Introducing Justin Sebastyan; A Talented Actor With A Sunny Disposition

In this highlight we turn our attention to Justin Sebastyan a vivacious and talented Canadian based actor making his own way in the industry. I asked Justin 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 was born in Ottawa, Canada but raised in the small town of Fort Mill, South Carolina. Growing up in the south was a blast! I had the ultimate storybook type childhood. Always outside with the neighborhood kids, riding bikes, playing flashlight tag, swimming, etc. and a family dinner every night! I’ve always had a pretty wild imagination so from a young age I was always dressing up and being a big goof ball. Right after high school I moved to NYC to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. An incredible two years where I learned a lot about acting, the industry, and myself!

What inspired you to be an author? Early experiences worth sharing?

I was inspired to be an actor because I love to entertain! I remember watching movies growing up and just sitting there and say “I want to do that!” Jim Carrey and Robin Williams were my early inspirations. Anything they were in I would watch over and over and then run around quoting all their lines! I eventually started performing in school shows as well as Community Theatre! My first lead role was Santa Claus in “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” in like kindergarten! The teacher hit play on the song and we acted it out. It was a riveting production ahead of its time! Haha!

Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.

I think I have faced a lot of conflicts within myself that I’ve overcome. And am still overcoming. They say you are your own worst enemy. I’m a firm believer in that! I’m a tough critic on myself and it’s something I’ve really had to work on and pay attention to. I gotta go to bed and wake up with me everyday so I better be nice to me! I’m stuck with Justin for life! Haha! Life ain’t always easy so it’s better to go through it with compassion and some humor!

What do you believe sets you apart from other people in the world of entertainment?

My work ethic I believe sets me apart. I am extremely driven. Whatever is asked of me I can do or will learn to do.

Do you have other interests or hobbies?

I really love flowers. Like I wish I knew more about them. All the different kinds! I have a friend who knows so much about flowers and whenever she speaks about them I am in awe! She knows so much! And is so creative with them! All the arrangements she does are gorgeous! I recently moved to Toronto and love the streets here because they’ve got flowers all over the place! I think my ultimate goal is to live in Ms. Honeys little cottage from “Matilda!” Haha!

Any projects you have out or currently working on?

So I recently moved to Toronto, ON. That’s been one heck of a project and a lot of work! Just getting to know the industry here. I am currently taking an On Camera class at “The Second City!” It’s been such a blast! I look forward to it every week! I am also in the process of trying to sign with an Agent! The acting industry is legit a 24 hour a day 7 Days a week job. There is ALWAYS something to do. And a lot of work outside of just learning lines and creating characters. There’s a lot of leg work! But it’s all part of the process! This industry has a lot of moving parts.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I see myself on a sitcom. I always have felt my “time” will come a little later in life. I’ve had a lot of growing up to do. Whenever I’m ready I believe it will happen. And I see that and feel that happening in the next 5 years.

What advice can you give to aspiring entertainers?

HAVE FUN! And a sense of humor about it all! This industry is tough. Living in a big city is tough! You’re constantly surrounded by your “competition.” And you’ll see a lot of people book shows/work and that may not be happening for you yet! But you gotta be happy for them and not bitter because you project that energy out and that’s just not a good look! No one likes a bitter Betty! You’ll end up jaded real quick! Always have fun and remember why you love doing what you do!

How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?

I am a big fan of Instagram! justinsebastyan is my name on the gram! I have a Twitter and Facebook but I don’t do a heck of a lot on those platforms.