We were lucky to catch up with Angela Dimarco recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Angela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful films, was my directorial debut, Always. Dedicated to our son, Caleb, who we lost in 2016. At first we made it for ourselves, to help us through the grief. Then we decided to share it and we are so glad we did. I was invited to be interviewed by Bill Radke on KUOW, also by Nancy Guppy on the SIFF Red Carpet. Always, had its international premiere in the Short Film Corner in CANNES and it’s US premiere, at home, in SIFF 2018. After the interviews and reviews came out, I was contacted m=by strangers, friends and family from all over the world. People sharing their stories of loss and thanking me for starting the conversation. Always was the perfect reminder that telling your story can and will help others. With that, here I am going into the final week of filming, A Trapdoor, a short film based on a true story, about addiction, loss and trauma. Our hope is to continue the conversation about the crisis many of us have battled with addiction. My husband and I are so proud of all the films Mighty Tripod has produced and like I always say #DontWaitCreate #YouAreMighty

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started acting at a very young age. At first it was to make my bullies laugh with me and not at me. I learned quickly I loved to entertain on stage and on screen. My mom was a single mom and always supported my artistic energy. I was signed with an agent at 8 years old and booked my first film at 10 years old. 37 years later I am still acting but also teaching, directing and producing. Just like my Mom did for me, I wanted to support others and their artistic journey. So my partner in all things, David S. Hogan and I started Mighty Tripod Acting Studio and Mighty Tripod Productions. We teach classes, workshops, do private coaching and produce both Theatre, TV Pilots and Films. I am known as “Mama DiMarco” in the PNW Film and Theatre community because I always try, like my Mom did/does, to help others on their artistic path. We began producing our own films 13 years ago, we’ve now done over 2 dozen short films and 3 feature films. I continue to focus on strong female led stories that make others feel seen and less alone.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I learned not to wait around for others to “open doors” for me. If you find yourself comparing and despairing about what everyone else is doing around you, get up and go do it! Don’t sit around thinking folks will come to you, show them what you can do! #DontWaitCreate I also learned that awards do not and should not define your Art or who you are as an artist. We all love being recognized for our hard work. But if you don’t get that nomination or win that award, that does NOT mean you are less than. It also does NOT mean that all your blood, sweat and tears were not worth it. I believe Art truly heals and everyone needs it. So as an artist, we are constantly winning, because we are doing what we love and sharing it with those who need it most.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

It wasn’t so much a pivot but something I was already doing but didn’t “name it”. I am an actor first and foremost and would love nothing more than just being an actor on stage and screen. BUT, years ago I found that I was coaching and mentoring a lot of artists, doing life coaching, career consulting, helping with auditions and more. Then my husband, David S. Hogan, and I decided we should expand to workshops, which we did. They kept selling out and we soon realized we needed our own space and should think of our own Studio. So we did and launched Mighty Tripod Acting Studio. Named after our first rescue dog we got together, Vida, who was a 3 legged Cancer fighting badass, a Mighty Tripod. We both love teaching, giving back to our community and helping other artists reach their goals, Empower their Art and BE MIGHTY!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://MightyTripod.Com
• Instagram: @ImAngelaDiMarco
• Facebook: @ImAngelaDiMarco
• Yelp: Mighty Tripod Acting Studio
• Other: A Trapdoor (Support this Story): https://www.atrapdoormovie.com

  KUOW Bill Radke Interview: https://www.kuow.org/stories/siff-film-always-captures-directors-journey-after-losing-child/

  SIFF Red Carpet with Nancy Guppy (13:08): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9oj_FaBF2A