ANNA STADLER: COOL, CALM, AND COLLECTED.

Interview by David R. Navarro

COVER PHOTO BY MICHELLE CICHELLI // HMUA BY RENEE GOODWIN

Anna Stadler is an award winning American actress based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Anna, how are you? Thank you so much for taking time out of your day. Can you tell us how you first became interested in acting, and what motivated you to pursue it as a career?

Hi, and thank you so much for the opportunity to be a part of LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE! I remember very vividly being on stage in 1st grade during a class performance of “CHARLOTTE’S WEB” as Templeton and hearing the audience’s laughter. It’s like something in that moment just kind of clicked for me. I had random background roles throughout elementary, but once I was in middle school a then acting coach, Kevin Jones, really saw something in that somewhat shy girl that he knew had what it takes. He really pushed me to pursue it as a career and motivated me to become signed with my first agency. I credit him with giving me the confidence to be where I am today.

Can you share some of your favorite roles or performances that you’ve been a part of?

My biggest full-circle moment was when my mentor and acting coach asked me back to lead a daylong intensive master class at Kevin Jones Performing Arts School on acting for tv/commercials. The transition from student to teacher was my most proud moment to date. A favorite performance would probably have to be a very dramatic and physically demanding scene in a project not yet released. After “cut” was called by the director, I literally collapsed to my knees from mental and physical exhaustion, as I had poured everything that I had in me into the performance. I can’t wait to see it played back on film.

I love so much about my new hometown, Atlanta! It’s quickly becoming the new place to be for the entertainment industry with it’s tax incentives to draw new projects and the airport making travel to/from so convenient to anywhere in the world. You are a short travel from mountains to the coast in the same state, which is unique. That said though, even when the major projects film here, a lot of the lead talent is still cast out of LA agencies. Thankfully, I have representation in both markets.

How do you prepare for auditions and rehearsals? Are there any specific techniques or methods you find particularly effective?

I am not strict in following either the Stanislavski or Meisner method but combine a bit of both typically. I’ve found what works best for me is to analyze the script and character extensively and stay in character as much as possible prior to the call of “action”, but I don’t stay in character while I’m on set the entire time when not filming. I find that not only mentally too draining when it’s an emotional character, but I feel like I need to be “me” to absorb the other scenes while they are filming to best come at my character.

Can you tell us about any memorable experiences or challenges you’ve encountered while working on film or television projects in Atlanta?

My most memorable would be a toss-up between playing the game Marco Polo with Jamie Foxx and about 200 others on a night club dance floor well after midnight while trying to stay awake to finish filming scenes for “BACK IN ACTION” and working on the set of “THE FIRST LADY” with Gillian Anderson. It was a period piece, and we were all very well dressed. She asked everyone on set to gather for a photo giving her the middle finger, saying how funny the contrast would be since we looked so formal. I haven’t seen the pic shared anywhere yet, but the thought that somewhere on her camera roll is me in a wool suit and wig “giving her the finger” cracks me up.

I’d say the biggest challenge was on set with Joey King in “THE INBETWEEN” mid-summer heat on the lake as I suffered major sunburn that had a set medic following me around all day applying sunscreen and trying to keep me hydrated.

How do you stay updated with the latest developments in the acting industry and continue to improve your craft?

I still take acting classes and likely always will. I’ve been focused on ZOOM group classes because of my schedule and have found I really get a lot out of the format, as you learn a lot not only from the instructor, but by watching other actor’s performances on a character/scene.

Are there specific acting techniques, mentors, or acting schools in Atlanta that have influenced your approach to acting?

I believe the most important thing is finding what works for you. There isn’t a one size fits all approach to what works best. I am a remote student at the Donna Morong School of Acting in LA and have found that both Donna and Alicia Fusting’s coaching style’s are a good fit for me personally. They are very different in their approach, but both have grown my skill set tremendously.

I find myself dissecting every audition I take on with the questions they’d ask me in class about the performance and have seen booking results improve using those techniques.

As far as local Atlanta training, they have a myriad of high-quality stunt schools here. I’ve attended basic stunt and wirework class at ATL Stunts. It is a lot of fun, a great work out, and a really good way to add to your skillset and also to meet other locals in the industry.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors looking to start their careers in Atlanta?

Make friends in the industry and network often. The talent agencies here are full and not accepting new talent submissions, so you really must make connections to get in on anything local. I find Atlanta entertainers to be very easy going and friendly and have met many new friends on set, so put yourself out there, as they have been very welcoming in my experience.

