We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dawn Marie Hughes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dawn Marie, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Any craft can be learned, but it takes real raw talent and authentic passion to be an Actor. I, myself, began acting in my early childhood, doing school plays and community theatre, so I developed that passion at a young age. Watching movements, exploring emotions, learning about character backstories, and developing my own understanding of script storylines led me to pursue theatre in college. I was able to take classes at The Ohio State University and in doing so, was able to obtain my first film experience as a background actor in an independent film that had notable actors such as Jay Harrington (SWAT TV series) and Jared Padalecki (Supernatural). It was then that I knew that film was something I wanted to do.
It wasn’t until several years later, after joining The Columbus Dinner Detective (Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre), that I was able to build connections in the film community. From there, I was able to branch out into modeling for Zulily and 614Magazine and Script Writing. Since joining the film community in Ohio, I have been able to do numerous short and feature films. Most recently, I was able to work background for the new Superman movie starring David Corenswet, filmed in Cleveland, Ohio. This is just the tip of the iceberg in acting for me, as I plan to go much further and branch out. It’s time for a new season!
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 got fully immersed in the film industry after my good friend, Brian Bowman, owner of Black Jack Entertainment, saw my natural talent and comedic timing and told me film is where I belong. He saw my talent and my spark and knew I was meant to do so much more. I was then introduced to a local independent film director and the rest is history.
All Actors have their own unique brand as we have to continually be flexible and put ourselves out there. I tell people I don’t have a ‘brand’ as I am just being myself. However, if anyone were to describe me, they would say that I am a powerhouse, full of resilience and strength. I’ve overcome a lot of obstacles in my life that led me to where I am today. I never give up on a task and was even back on set filming just 2 months after having brain surgery!
I now use my story to encourage teenagers and provide acting lessons to those wanting to pursue an acting career. I will always use the knowledge I learn to help others better themselves and love building confidence in anyone who has a true passion for acting.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding part of acting, is knowing that I am not only actually being able to do what I love, but that I am learning and growing and acquiring new experiences and skills all the time. As an Actor, I have to constantly mold myself into different characters. This means I have to know and experience a wide array of living. Actors really have to have an understanding of different jobs, from bartending to being a lawyer, as well as understanding different identities and social roles, from being a mother to being a co-worker. Not only that, but you have to take classes and practice hobbies from dancing and swimming to learning stunt choreography. The more you know and can do, the more roles you can obtain. Acting is learning, and I am so thankful for the opportunity.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Most will choose money and fame when they think about working in film. For me, it’s different. It’s not only about proving to myself that I can make something of my life by doing what I love, but that I am able to show my son that you really can pursue what you are passionate about AND make it, if you don’t give up. I could fail 1,000 times but it will only take that one time to propel me forward. Right now he is able to see me work hard. He sees me working several jobs just to make ends meet as a single parent. He sees my struggles. He sees my tears. But he also sees me standing tall, jumping over hurdles, juggling life and still pursuing my dreams. I am acting and doing what I love and hope to be able to do that full time one day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dawnmhughes07.wixsite.com/website
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnmariehughes07
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawnmariehughesactor/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dawnmarie_actor
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8297771/
