We recently connected with Erin Hadfield and have shared our conversation below.
Erin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I believe that the biggest risk I have taken is to become an actress full time. This is not a business for the faint of heart. Sometimes you can be lucky or in the right time and place, to have a certain role dropped in your lap that launches your career; but for the majority it is a struggle to become simply a working actor/actress. I had certain self-doubts, which we all do. Excuses to keep up from striving towards that big dream we’ve always wanted. It can be daunting at times. Auditioning over and over to the abyss where auditions go, and not hear back a single word. Which then brings about all the questions, like are we “winning the room,” were we terrible, were we just not the right look or fit? And then comes those moments when you book a role, and remember why you struggle so much. It is not just a career, it is a passion inside your soul, corny but true. That need to bring someone’s story to life, to share that character’s point of view and really understand why they make the choices that they do; to have authenticity and truth in your pretend.
Acting is a place where ever since I was a kid, made me feel at home. In a way I guess it could be an escape from the trials of one’s own life, and I think in a way for me that is how it began but that passion has since blossomed into my purpose and my joy. I left acting for a long time. Decided to follow others’ ideas of what I should be doing with my life. I strived away from acting mid college and focused on business. I got my BS in Business Management as well as my Masters. I honed in on making “a secured” future. I was in the process of opening my own business in 2020, and then we all know what happened to the world; which also haulted my business. It was in this moment, that I was able to step back and realize I was not happy in my pursuits, and I ask myself the question, what is it that I love to do, what is it that I ignites my flame. And the last time I remember feeling inspired, feeling truly myself was when I was acting; it was freeing and a place of home in my heart; that for my purpose in life I hadn’t felt in a long time.
I had also just got married in the end of 2019 to the love of my life, Timothy Hadfield. So, I knew that me making this decision, could come with some heavy conversations. That I wanted to stop following that business outlook of restaurants and management; and ultimately our financial security for a dream that would inherently come with struggles and tight pockets. Well I was relieved when he met my dream and new focus with an open heart and full support. He is the reason I am able to do the thing I love and to continue to work hard to reach my goals and to achieve my dream of being a working actress. Tim is not only my rock, he encourages me when my feet begin to falter on my path, he works so hard to support me, help me take classes, and yet never says no after a long day to then help me with an audition, or work on a film I created as PA going above and beyond to see me turn an idea into a film.
I took a big risk, in leaving the business world for the creative one; but have never regretted one single day. I love acting, and I love making films, telling stories. I have been the lead on stage in The Baby Dance and Standing By and have acted in several films, including Hog that won best picture at the Abstract Milk Film Festival and Post where I won Best actress in a short film drama at the Playhouse West Film Festival. And I even created my own first short film, Sotto La Rosa, which has premiered at two festivals. So while I am still climbing the mountain towards my dream, I would say it definitely has been a risk worth taking.
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?
When I took that leap back into acting, I began with classes. I took “Hey I Saw Your Commercial” with the wonderful Mike Pointer; who provided me with many of the basics and knowledge of the business. I then found a home for several years at the Shari Shaw Studios, learning to develop my craft from the amazing Shari Shaw; who taught me how to connect with a character from the inside out. Channeling the character’s past with the present moment. She taught me to be raw and so many other valuable lessons I still use within my preparation. During my time at the Shari Shaw Studios I signed with my agent Julia Irzyk at the Library Agency and took workshops with several directors, casting directors, and other industry professionals to help guide my craft and build relationships.
I also began taking additional classes at Playhouse West, where I still take classes. At Playhouse West I train under the brilliant Holly Gagnier and the talented Wolfgang Bodison, both exceptional teachers and directors, and both of whom have taught me so many skills under the Meisner technique to hone my craft and be present with those I act opposite of.
I love growing and becoming a fuller actress so I take as many classes I can. I have also studied stunts with the gifted William Leong, and was able to use those skills in films such as Hog and Fracture, even a music video! I took Motion Capture classes with Mind’s Eye Tribe that gave me understanding into character movement and bringing fantasy character’s to life, as well as additional stunt choreography training. I study improv at Groundlings, and scene work at The Artist Space where we were taught to bridge the gap between stage and screen.
At Playhouse West I portrayed Wanda in the heart wrenching play, “The Baby Dance,” Ellen in a the romantic tale of “Standing By,” and I also played Lily, in the heavily intense play “Crossing the Line,” which I wrote and through that, was able to join the Dramatist Guild, a huge honor as a writer.
