Student Spotlight-Amanda Cabigting
***Mandy is a student in my Brave Hearts Master Class whose film & TV credits include Like Arrows (Netflix), Mile 22 (starring Mark Wahlberg, Lauren Cohen & directed by Peter Berg) , and she currently stars in the “The Big L.”***
What got you started in acting? When did you know that you know that you wanted to be an actor?
I began acting after one fateful voice recital. I vaguely remember it happening, but I’m glad it did. After the voice recital was over, my parents told me that someone had approached them and told them that I should try acting. I guess it’s because I don’t just stand there and sing, I used to do a lot of pantomiming. My parents listened, and I started acting.
For a while, acting was kind of neutral to me. I liked it, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue doing it. I think I truly knew that I wanted to act when I booked my first role for Like Arrows. I was oddly happy. When I got on set and I got to meet all the other actors and directors, I loved it. It was such a joy to be able to be someone else for a while and to have such fun while doing it. It was like I had unlocked a new experience. That’s when I knew I wanted to keep acting.
What actor or filmmaker inspires you?
I have to say that I’m a little inspired by Elizabeth Olsen. Well, it’s more like I love what she does. She’s able to give such a convincing performance, and I’ve cried seeing her act before. She’s accomplished a lot and has this great energy, and I want to be like her.
Any current projects?
I wish I did. I do not have any current projects, and I’m just taking this time to make sure I keep on training and working towards the day when I do have a new project. Of course, it is nice to be able to relax at home, but I am excited for the day that I do get a new project. So in the meantime, I’ll just keep eating ice cream.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself still doing what I love, acting. I see myself doing more auditions, and even booking some. I see myself getting better at my craft, and still having fun with my friends. In five years, I see myself drawing my favorite OCs, and still trying to find my style. I see myself writing more short stories, and still jamming to my favorite songs. I see myself being happy, and being happy with my family.
What do you think the challenges teens today are facing in the industry with COVID-19?
With COVID-19, I think the main challenge is that there aren’t as many auditions as before COVID, so you have to work extra hard when you get one. Thankfully, more auditions are coming, at least for me they are.
I think teens are also facing the challenges of not being able to do the same things they love, like sports or hanging out with friends. That’s a huge part of any teen’s life, and it shapes their future as well. If they aren’t able to see their friends as much and do what they love, and just have to stay at home, that can take a toll on a teen’s mental health, and they might not feel as motivated as they once did. I have gotten a little less motivated, but I am getting more motivated now that I’m able to get more auditions again.
What kinds of projects do you hope to be a part of in your career? What would be a dream role?
The kinds of projects that I hope to be a part of my career are any kind of superhero and fantasy projects. I love the little fantasy worlds and creatures that are portrayed in movies, like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. I would love to be a character immersed in that world, it would just be amazing. Any sort of fantasy character, whether it is a mythical creature like an elf or witch, or a normal human trapped in that world, I would love to be that. Another dream role is any role that has to do with superheroes. I love well-written superhero stories with interesting powers, like Batman Ninja or WandaVision, and I would love to be in a superhero role or a kid geeking out about superheroes. Those roles are the ones that excite me.
