We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marlina Devery a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marlina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

This past winter I submitted a self tape for the open call of a Broadway play. I looked up the casting director on Instagram and saw that one of my professors from college followed them. I decided “what the hell, why not?” so I reached out to my professor and asked if she could put in a good word for me. I was incredibly nervous after I sent the email, telling myself it was a mistake and that I burned a bridge professionally. But to my surprise, my professor responded immediately and said she would love to reach out to the casting director for me. I didn’t book that play, but a week later the casting director called me in for an Off-Broadway play that I was then called back for and then booked! This opportunity opened so many doors for me, I made my official Off-Broadway debut in a critically acclaimed theatre, I signed with a manager who saw the show and loved my performance, and I was able to join Actors Equity after the show ended. I’m so glad I took that risk because if you don’t, someone else will and the only answer to an unasked question is no.

Marlina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Marlina Devery and I am a NYC based actress, writer, and singer. I have been performing on the stage since I was 4 years old, starting with community theatre productions and a children’s summer theatre camp that I attended for 10 years. There was never a time in my life that I can remember where I wasn’t performing. I knew that if I didn’t try to pursue acting as a career I would always regret it. I was lucky enough to be accepted into Pace University’s Acting/Directing program where I spent 4 years honing my craft and learning how to collaborate professionally with other young artists. I graduated college in May of 2020 which is exactly how it sounds; I graduated into a pandemic with a theatre arts degree… I spent the next year and a half creating my own original work; comedy sketches, short films, original music, etc. This time in my life was an unexpected lull in the industry that allowed me to find my own creative voice. Writing daily was my anchor and taught me the invaluable skills of self-discipline and making something out of nothing. I moved back to NYC in February of 2022 and have been working full time as an actor ever since! I’ve booked many commercials, signed with a manager, and recently made my off-Broadway debut which allowed me to join the Actors Equity Association. I work as a background actor and UGC creator to supplement my income when I’m not booked on any projects.
My goals as an actor are to continue to work on stage and film, continue working with other creative, curious minds, and to book a series regular role within the next few years. When times are hard, because in this career they often are, I always remember that there’s truly nothing else in this world I would rather be doing that acting.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When you’re first starting out as an actor with no representation and no credits, nobody is going to come knocking on your door. I had to unlearn that “things will just happen.” You have to MAKE things happen. You have to make your own big break. I am lucky to have learned this skill early on in my career. Every single day I submit myself for projects on Backstage, Actors Access, and Casting Networks. I am always emailing my materials to casting directors, agencies, and directors. On top of this, I create my own work to best showcase my skills.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The first goal was to pay for my rent and groceries using money I made from acting work which I feel incredibly fortunate to be doing. The next goal is to buy a home and take my parents on vacation. End goal: to be able to live a full, creative life surrounded by people I love.

Contact Info:

• Website: marlinadevery.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/marlinadevery
• Youtube: Youtube.com/marlinadevery

Image Credits
Russ Rowland Photography