Meet Daphne Sweetland | Actor & Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daphne Sweetland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daphne, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Fighting for yourself. I have picked a career that so many people want and are fighting for everyday. You have to be a self advocate, or opportunities will pass you by. In this industry you have to stand out to even get noticed. For me, I found that being myself and talking to literally everyone is the best way to go.

When it comes to acting, I am always submitting myself to different projects, whether it be a student film, pilot, feature, etc. I constantly, want to be working, so I grind and always put myself out there. I participate in showcases, mingle at events, take class, and send people my work.

Above all, I always have to keep a positve attitude and keep going. This industry is tough, you get a TON of no’s and you have to keep yourself going. For every no I get, I want it even more.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a performer here in Los Angeles, primarily in acting and music. I started ballet at age 3, and was then quickly put into music and acting and fell in love with it. I grew up doing musical theater and later in high school transitioned into doing film work. I find such joy in being on a stage or in front of a camera. Storytelling through performing is such a privilege for me to be able to do.

I moved to LA from Seattle and it was definitely not an easy transition. I ultimately knew no one when I moved, so I had to put myself out there to make connections. I have built such a great network of people out here, and I am so proud of myself for putting down roots here. There has also been a lot of things to be weary of, like people taking advantage of you. I have been proud of myself for standing up for myself and saying no to projects that are unprofessional.

I am always trying to work on a new project, or broaden my craft, whether it be through acting or music. Recently, I have started singing with the house band at Desert 5 Spot in Hollywood on the weekends, which has been a blast. I am very fortunate to perform with such a talented band at such a special place.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would absolutely take them through, what I like to call “Daphne’s Hollywood Circuit.” Nightlife is a big part of my life, so I would start at the Star Wars bar, then move to Elbow Room, and close out at Desert 5 Spot. During the day, I would go over to Griffith Park and then head back into Hollywood for some coffee or a treat at Beachwood Cafe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It may sound cheesy, but I have to dedicate this to my parents. I would not be here, in Los Angeles without their support. They are my biggest supporters and I am so thankful.

I also gotta give a shoutout to my mighty mentors back home in Seattle, Angela Dimarco, and David Hogan with Mighty Tripod Studios. I started taking class with them when I was 15 years old, and they have helped me so much on deepening my craft.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daphnesweetland/

Image Credits
Dustin Genereux, Chris Wood, & Caroline Rose.