I am currently working on a one act festival, that will be running at the end of May/early June, where I will be playing the role of Ginger in “Rosemary and Ginger,” as well as another play I wrote, called “The Gatekeeper.” Which is actually a stage version of the web series I am in pre-production of. And I am also working on the portrayl of the fiercely wicked Annie in Misery and the outlandishly fun Georgeanne in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. In each of these plays, I worked or am working opposite truly amazing actors and learned from not only my exceptional directors, but from those talented actors/actresses as well. I find great value in learning from my peers, and to developing a solid connection within our characters, making the stories come to life on stage that much more.
I have been in several films including Hog and Fracture directed by the creative Gabriel Gonzales. I was also in films such as Post, where I won Best Actress, Dawn of Kai, Sweet Tooth, Something in the Night (both the last two films I got to portray scaring and evil creatures) and verticals like Undercover Prison King and How to Dump a Hockey Star, as well as my first feature film The Path Integral. I have also done voice acting, which is such a fun outlet to play and develop interesting characters through vocals. Some of my favorite include; Spam Risk, Shatter, Don’t Look in the Mirror, and Hangman. I am also currently working on another voice role in the upcoming film “Isabella.” I enjoy playing all types of roles from scary creatures to a sweet mom, though I do love playing a tough detective, a poised judge, or the head of a major company where everything is not what it seems; the more layers, the more fun.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I think one of the biggest goals driving my creative journey is to be considered a truly great and talented actress. I don’t need to be famous, for me it is about the craft and the talent. I want to be someone, that people are excited to watch on stage or on screen. I want to hone a believability that lets me stray outside a particular “type.” To instead be a chameleon from the inside out, to transform so deeply into a character that from an audience perspective they don’t see Erin but see whomever it is that I am portraying. I don’t want people to say, yeah that is her, I want people to be like, “wait that is the same person,” from one project to another. For myself, I want to move audiences, inspire them, touch their souls, cause a reaction even if it is heartache or fear; if I am playing one of those scary character roles. I want people, while they are watching the film or play or whatever it is that I am in, to be fully immersed in the story, connected, and to walk away still thinking about it. And another of my goals is to be in a procedural, as those are some of my favorite types of stories, as often they are layered and give way to some great characters.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
I think that for any business, and while acting is a creative, it is also a business; it is about your attitude. People want to work with people that are fun, humble, nice, work hard, and ultimately are a joy to be around. So while I don’t have clientele per se, I do have to make relationships in this business, as it is a huge aspect of getting more work. I take classes and learn from anyone I can. If there is another talented individual, I inquire where they study. I read books that people in this industry whom I admire recommend. I want to learn from those before me, especially when they are willing to share their wisdom. I take workshops with individuals in all aspects of this business, so I can learn from them and that includes both in front of and behind the camera. I took film lab with Chris Liebe through Playhouse West, which is considered a full film school, as well as, writing classes with Doug Van Bebber also through Playhouse West. Both these classes helped me considerably understand better my role as an actor.
I take classes that others recommend, if I enjoy their work, or workshops that those I look to for guidance like my teachers and directors recommend. I believe strongly that you should not have to pay an arm and a leg when taking workshops or building relationships; it is about finding the ones that give you the value for your dollar. And when I take classes I always come with my best attitude and ready to learn; I listen intently and then I try to sustain those relationships after. Not being too in their face, but in a follow thank you email, or following them on socials and participating in posts and such when I have something of value to add.
One of the best pieces of advice I was given when I first began, and still practice to this day when building new relationships with people in this industry, is that I don’t think of people I meet as what can they do for me, but instead, what can I do for them; or to just focus on creating genuine relationships. I also make it a point to come to work prepared and on time. I am kind to everyone on set, not just the higher ups. I want to be someone people enjoy working with and want to work with again. I have booked several of my roles by individuals I have worked with in the past reaching out with a role offer, because they want to work with me again. So I strongly suggest being a good person, working hard, caring for others, and going outside your comfort zone by continually striving to be better and take more classes; this will help grow you “clientele” so to speak.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin_hadfield_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.hadfield.75/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@erinhadfield7245
- Other: Actors Access:
https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/ErinHadfieldBlog:
https://wordpress.com/home/togetherbestselves.wordpress.com
Image Credits
Most I took, theater pic taken by Grant Terzakis, and HOG and Post bts photos were from people on crew; I can probably get names if needed.