Hi Wiktoria! Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hi there. My name is Wiktoria Wabnyc, also known as Vicky, and I am a 21-year-old actress living in this crazy city we call London. I was originally born in Poland but relocated to London at the age of 8. I am passionate about travelling the world and vlogging my experience along the way.
What does your job involve? Give us the typical outline of a day?
Being an actor involves doing quite a few different things. I like to start my morning by regrouping myself, meditating and planning my whole day.
I then spend the next couple of hours networking. I have a goal to network with five industry professionals each day. The rest of the day is spent developing my craft, either through self-taping an audition or learning a new monologue. Being an actor means no day is the same, and that's why I love my job so much!
What artistic projects are you working on currently?
I have been very blessed with a busy January. I am currently working on a psychological short film, a feature film called Heather and a theatre production called Jollof Wars, written by Gail Egbeson and produced by Purple Moon Drama.
Jollof Wars will be performed at the Vaults festival between 14-16th February. Tickets are on sale here.
Tell us more about the cultural differences in Jollof Wars and how you’re approaching this artistically.
Jollof Wars is a story of a young engaged couple: Kojo Mensah, who is Ghanaian, and Kelechi Kalu who is Nigerian. Whilst preparing for their big day, the couple finds themselves in a huge disagreement over which jollof rice should be served at their wedding.
After a few attempts of trying to sort the issue out, the couple settles on taking the case to the court. The play presents different cultural issues from the Nigerian and Ghanian background as well as implementing the opinions of their friends and family. We’ve approached this project as a family-friendly comedy show with a very diverse cast.
What’s great about your job?
The great thing about being an actor is that you get to work with so many people from different backgrounds and learn about their stories. Sometimes this alone inspires me to write short films or creative pieces.
What are the bits you don’t like or find challenging?
I think the most important thing is to find balance, and that can be tricky sometimes. You can’t just live and breathe your job. You need other interests and having a support system helps a lot. It just makes an actor more interesting when you hear their achievements and stories outside of the industry.
What are the highlights of your career to date?
The highlight of my career was acting in my first feature film, where I played a lead character. This was screened at selected independent cinemas in London. Growing up, I’d always wanted to see myself on the screen, so this was a dream come true to me. Plus thus motivated me to grind harder so I can achieve more.
How did you get into an arts job? Have you also worked outside the arts?
I started acting at the age of 17 by going to a part-time drama school 360Arts where I learnt different acting techniques, the business side of the entertainment industry and had the amazing opportunities to audition for films.
Unfortunately, it's not all glamour - I had to work other jobs to support myself. I enjoyed hosting different events and teaching English as a foreign language.
Can you describe your biggest challenge so far in your career? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge I face in my career is my own anxiety. I used to let my anxiety stop me from grabbing opportunities. When I grew older, I became stronger, more confident and accepting of myself.
I learned how to manage my anxiety so that it wouldn't stop me from losing out on my goals. Feel the fear and do it anyway!
Have you noticed any changes in the industry? If so, what?
The industry is always changing so you have to be on top of it or you will get left behind. One change is the shift from self-tapes to the standard in-person audition.
There are many benefits to both. For instance, a self-tape allows the casting director to see more people for a role and it gives the actor the opportunity to audition for a role which may not be nearby. It does mean you have to invest in equipment to produce quality tapes but it’s worth it!
You’ve been granted the ability to send a message to 16-year-old you. What do you say?
This one is exciting to me! If I could send my 16-year old self a message I would tell her to be more patient. You will hear ‘no’ way too many times, but opportunities are coming your way! It’s a numbers game.
Do you have any advice for young people interested in doing your kind of job?
Train, train and train! If you want to become an actor, you must first be good at what you’re doing!
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