This month we have the honor to have as artist of the Month Alicia Dupuis. Alicia is a young actress that moved to New York, from Massachusetts, in her young career she worked mainly
in Movies and TV shows.
F.A.: Is there any person in your life that influenced your decision?
Alicia: There are several people who influenced my decision, both positively and negatively. In the end, however, the main person who influenced it was me, and honestly, it was never much of a decision. I always knew since I was little that I was somehow going to have a career in the performing arts.
F.A: What type of roles you like to play, comedy or drama?
Alicia: I enjoy both equally. I have a very goofy, quirky side that is fun to play around with on camera. I also love getting deep into an emotional dramatic scene. I think it makes things more fun when you work with all different genres.
F.A.: Looking at your biography I see that you moved to New York a little while ago; why you choose the Big Apple and not Los Angeles?
Alicia: I was starting to get auditions in NYC before I moved here and was taking 4 hour bus rides from Boston to NY for auditions several times a month. That's when I knew the time had come for me to move to an area better suited for my career. I chose NY because I felt I was already establishing a base here. However, a move to LA is definitely not out of the question. If a job came up out there tomorrow, I would be packed and on my way by tomorrow night. I will go wherever the work
is.
F.A.: As an actress you played many different roles, is there any character role that you are particularly affectionate?
Alicia: I would have to say Kelly in Family Tree. It was a very intense, dramatic scene that ended with me crying on my aunt's shoulder at 1am. I worked with an absolutely amazing director(Hashim Wali) and discovered how engrossed I can become in a dramatic scene. I also got a wonderful monologue from my scene in Family Tree that has helped me land several roles.
F.A.: Do you have any technique in preparing for a role?
Alicia: I always read through the script a few times to make sure I really understand who the character is. Then I just work on making sure I have all the lines memorized.
Once I am confident that I know all the words I have to say, I am completely comfortable throwing myself into a scene and really becoming that character.
F.A.: Do you have a favorite actress and actor that you try to learn from?
Alicia: I wouldn't say there is anyone in particular who I try to learn from. Whenever I see a performer speaking about their career and how they got where they are, I always listen and take the advice.
F.A.: Among the new generation of actors who do you think is the most talented one?
Alicia: There's a lot of young talent out there, but one in particular who stands out to me is Shia LaBeouf. I’ve watched him in very comedic and very dramatic roles, and both are equally admirable.
F.A.: Are you currently working in a project or a production?
Alicia: I just finished filming a Windows 7 Tutorial DVD. I am "in talks" about working on a few upcoming films. Hopefully by the time this is online those projects will be definite!
F.A.: Professionally, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Alicia: I see myself acting consistently and still loving every minute of it. I want to have done a little of everything by then…commercials, sitcoms, soaps, movies, print ads etc.
F.A. : Based on your personal experience, what would you advise other young artists that are thinking of undertaking a career as an artist?:
Alicia: I would tell them that if they are passionate about something that it's important for them to pursue it despite what other people might have to say. You won't be truly happy in life if you aren't doing what you love, and if you don't at least try you will always wonder
"what if?" It's YOUR life. You have to live it for YOU. So, if you love something, get out there, work hard at it, and never let it go.
F.A.: Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?
Alicia: I am a HUGE sports fan. I'm a die-hard fan of the Jets for football and the Red Sox for baseball. I'm also a huge Nascar fan and never miss a race. My dad raced stock cars from the time he was 14 up until I was 12, so I grew up with the sport. My weekends growing up were spent at the racetrack.
Music is another passion of mine. I enjoy writing lyrics and playing piano. Music has a very special way of communicating with people.
