fresh on set
Just keeping focused and once we are rolling something turns on. I don’t have to necessarily stay in character between the scenes but it’s good to respect the tone of the set aka if we are filming emotional scenes I wouldn’t be joking around with my co-stars and the crew.
What do you want most from a director
Understanding… we have to be in tune. Once I see the director’s vision it’s easy to deliver above and beyond of what is expected from you.
What actors do you long to work with
Robert DeNiro! Hands down
Why
Because he is simply brilliant. His acting instrument is so in tune that he can do the whole movie just with his eyes. He captivates your attention in every scene and morphs into such diverse characters. That’s the kind of actor I strive to be.
What advice would you give to actors
Go for what you love and don’t settle for less. Seize the moment!
