We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mia Ventura Lucas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I don’t really know if there is ever a specific time when you realize that you wish to pursue an artistic path professionally. I think art is something that is naturally within all of us, it’s just that some of us are more tuned to it than others. I fully believe that we all have creativity to unleash within us, but some of us, either are allowed to do so from an early age, or find what they like sooner. I think once you find your creative out scape it is very hard to be fulfilled without using that creativity daily.

Choosing an artistic creative path is extremely difficult and at times there is little reward, so I think those of us who choose it professionally, do it because within ourselves, somewhere along the way, we realized that it was better to chase that feeling and that dream than to never try.

I think it’s Paulo Coelho, apologies if I am misquoting, but he wrote something like ‘It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting. ‘, which pretty much sums it up

Mia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an actor and singer, who is originally from Portugal but based in New York City. I’m signed by Metropolis Artists Agency and I’ve been working for ten years. I’ve worked in Portugal, England, Turkey and the US.
I initially started as a singer, singing fado (traditional Portuguese music) in amateur theatre groups. I later evolved to singing more professionally and acting alongside singing. After doing a summer course in Musical Theatre at the West End Stage, I knew this was what I wanted to do.
As an actor you’re always looking for the one thing that sets you apart from other people, but ultimately, how you experience the world is unique and therefore, there will be a role that is perfect for you. It’s not always easy but I try to focus on success stories, and I try to rely on a community of friends and fellow artists who are experiencing the same struggles. Not many people from Portugal choose to pursue acting abroad, so I try to remember that it is a gift to even get to have those experiences.

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

I think society can support artists by choosing and seeking art. I think it’s easy to forget that a Netflix series which people see on a daily basis took months and years to make, and that it involved multiple creative minds. Most of those artists are underpaid and at times go years without a significant role/project. The public seeks quality art but most people don’t actively seek out to support the performances, showcases, exhibitions within their community. The public at times refuses to pay a ticket price which allows for such quality art to be produced. Of course I’m talking in a general manner and not everyone is the same, but overall the revenue and creative agency are very centralized so artists often lack options. For instance, by viewing independent film, supporting small artist, aiding the crowdfunding for a local film, or purchasing tickets to a local professional theatre group, the public can help those artists regain that agency that often gets lost within big corporations or big budget projects.

Additionally, I always say that actors are some of the most empathic people, so be kind. Most artists often face self-doubt, imposter syndrome or undergo years of creative blockage, so be kind, you never know when someone is one step away from quitting their dream.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I think some things you only learn from lived experience, but here are some tips about acting that I’ve learned along the way:

– Research the acting school you are going to. What resources do they provide you with? Will you leave with a reel? An agency showcase? What have their alumni done in recent years? Who will be your mentors? What’s their acceptance rate?These things matter very much and at times actors get excited about getting accepted and forget these things.

– Use actors access, casting Networks, Backstage and central casting, the more the better, just make sure you prioritize and keep your profiles up to date. There is also a resource called ‘Up to date Actor’ where you can see what projects are being cast, filmed and who are the casting directors. Get to know their names.

– No man is an island so find your tribe, do workshops, get to know the people, more often than not your friends will help you find your next job.

– Read a lot so you know about the world and have a life outside of acting, it can be very draining if you don’t.

– Read variety, playbill.com, deadline, the Hollywood reporter etc on a daily basis. Know your industry and what is happening in it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://miaventuralucas.wixsite.com/miaventuralucas
• Instagram: @miavlucas
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@miaventuralucas9804

Image Credits

Wilder Greene still – Ximena Uribe
The Itch still – Unholy Roman & Bari Kang
A Voz music video- Patrícia dias
Headshots by CVR photo
Unveiling still – Lukas Gordon