We recently connected with Jennifer Keane and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Deciding to be an actor is an exciting adventure that is both scary and exhilarating. I decided to be an actor after graduating high school. I had been training as a dancer for ten years at that point and had no connections in the entertainment industry. After training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York I auditioned for hundreds of roles that I didn’t book. I lived in Los Angeles for years and moved back to New York. After tons of extra work I auditioned for Stella Adler and attended their three year conservatory. I was discouraged by the industry, but still striving. During my time at Stella Adler I auditioned for a role on HBO Max’s The Deuce, and I booked it! There was only one catch. I had to be topless. I thought about it, and accepted the role. Time and time again I auditioned for roles and didn’t book them. This was a chance. I have no connections in this business and here was a speaking role being presented to me. Many people passed on this role, because it was topless, and I happened to say yes. A lot of people might say, “you shouldn’t have to be topless to book an acting role”, and the answer is yes, I agree, you shouldn’t have to, but the truth persists that the chances for making it as an actor are low. This was my opportunity to have my first speaking role on television. It’s not how I originally envisioned it, but this ended up being my first speaking role on television and I don’t regret it. Without this credit I wouldn’t have my current agent and I wouldn’t have the three other credits I have now! No risk, no reward. Also, the US is a lot more up tight about tits than other parts of the world!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am from Long Island, New York, and I have four older brothers. I had an early interest in dance which progressed when I won first place at the Showbiz National Dance Competition. After graduating high school I went on to study musical theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York.
Upon graduating from AMDA NY I began my acting training with Susan Batson whom directed me in a one person show I wrote on Shirley MacLaine’s first big break called “Surely Shirley”. Upon moving to California, I booked my first short film ‘City Bus’ directed by Lauren Hoekstra receiving notes from James Franco.
Moving back to New York I trained in Stella Adler’s 3 year conservatory program. During my training I booked my first television credit as Brandy on The Deuce on HBO Max. During COVID I moved to Atlanta, Georgia!
My most recent credits include Amber in BMF on Starz, Cece in Twisted House Sitter 2 on Tubi and Cindy Flynn on Will Trent.
In my spare time I teach ballet, and jazz. I love writing, gardening and exploring new ways of creating things.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I had just broken up with a boyfriend who hit me and moved out. This was in my first year of training at Stella Adler in the 3 year conservatory program. My friend generously offered his place to stay. I stayed with him for a month. We slept in the same bed, and no, nothing romantic or other wise happened. He is a wonderful, trustworthy man. Something rare to be found in life. I moved in with 2 roommates and had my one room for all my things. I was struggling financially not sure if I could continue my training at Stella Adler. I applied for a work study scholarship and luckily was chosen! This gave me half scholarship to continue. I was so grateful.
Now for a balancing act. I worked at a restaurant three nights, took classes 5 days a week from 9am-6:30pm, and worked three workstudy shifts usually 6:30pm-10:30pm.
I ended up moving into a basement studio with my new boyfriend. I know, I know. My friend needed a place to stay. She moved in. So here we were: three misfits living in one basement studio in Brooklyn while I maintained this intense schedule through my third year of training. My boyfriend and I broke up. No, it wasn’t because of my friend. We all remained living together for survival, because New York is EXPENSIVE. It was challenging, but nevertheless this is when I booked my first speaking role as an actor… while living in one room with two of my friends balancing an insane schedule of essentially 7am-12am every day. What an interesting time that was. Then COVID came along…
Have you ever had to pivot?
I had to pivot during my time living in Los Angeles. I was holding two jobs while auditioning out there and it became unsustainable. I was opening a spin gym and 5am and working the desk until about 1pm. I would then go home, eat lunch and try to fit in a nap in. This was always a failed attempt, but I always tried. Then I would work at a restaurant 4pm-midnight. I was going to an acting class twice a week and then I quit.
I quit acting for a good, solid year.
I became extremely disheartened and decided to move back to New York. I moved in with my brother for a month and worked out a lot. I then moved into a nice Vietnamese family’s house in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn while working in a coffee shop on the Upper West Side. That commute was insane. Again, discouraged I started doing extra work, because of this ridiculous desire to be an actor. UGH! I wanted to be on set even if I didn’t have a speaking role. I began acting again. I am still acting, honing my craft and auditioning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenniferkeane.com
- Instagram: @citizenkeane
- Youtube: @JenniferKeaneActress
Image Credits
Christopher VanBrackle, Sean Patrick, HBO Max, Stella Adler