Addie Doyle Talks Working On “Last Hurrah” And More In Exclusive Interview! (@TheAddieDoyle)
- How did you get your start in the entertainment industry?
I always wanted to be a performer. I was so eager that at three years old, I begged my mom to put me into dance class so I began studying classical ballet at Boston Ballet back home. I then joined a youth dance company and was fiercely dedicated to that for many years. Dance was my main focus until I was 16 and began doing more theatre. I loved how it was so collaborative and community oriented. I then auditioned for New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts. After graduation, I moved to Los Angeles and got my first agent and began auditioning and creating independent projects. It’s been a life-long dream and I’m still learning new things every day.
- What was your first big project?
My first big project was definitely Scandal. That was what got me into the Screen Actors Guild. Booking that job was such an exhilarating experience and something I had been working towards my whole life. I am so grateful for that job.
3, How would you describe your experience working on Max Compact, Party at Micah’s and Gluten Free America?
Those projects were particularly special because I was working on them with close friends. I learned so much from those filmmakers about how to work on a set and how to make your idea come to life on screen. I co-wrote and directed Gluten Free America which was my first real stab at creating a project independently.
- What would you say is the most valuable thing you learn from actually applying your acting skills to on-set projects?
At Tisch, I studied Lee Strasberg’s Method Acting. We focused on concentration and preparation so that you have the necessary stamina on stage or on camera. You still have to be in the moment even if it’s the 24th take, the 24th performance or you haven’t slept for 24 hours. A lot of my training was about building endurance so that you can be consistent and relaxed no matter what is going on around you.
- What was your favorite part about working on Scandal?
Everyone was so kind and upbeat. I was nervous because it was my first professional job. I was a big fan of the show and the fact that the cast and crew were so welcoming really calmed me down and made me feel at home.
- How would you describe the atmosphere of that set?
I remember they built a wall for a shot and took it down in five minutes. It was a well-oiled machine. Those scripts move fast but the cast and crew move faster.
- What has been your favorite project to work on so far?
Every project is a privilege when you get to do what you love most. On stage, I played Sophie in Mamma Mia! which was a dream role. Also, I co-wrote, executive produced and starred in my own film, Last Hurrah, this past year. You have to use so many parts of your brain: the business side and the creative side. When you’re so involved in a project, you really have to push yourself past your comfort zone and that was the most fulfilling project I’ve ever done.
- We know you have a large following across your social media platforms, how do you like to use those platforms for change?
We’re lucky to live in a time where we can connect with so many people effortlessly. With social media, it’s important to use it to spread positivity. I try to be real and show myself struggling during my workouts, for example, because I think it’s the small things, like making someone smile or laugh, that really matter during such a polarizing time.
- What causes do you advocate for?
I’m really passionate about equal treatment and representation of women in this industry. Last year, I produced a Time’s Up benefit concert and was able to raise funds for the #MeToo movement alongside some powerful female voices. My goal one day is to have a college scholarship fund for young female artists and filmmakers.
- Are you currently working on any projects you’d like to share with us?
My film, Last Hurrah, was just submitted to about 50 festivals. So fingers crossed on that! I’m also in pre-production for another film.
- What are your social media accounts?
You can keep up with me on my YouTube channel, Twitter and Instagram page all under @theaddiedoyle!
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