We recently connected with Angelynne “ajay” Pawaan and have shared our conversation below.

Angelynne “Ajay”, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?

Growing up, I did not think that pursuing theatre–especially Shakespeare–was going to be in the cards for me. I always assumed that talented artists spawned out of no where and were given the lucky chance to make it a career. I spent most of my younger years focusing on my academics. I dabbled in the tech world, explored software engineering, marketing and non-profit careers only to come back to what was my ultimate calling–to create.

Whether it be through the alchemy of a live performance, or the careful meticulous nature of video editing, I found myself pining to create and open up the vessel of my mind and pour it into something that can be admired, consumed, and intellectualized.

It wasn’t really a question that by the age of 24, it was time for me to venture into my own path, and forge one of self-expression through content creation and acting. I feel blessed to be immersed in both worlds. To use my digital native superpowers in exploring the vastness of the e-landscape while learning the primitive nature of live performance through classical training.

Often times, I will meet incredibly gifted artists who have done this their entire lives–who were destined to perform and be in front of a crowd. I hear about the decades spent in learning the basics of dance, music, and acting. I often envied these people.

However, I do not wish I had started sooner in this career. Although still being young to pursue this, I find that my background in the STEM and non-profit fields have given me a backbone in approaching the entertainment industry. Lessons on how to present myself, market myself, and most especially, use the math of probability to figure out my odds put me at an advantage to approaching this arbitrary yet necessary career choice of mine.

With acting, I find that the most random experiences in life are what ultimately inform my choices on stage. As an ‘athlete of the soul,’ I feel a responsibility to become a vessel for the universal human experience of being, and I do believe that that would be difficult to access had I not grew up in the bubble of the entertainment world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a 26 year old Filipina actor, director, and content creator. I am currently finishing up my second year at The Old Globe/USD MFA Acting program (ranked among the top ten drama schools in the world).

I love performing on stage or behind the camera (even if it’s my own webcam), singing, and playing guitar. I grew up with a very musical family and was born in Hackensack, New Jersey with my two parents immigrating from the Philippines. Growing up, I’d participate in the school’s orchestra by playing violin, and then moved into choir and drama club by the time I was in high school. I went to undergrad at UCSD and relished in my love for the arts and sciences by double majoring in Cognitive Science and Theatre.

After graduating in the pandemic, I dove head-first into a career path that I have always wanted to pursue. For me, entering the world of a theatre artist was a no-brainer. I’m passionate about visceral works on stage and screen, and am always seeking a way to demystify the realities of a working artist in this day and age.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Understand where your dollar is going by supporting local artists and businesses around you. If you love going to movies, consider, spending some time to visit your local theatre organizations and enjoy a live performance. Follow your favorite artists on social media–share their work with your friends, and be vocal about your admiration for them.

Most of all, continue showing up for them. The momentum gained by consistent support is unmatched and can make or break an artist’s launch into the industry.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think some non-creatives look at the creative field as futile with no promise in money. However, if you were to eliminate every single video game, streaming service, and entertainment platform that nearly 90% of consumers inculcate in their lives, society would be left to a routine system that is devoid of any enjoyment.

Creatives and creative people are absolutely necessary to our society because it is embedded in our DNA. It is what sets us a part from the apes. Humans were innately born to be artists because creativity is essential to our survival.

Artists may have a difficult and unstable journey–it is true. However, there is nothing that feeds the soul more than committing to the ultimate human experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://apawaan.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ajaypawaan
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apawaan/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aboundingajay

Image Credits

Israel Palacio
The Vanity Portrait Studio
Rich Soublet II