Introducing Jerii Aquino: A Fiery And Capable Actress Within The Industry
In this highlight we turn our attention to Jerii Aquino, I asked Jerii a series of questions, here is what we discussed;
Tell us a little about yourself, where your from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.
I am originally from Queens, New York. Around the age of 10 or 11 my parents abruptly moved my brothers and I to Miami Florida. I stayed there for middle school and high school at Felix Varela Senior High School. And. while it meant a lot to me for my development, I always knew I would come back to New York, and that’s how I ended up at AMDA for my college years. But I admit there’s something of an identity crisis there.
What inspired you to be a entertainer? Early experiences worth sharing?
I have wanted to study the art of entertainment for as long as I can remember. I have memories as a child of going to the movies and not only be captivated by amazing actors like Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, but also feeling everyone around me having that same feeling of awe, and I knew that I wanted to create that same feeling for others. Translating stories and experiences has always been something of a knack for me, I’m very animated and enjoy sharing with others and making that connection, and i think that art is one of the best mediums to make connections like that through. Whether it’s connecting with my character or connecting with an audience, that’s the bridge that I dream to gap.
Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.
I’m actually at a current crossroads right now. That would be the paths between following my dreams with a full risk, or continue down the road of a stable and rather successful career that I seem to have accidentally built for myself. My current line of primary work stemmed from a simple day job that with the right combination of relationship building and technical practice I have gradually moved up the latter of the company. I am proud of how far I’ve been able to take myself in this line of work, and i feel conflicted in leaving it behind me, even though I know that it’s not ultimately my dream job, so it’s been an interesting internal conflict for me. I think not having the creative opportunity at my fingertips over the last years have allowed me to grow comfortable with my now more corporate path, but the more it’s grown, the more I’ve been reminded that this is not ultimately where I want to continue to grow. And so, I am here, in a position where I still feel like an actor at heart and realizing that I may not be honoring that to my full potential. I am determined to turn the ship, not around, but back into the lane in which I once fully steered. It’s scary! But I think for me it would be more scary to stay in the lane of comfort, and so I feel triumph in my conclusion to stay true to myself despite the hurdles that may come with it. That’s what this crazy art makes all of us do right?
What do you believe sets you apart from other people in the world of entertainment?
I guess what people would say about me here would be my edgy look and gothic alternative interests, but I think for me my weirdness has always felt a lot more connected to everyone around me than people realize. Yea sure I’m pretty weird, but really, I have a huge variety of artistic interests that all influence each other. In a world where anyone can find any one genre of music or film or art to dedicate themselves to, I find all mediums and variances to be small ingredients to a greater means of delicious art stew. Music for example, is an art I hold so close to who I am and how I process emotions. Wether it’s jumping around to hardcore metal, acknowledging sick rap lyrical game, or swooning to the latest R&B tracks of today, I have a true respect for the hard work that all musicians of all genres put into their music and how what results from that is a genuine connection that you can feel without even meeting that artist. I think that genuine relation with people is something I’ve always felt good at, because I’ve always loved to find deeper connections that open people up to their more human forms. I’m not sure if that makes sense, but I think that when you like a little bit of everything, it allows you to understand empathy and the human connection just a little bit more, and that’s what has the power to bring us closer together.
Do you have other interests or hobbies?
I love to paint with oils on canvas, it is something of a hidden passion of mine, and I think that’s because it feels therapeutic and private. As extrovert as I may seem, for me private spaces are solace’s that allow me to recharge, and so most of my interests and hobbies do come in the form of more introverted activities. I also love to rollerblade and swim! Both physical activities that allow me to meditate on my breath, connect my mind consciously to my body, and to just zone out in general and have a few hours to myself.
Any projects you have out or currently working on?
I am currently in rehearsals for an originally written musical called Dumpster Diver the Musical, to debut for 3 nights in October! TBD for more information on that :)
On top of that, I’m working in a short film, as well as just booking a pilot to be pitched. So things are stirring up! I will keep everyone updated as i eat further into each project, but for now I’m quite excited about all of them!
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
I would like to see myself working exclusively in the artistic industry as a means of a living. But more importantly, no matter what happens, I would like to be happy and fulfilled with all that I have and the state that I’m in.
What advice can you give to aspiring entertainers?
Think long term!! And set goals for yourself so that you have. a solid road map. Don’t be afraid to deviate from the road map as needed, life is never supposed to go as planned because that’s not how we grow. But having a guideline to understand where you want to grow and where you NEED to grow makes all the difference. Modify as necessary. :)
How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?
Instagram is the media outlet that I am closest to, but I also have Facebook!
FB: Jerii Aquino
