Amanda was born and raised in Holland.  After meeting an English singer songwriter whilst studying in Utrecht she decided to move to London in 2001. Sadly the relationship didn’t last but Amanda had already fallen in love with the city that has become her home.

What do you like about living in London?

I love the fact that there is just so much on offer in terms of the arts – music, theatre. It’s so full of opportunity – it’s a tough city but you can come here and actually live out your dreams.

Is there anything that you don’t like about London?

I sometimes feel a bit dirty and unhealthy living here and in summer it can feel a bit claustrophobic especially because I grew up in the country.

What do you do for a living?

I’m an actress but I came to it quite late – I only started about five years ago. I’ve been acting professionally for three years now. A lot of people think that it’s really glamourous but its not (laughs)!

What made you decide to make the change and chase your dream of being an actress?

Umm… well, I’d always performed since I was a child. I did classical ballet and I was in a choir so I had the bug from an early age but my parents really pushed for me to have a traditional career. I was the first person in my family to go to university. There’s something inside me that means I need to express myself and acting is the way that I do that.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced?

Last year I was called in last minute to appear in two Alan Aykbourn plays and we only had seven days to prepare for the first one and five days for the second which isn’t much time. I also had to speak in a regional English accent which was a bit of a nightmare being Dutch! Although it was hard it has given me the confidence to believe that I can do anything that is thrown at me.

How do you find the auditioning process?

It’s nerve wracking – there’s no denying that! I try really hard to not want the job too desperately because then I just get really nervous. If you’re more blasé about it you stay calm. Preparation is everything – that really helps.

Ever had a bad audition?

Oh yeah (Laughs)! I got so nervous at one audition that I just couldn’t stop talking and really embarrassed myself. The thing is, you don’t have to be perfect you just have to show that you are calm, contained and that you can respond to direction. It took me a few tries to learn that!

What do you think is the best thing about being an actress?

Its fun! Whether it’s a film or a play – it’s a lot of fun because essentially you’re playing. I also like the fact that you are working with your body, learning new things – new skills. There are a lot of perks once you have the work!

And how about the worst things about it?

Underpaid or not paid at all. Really tough working conditions, long hours. It can be really tough. There are a lot of people trying to do it so the huge amount of competition can stop you from progressing, which can get quite frustrating.

What’s the strangest thing that you have been in?

Probably a zombie film called ‘World of the Dead’. Apparently it has a bit of a cult following. I play a Dutch survivor. It’s not really my favourite genre, although it was great fun. I would love to be in a British period drama.

What do you think is the most valuable thing that you have learnt about yourself since starting to act?

Your only reference when you start acting is yourself so you have to look inside a lot at your own character which was quite hard for the first year of acting school. I’ve learnt to be much more honest and open.

When are you at your happiest?

When I’m either working or when I’m on holiday.

What do you think the secret to a good life is?

I think happiness comes from the kind of relationships that you build with others and I believe that you can’t be fully happy until you are happy with yourself first. You need to not be afraid to look inwards.

One thing that not that many people know about you?

It’s a bit strange but I like to stick my tongue out in the shower and let the water tickle my tongue. It always makes me laugh when I do it.

If you could have a room full of one thing what would it be?

Can I have more than one thing? I would want a room full of natural light, trees, running water and my friends.

What do you think is the bravest thing that you have ever done?

It’s something that I did recently, I stood up for myself in a big way and I think I would not have done that a few years ago and I had never done it before in my life. I made some enemies because of it but I’m glad that I did because I followed my heart.

What do you look for in the opposite sex?

Emotional intelligence is very important to me. I like people who have an open mind and who ask questions.

Any words of wisdom?

There is a quote by American golfer, Arnold Palmer which I love. When accused of being lucky for getting a hole in one he responded, “It’s a funny thing, the more I practice, the luckier I get”. I like that because it applies to what I’m doing.

What do you think that the future holds for you?

The beauty of it is that it’s unwritten, who knows? I hope that I continue to build my career. I’m not after celebrity but it would be great if I could make a good living from acting.

You can view Amanda’s wonderful website by clicking here.

 

Tags: Acting in London, Acting training, Actress, Becoming an actress in London, London

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