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

Cassandra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am happy to be able walk in my passion for acting and live the “life” of an Actress, which for me means auditioning and further developing my craft. And of course Booking is awesome when it happens. Right now I kind of have the best of both worlds in that my regular job is related to the film industry so I am still working within the realm of my passion every day. I think it’s highly beneficial to the artist who decides to or needs to also work a regular job to find work that relates in some way to your overall passion and goals. That way, you won’t have those afternoons where your mind drifts away, wishing you were somewhere on set. Wait, that’s not completely accurate. I think most actors would rather be on set, including me. All humor aside, it is important to find that balance of focusing on your craft in excellence while also finding joy in your “day” job.

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

I am a working actor based in Atlanta. I fell in love with the stage at the early age of three and performed throughout my childhood in dance and drama. I have trained in Stanislavski, Meisner, Uta Hagen and other Classic and contemporary methods of Acting. I studied at the Conservatory for Actors at Yale University in 2018. In 2021, I appeared in a recurring role in Investigative Discovery Channel True Crime TV Series, “Atlanta Justice,” as an Assistant District Attorney. Also had a recurring role during the first season of, “ATL Homicide” as Medical Examiner, on the TV One Network. I have also performed in lead and supporting roles in independent films, stage plays, theatrical productions, dance/musicals and commercials.

I am probably most proud of the opportunity to bring a character to life. I learn everything about her (the character) and then do the work for her to really live. It is important to me that our depictions have a 3-dimensional persona so I do the work to get there.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Throughout the history of the world, art has served as an ambassador of culture. Art is a representative. How do we study a people? We certainly examine their art. Art reveals worldview, the condition of the heart, technology, humanity, love and so much more. It can serve an archeological purpose, but its biggest beauty, perhaps, is what it does for the human soul in the present. A scene in a movie that moves you. A dance duet that makes you stand to your feet. An abstract piece that you can not get out of your head. The artists and creatives deserve an environment where they can flourish and evolve.

Society can support the arts and artists by reinforcing its importance to contemporary life and providing financial support in the form of grants and other resources, and by continually educating children so that they develop an appreciation for the arts. This will help reinforce a strong, thriving ecosystem. Support the Arts!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me as an artist, the most rewarding aspect is when my work as an Actress or as a Dancer brings joy to the heart of the viewer. Beyond even that is giving the Glory back to God.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @CassandraHollis
• Facebook: @CassandraHollis
• Linkedin: Cassandra Hollis
• Twitter: @cassandrahollis

Image Credits
Black and white photo credit: Michaelle (New York)