We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alixandrée Claire. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alixandrée below.

Alixandrée, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am an Artist through and through. Always have been, always will be. I love what I do, and I cannot think of anything else that would fulfill me the same. That being said, I do sometimes think about what it would be like to have a regular job. Those thoughts usually come into play around the start of every month when rent is due. But seriously, I feel like society has put us all in a box when talking about what it means to be a responsible adult. Working a 9-5, having nights, weekends, and holidays off are considered the norm. Us artists and our “lifestyles” can sometimes be deemed as a temporary hobby. I have studied, trained, and pursued my craft just as seriously as a surgeon, judge, or pilot, but only the artist gets asked ” So when do you think you’re going to get a real job?” #TICK #TOCK

A major requirement of being a working actor, is having time and flexibility in your schedule. Most auditions whether it’s self tape, in person, or zoom, are usually held on the weekdays during business hours. Then the filming schedule can be anywhere at anytime depending on the production. So now the goal is to find a consistent everyday job or 2 …or 3 in between auditions and bookings that can cover your cost of living. I did everything from dog walker to personal assistant, catering, file clerk, babysitting, you name it. When I seriously started to think about getting a regular job, it was during a time that I wasn’t getting a lot of auditions, and all of my everyday/odd jobs were not covering my bills. I was burnt out, depressed, and feeling hopeless. That is when I started to seriously consider what life would be like if I had a regular job. If I gave up pursuing my career, I would have consistency and stability, the 2 things that unfortunately show business does not always provide. The thought of giving up what I love, what I dedicated my entire life to, crushed me to my soul. I finally did a pros and cons list. My Career vs. A Regular Job. The regular job won by a landslide, but I chose my career. Stability is great. Having a consistent schedule, pay check and a lunch break sounds very “Adult,” but I want to love what I do for a living. I want to experience that high of getting a callback or booking a job. I enjoy working and connecting with other fellow actors and artists. We’re a community. We understand the sacrifice, the passion and the struggle. So I realized that as much as I crave stability, I would much rather live outside the box, and continue pursuing what truly brings me joy and purpose.

Alixandrée, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello! My name is Alixandrée Claire. I’m originally from New York. I love ice cream, dogs, sarcasm, and Yes, I am an Actor. I have studied at School of American Ballet, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and Second City. I graduated with a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch School of The Arts. I got into the business at a fairly young age. I was studying both ballet and acting, but eventually I made the decision to focus solely on acting. I have always been a creative person with a wild imagination. When I am asked if I prefer comedy or drama, I always say both. I just love bringing a scene to life, and finding the different layers to the character that I am portraying. I have played everything from a nurse to a prostitute, and I’ve had a blast with every role. I’m grateful to have my wonderful agent Kylie Mackenzie of Artistic Talent Inc. by my side. Thank you Kylie!

I know that I am blessed to be able to wake up everyday and follow my dreams. This industry can be challenging, but I will forever remain professional, kind and humble, on set, and in life.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think non-creatives will never understand that booking a job is not the only “win.” in our field. Everything leading up to that job are all small victories that should also be recognized and celebrated. Finding a photographer that brings out your essence in your headshots/pictures. Having an agent that will guide and support you throughout this journey. Getting an audition, or a callback. People don’t realize that you can submit yourself for various roles and projects, but you have to actually be invited to audition. There is system, and if an actor is actively in that system, then technically they are winning. So the next time you talk to your actor friend about their audition/career, maybe you can also congratulate them for still being in the game.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I come from a ballet background. Ballet is about grace, poise, and impeccable technique. One lesson I had to unlearn was trying to be perfect. As an actor, being perfect is not just unrealistic, but it’s also boring. You will never be able to fully explore, connect and play a character if you’re trying to always control the narrative. Once I let go and stopped worrying about how I looked, or how my work would be received, I actually started booking more acting jobs. I stopped standing in my own way, which allowed me to grow as an actor and as a person.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Imalixandree