We recently connected with Ava Fojtik and have shared our conversation below.

Ava, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Currently, I am acting in my first feature film, “Rhapsody” by Kali Veach. This film has been deeply meaningful to me, as it’s the first time I’m leaving the arena of stage, voiceover, or short films. Participating in a feature, particularly one with so many other incredible artists, has taught me so much as an actress and an artist.

I first met director Kali Veach through our MFA Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts program at the University of California Riverside. Kali has always been an ambitious filmmaker, and we worked on several smaller projects together before “Rhapsody”. These projects ranged from a play reading series produced by my theater company, AKA Productions, to short films written and produced by Kali. Notably, I was a dog wrangler for Kali on set once, which proved itself to be way, way harder than acting.

I first read for the part of Maggie in “Rhapsody” last year, and her character resonated with me immediately. Maggie is at a crossroads in her life: her relationship, career, and dreams are all up in the air. Maggie’s connection to her sister, Devon, is at a particularly complicated place. However, throughout the script, Maggie is able to maintain her humor, attitude, and confidence. She can’t see the future clearly, but she’s still hopeful about it, which really inspires me as I navigate my own post-grad school life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m originally from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, but moved to Riverside, California to get my MFA in Playwriting. Since moving, I’ve been involved in so many bizarre and awesome projects. Some favorites: I’ve acted in bloody, magical shows with the Riverside Community Players, had my sexy werewolf play “Sundowner” read at the Redlands Theater Festival, done voiceover for a gorgeous film directed by Emmy award winning director Noah Arjomand, and founded a theater company, AKA Productions, with kickass playwrights Aaron Higareda and Karly Thomas. Another recent moment of pride for me was auditioning for Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles for a puppeteering job. I didn’t get the gig, but I did get to dance with my celebrity crush Happy the Dog, which was totally and completely magical.

My newest pet project is music, and I’ve been learning the guitar and bass with the help of talented musicians Reina Glenn and Kobe Darby. Ironically, we filmed a scene for “Rhapsody” where Maggie plays the bass guitar before I could play anything remotely cool. “Rhapsody” has been a beautiful opportunity to combine so many of my artistic passions into one killer project.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, I see all forms of art-making as an opportunity to connect with people. There’s an intimacy to creative collaboration that doesn’t happen any other time- we have to trust others to do their part, listen to and notice their subtle choices, and find a way to compliment them. Making art with others brings out the best in me, and I hope to bring out the best in others too.

For “Rhapsody” in particular, I could not be more grateful for the friendships I’ve developed on set. Michelle Atwood, the actress for Devon, has started to feel like a real sister to me rather than just a fictional one. She is so talented, driven, and funny: laughing with her is what energizes me throughout our long shoot days. The rest of the cast and crew have been wonderful too. I’ve learned a ton about camerawork from director of photography Max Calzada, and hair and makeup artist Sam has taught me not just how to manage my wavy hair, but also about the art of filmmaking. Kali has been a deeply kind and intelligent leader for the entire production.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society can support creatives by engaging with weirder art. I’m not totally opposed to the mainstream movies, plays, and books of the world, but if we want the option to see new, original work alongside Marvel Movie #495864856, we have to financially and emotionally invest in projects by smaller and stranger artists. I always try to start locally: the people involved in your local open mic nights and community theater have genuine talent and a vision to offer the world. At the end of the day, all I really want to do is make weird stuff with my friends, and I feel so incredibly lucky that I’ve been able to dedicate my life to doing just that.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ava.foj