Victoria Konefal

Q: What lessons do you take away from playing Ciara Brady on Days of Our Lives? Whether it be personal lessons or acting techniques.

A: Filming everyday gives you an opportunity to develop your craft, and that’s the best practice I can hope for as an actress. Every work day is a learning experience, and I’m so grateful for that. The environment I work in is fast paced, sometimes we film 3 episodes a day, so I’m forced out of my comfort zone. That’s when you really learn, when you’re forced to survive in a situation you’re not used to. It’s instilled this work ethic in me that I am so proud of. I just feel so blessed for everything this experience is giving me.

Q: What do you learn from your Days of our Lives co-stars?

A: I’ve learned so much, but the most important thing I’ve learned is how to truly feel the material. Some of my cast mates have been doing it for decades, and I’m just amazed at how they continue to connect and grow with their characters. It takes a lot of patience and practice to play the same character for 30 years, and they’re still so good at it! They find something fresh to play with every time they shoot and watching that is amazing.

Q: How did your experiences at LaGuardia high school shape your acting goals and aspirations?

A: I’m really fortunate to have received the education I did at LaGuardia. It was a school that focused primarily on performing arts, so it really gave me a chance to fall in love with creativity. Once I spent four years acting every single day, there was no way I could turn back.

Q: Which actors or actresses do you admire? Who are your role models?

A: I really admire Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway and Kerry Washington. I could go on forever, but those are the first few that come to mind. My mother is my biggest role model, hands down.

Q: What did it feel like when Days Of Our Lives won Outstanding Drama Series at the 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards?

A: The feeling was unbelievable. It was my first award show and I had the honor of walking on the stage with my cast and crew, to accept something that we all worked so hard for. It was a dream. I am just so proud of everyone.

Q: Your character, Ciara, has a troubled past with the law and her parents. What helps you play a character who is potentially very different from yourself?

A: I draw material from my own life experiences that could be applicable to what Ciara is going through. It’s difficult because characters on soap operas have such dramatic lives that drastically differ from anyone’s reality. It’s hard sometimes but you just have to truly believe the situation your character is in when you’re filming. That’s the only way it works.

Q: What is your dream role?

A: My dream is to play a strong athletic lead. I want to have something that my character is passionate about. Whether it be boxing, crime fighting or being in charge of some crazy undercover conspiracy, I want something exciting that will get my adrenaline pumping, and hopefully have the same effect on the audience.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

A: Never change who you are to fit in. It’s important to grow as an individual, but you can’t do it if you’re trying to turn into something you’re not. Accept your individuality, and let it show in your work. The casting director wants to see YOU, not some warped version of what you think they want.

Interview by Naa Lamptey-Mills | Photographer: Birdie Thompson @birds_eye_photo | Hair & Makeup: Allison Noelle @allisonnoellemakeup | Clothing: Pin-up Girl @pinupgirlclothing