In such a competitive industry, how do you maintain your motivation and cope with rejection in auditions or casting calls?

I try to submit an audition to the best of my ability and then let it go once it’s sent. It is hard, especially when you have callbacks that you feel went well and still don’t book the project. Looking at everything as a learning opportunity helps, as every experience teaches you something, even the ones that aren’t booked.

Can you share your insights on the importance of networking and building connections in the local film community?

I touched on this above, but I believe that it should be a top priority. Most of my bookings have come as referrals from people I either worked with prior that have passed my information along, or surprisingly from projects that I didn’t book. Several times I’ve had casting/ directors tell me I wasn’t right for a particular role, but that they wanted to use me in something else in the future or knew of another project I’d be a great fit for, so you never know how putting yourself out there can pay off. Also, I’ve learned so much from just talking to others about their experiences here and been able to share helpful advice to many just starting out.

Can you tell us about your journey behind the camera with screenwriting, producing and directing?

I haven’t had enough work to give much advice here yet, but I truly love being behind the scenes as much as in front of them. I have a series I’ve been writing and hope to see it filmed within the next couple years. I feel like working all angles of a project teach you to be better in every aspect. I have several projects in the works from Ascendent Studios with K Cornell Kellum that I’ll be helping produce including a new drama/thriller feature film “ECHOES OF THE VEIL” and a fantasy film with TV spinoff series “REALM OF THE WATERFALL” that I’m excited to begin filming soon. I would love to do more directing, as it really is putting all the pieces together to bring the script to life.

You are currently in college, how do you manage your busy career as an actress while still maintaining the high standards of the National Honor Society?

I am a part time online student, so that I have the flexibility to work a changing schedule that’s needed in the industry. It’s great that I can work at 2am in a hotel room from anywhere when needed and it also gives me the ability to work ahead, so that I can devote uninterrupted time onset when working on a project. I am taking a fast-paced summer advanced math class right now, which has been difficult, as I’ve been busier than normal this last bit. I really enjoy learning and it’s a great separation from acting, so I just make them both a priority at different times.

We hear that you have a passion for animal rescue. Are you involved with any shelters or nonprofits?

I have been volunteering since I was old enough to walk. I’ve partnered with several organizations from different states but find that the local humane societies are always great places to volunteer and always in need of help. I have a deep connection to the staff and many friends at Grand Strand Humane Society in Myrtle Beach, as I worked closely with them for years throughout middle and high school as a foster parent for special needs kittens and cats. One of the upcoming projects I’m most proud to be a part of is a screenplay by award winning writer Christan van Slyke called "RECLAIM AND RESCUED". It is based on the heart of rescue work and how it not only saves animals, but a lot of times relationships with people in the process. I’m excited to help bring awareness via the film and hope to inspire others to begin volunteering and raise money for causes like their trap and release program, seniors for seniors waived adoption fees and emergency medical needs in the process.

How can your fans-to-be follow your acting career?

Definitely by following me on Facebook (Anna Stadler), Instagram (@AnnaEStadler) and TikTok (@annaelizabeth_11) and by visiting and tracking me on IMDb (IMDb.me/annstadler) as that’s where I share about upcoming projects, posts of my travel and some behind the scenes photos and secrets not found elsewhere.

A little off subject… but I feel that music can often play a big role in our lives. What 5 albums or artists have made you who you are today?

It doesn’t feel off subject at all, actually. I started in musical theatre, and although I transitioned to film/TV, my connection to music is a tremendous part of my life. There is nothing I enjoy more than watching a musical artist perform live.

Tied for #1 Ben Platt - Sing to Me Instead and Reverie

#2 Ed Sheeran - all of Mathematics albums

Spotify says I’m in the top 5% of fans based on how much I listen.

#3 Big Time Rush - I grew up to their music and have met them twice in person at concerts

#4 Camilla Cabello - legit anything she sings is a fav

#5 Journey’s Greatest Hits - I adore 80s rock and Steve Perry’s vocal range is iconic

Again, thank you for sitting down with us. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’d just like to say thank you again for the opportunity and remind anyone considering going into the industry to GO FOR IT! Many of us develop later in life and aren’t necessarily child actors, so don’t assume because you weren’t chosen as the lead in school/community theatre that you don’t have what it takes to become a professional entertainer.

We’ll there you have it folks, Anna Stadler is on the move. Keep an eye out for her on the big screen in the near future!

Anna Stadler