Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jenna Parise. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jenna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

I believe kindness isn’t always soft or easy to recognize. There’s a difference between being “nice” and being truly kind. Nice is often about comfort – telling people what they want to hear. Kindness, on the other hand, is about honesty, even when it’s difficult, because it ultimately helps someone grow.

In 2019, I made the decision to return to acting after stepping away for over a decade. As a child, I had done commercial work, but coming back as an adult meant starting over, relearning the industry, rebuilding my portfolio, and navigating a world full of uncertainty. I took on small projects (student films and local indie work) trying to find my footing again.

Then I booked a project in Charleston that changed everything. On that set, I met a director who would become a mentor to me. It was the first time I experienced a set that felt truly professional, where I could see what the standard should be. More importantly, it was the first time someone in the industry gave me honest, constructive feedback – not just encouragement, but insight into where I could grow.

In that moment, I felt both challenged and seen. They didn’t just tell me I was good, they showed me how I could be better. That kind of honesty is rare, and it meant more than any praise could have. It made me realize that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

That experience became a turning point for me. Their belief in my potential, paired with their willingness to be truthful, gave me the confidence to fully commit to acting. The industry is still full of unknowns, but because of that moment, I approach it without fear.

To me, that was the kindest thing anyone has done: seeing something in me I hadn’t yet recognized in myself, and caring enough to help me grow as a professional in the film industry.

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 began acting as a child and was always drawn to performing. Whether it was school and community theater, film, competitive dance, or cheerleading, I’ve always loved the energy of being “on” and the connection that comes from telling a story in front of an audience.

After taking a long break, I made the decision to return to the film industry as an adult. That meant starting over – rebuilding my materials, reintroducing myself to the industry, and committing to growth in a much more intentional way. I’ve always connected with the idea that if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. For me, that mindset isn’t about comparison, it’s about constantly putting yourself in environments that challenge you, push you, and elevate your craft.

In addition to acting, I’ve expanded into Assistant Directing, which has given me a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process as a whole. Starting on smaller sets where I could observe and learn, I’ve grown into someone who feels confident stepping onto any set as a versatile and collaborative member of both cast and crew. That dual perspective truly allows me to understand the bigger picture of storytelling and production.

My work spans a range of projects – from SCAD student films to feature-length feature films such as You’re It (now streaming on Apple TV, Amazon Prime and Tubi), what I love most about this industry is the opportunity to explore the full spectrum of human emotion. At its core, acting is elevated make-believe, but it’s also an incredibly honest exploration of what it means to be human.

As a performer, I tend to gravitate toward grounded, emotionally truthful work. One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to connect deeply with characters – even the ones I don’t immediately like or understand. I start with curiosity: what drives them, what wounds them, what justifies their choices? From there, I build a relationship with the character that feels personal and real.

That emotional investment is what you ultimately see on screen. If you see me cry or laugh or shout, it’s not about me – it’s about genuinely expressing my feelings for this person I’ve come to understand. And sometimes, that process can be uncomfortable. You don’t always know who you’re going to meet when you dive into a character, and that vulnerability is both the challenge and the reward.

What I want collaborators and audiences to know about me is that I care deeply about the work. I am committed, adaptable, and always looking to grow. Whether I’m stepping into a role or supporting a project behind the scenes, my goal is always the same: to contribute to something honest, compelling, and meaningful.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

This is something I talk about with my film colleagues all the time, and I’d actually love to offer a little perspective for non-creatives because most of the time, the disconnect comes from good intentions.

If you have a friend who’s an actor – whether they’ve been doing it for years or are just starting out – you probably want to support them, but may not always know how. Here are a few ways to do that at absolutely no cost to you:

1. Skip the question: “Have you been in anything I’d know?”
It’s one of the most common questions we get, and while it’s usually harmless, it can unintentionally feel dismissive. If someone is early in their career, the honest answer is often “not yet”—and that doesn’t reflect their talent or work ethic in an incredibly competitive industry.

A better approach is to ask about what they’re currently working on or what’s been exciting or challenging for them lately. Every actor is constantly navigating auditions, roles, setbacks, and small wins, and those moments are what actually define this wild and wacky journey.

2. Focus on how the work made you feel, not just how “good” it was
As actors, our goal is to move people. We’re not just delivering lines – we’re trying to create an emotional experience.

The most meaningful feedback I’ve ever received hasn’t been “That was great,” but things like, “That gave me goosebumps,” or “That made me really uncomfortable – in a good way.”
Hearing how a performance affected someone on a visceral level is far more impactful than general praise.

3. Support doesn’t have to cost anything
Independent filmmaking can be expensive, but supporting your friends in this industry doesn’t always mean financial contributions.

Engage with their work – liking, sharing, commenting, subscribing – makes a real difference. Social media is a huge part of how actors build visibility and credibility, and even small interactions help more than people realize.

And if you have the time, watch their work and give thoughtful feedback. Whether it’s a local indie festival or a short film online, we don’t create in a vacuum – we create to connect. Knowing that someone watched, engaged, and had a reaction is incredibly meaningful.

At the end of the day, the creative journey is built on a lot of unseen effort, uncertainty, and small wins. The most valuable thing you can offer to your creative friends is genuine curiosity, engagement, and care.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

At the core of it, I truly just love performing. I would be just as fulfilled sharing my work in a room full of friends and family as I would seeing it on a theater screen. For me, it’s never been about scale – it’s about the chance to constantly create and tell great stories.

My mission is to protect that passion and carry it with me for the next 30+ years. This industry can be unpredictable, and it’s easy to get caught up in outcomes, milestones, or external validation. But what drives me is the desire to keep showing up with the same curiosity, excitement, and love for the craft that made me fall in love with it in the first place.

However my path unfolds, I want to continue growing, challenging myself, and telling stories that resonate – whether that’s on a small set or a large one. As long as I’m creating, collaborating, and connecting through the work, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_actressjennaparise_/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jennaparise?si=9zf5N99NJ66mQEvQ

Image Credits

Clarence Adams – Sinister Studios
Alexis Schwallier
Jason Manchester – Manchester Studios
Revolver Producciones
Isaac Stovall