‘Wonder Women: Acting for Television’ offers advice to aspiring female actors

SCAD had the honor of hearing from Robin Givens, Sonequa Martin-Green, Melissa Roxburgh and Heléne York at the Wonder Women Panel. 

The panel started with the moderator asking the women what made them want to act. All reminisced over similar memories of acting at home and memorizing the back of shampoo bottles to recite later. However, all realized at different times acting was what they love. 

“I had a crush on Hayden Christensen and wanted to be in a movie with him,” said. Roxburgh. 

York simply put “I just knew, I loved doing it.” 

“I hated the violin and didn’t want to do that, but the film “Mahogany” is what really made me realize,” said Givens.

“I acted all the time in my house,” said Martin-Green, “but it wasn’t until my first high school play that I decided.”

The panel soon got into the difficulties of being in a creative career. Givens didn’t relaize acting could be a career when she was younger. Roxburgh brought up the amounts of highs and lows she encounters. “It’s impossible to plan out a creative career,” said York. They advised the audience that your plan may not work, and to be open to changes, whether big or small. 

When getting to the topic of auditions, the group had multiple stories about different ways they have tried for a role. Through Skype, sending in a video, in person or sometimes all three, the process is lengthy and different for each casting group. “I always believ that roles are for actors, not the other way around. So, you have to be comfortable and fit the role, maybe someone does that better, that doesn’t mean you’re not just as good,” said Martin-Green. 

Throughout the hour, the panel was honest and open about their experiences. All four women were uplifting and, during the audience questions, they calmed the nerves of many students in attendance. “No one can be you, you are you and that why you’re unique,” said Martin-Green. 

Each actress agreed that if you find an agent, no matter how big or small in name, who believes in you, then the connection will be genuine. The roles will be better offered and better suited for you as a person.