Meet Alyssa Berkowitz | Actress & Speech Pathologist

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

Hi Alyssa, what do you attribute your success to?
I think it’s really easy to feel small in a place like LA. But I feel the biggest challenge is not the amount of competition there is, but rather, knowing who to listen to. I’ve learned by making my own choices, sometimes good and sometimes bad, that the ONLY way to succeed in this town is to tune out the noise and trust the process. It’s about putting on the blindfolds and ignoring the stock advice that floats around. It’s about hearing “it takes most people at least 10 years to break in. Are you willing to wait that long?” and saying to yourself, “but what if it didn’t?” At the end of the day, I stay in my lane and trust from there that my determination will lead me to where I need to go.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So I had quite the unconventional start to the world of acting. I started as a music major in college which, after a series of very practical choices, ended up leading me into a Master’s in Speech Pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. I started my career in Boston but quickly moved to Los Angeles, a choice that later felt destined. At the time I didn’t know why I chose Los Angeles. Originally a native of NJ, I could have worked at any hospital in the country and certainly didn’t need to move across the country to do it.

Fast forward to 2020, I found myself working these COVID-adapted shifts in a hospital. The nursing students were being fitted for Hazmat suits and instead of treating patients, I was sitting at a temperature screening station at odd hours of the night. The typical sounds of the hospital blared overhead “Code Stroke 5 West, Code Stroke” and while sitting at this table screening foreheads of employees, I was able to watch TV in my downtime on my Ipad. A new co-worker at the temperature screening station said “You should watch Outlander.”

Sometimes, the right experiences hit you at the right times. As I watched this show, I was transported to 1970’s Scotland and was incredibly inspired by Caitríona Balfe’s acting and persona. That was the start of a career change for me.

It’s not often that a person switches industries from a rewarding stable career with an abundance of opportunity, to a saturated industry that holds unpromising statistics of success. But I felt it in my bones. The breadcrumbs to an acting career were there all along, it was just a matter of seeing them.

Since starting my training in 2020, I’ve had the privilege of doing many short films and was recently in the stage production of Private Lives by Nöel Coward with the Kentwood Players. I study privately with my dear teacher who’s out in London and try to get out there as much as possible.

I mentioned this earlier, but my biggest lesson on my journey thus far has been learning how to tune out the noise. I have become very selective with whose opinions I trust and who I am willing to work with on this journey. Practicing discernment and learning to trust myself has been the biggest gift that keeps on giving.

For me, my art is about being joyful, being vulnerable, and bringing connection to all of mankind. I had a teacher that once said to the class, “you are the first responders of the human condition.” It’s a privilege to be an actor and I vow to never lose sight of that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Starting with quintessential LA, Malibu is a must. It’s remote and expansive with the flavor of hidden celebrity life. I’m personally a huge fan of Pasadena. The mountains are beautiful, old town Pasadena is great, and Huntington Gardens is a a hidden gem. I’d also have to take “said” friend to Beverly Hills, Mulholland Drive overlook, and Griffith Park. Perhaps a scenic eat at Nobu sushi for the LA experience, or a rooftop bar in Hollywood. Complete with a trip to Santa Monica and Venice, Porto’s bakery, and a wine bar overlooking the California coast.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to Hendrix Tiffer, a friend, colleague, producer, director, and actress. She has supported me to no end. When it comes to people who believe in me, she’s on the front line.

Website: https://alyssaberkowitz.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssaberkowitz/

Other: On July 7th at 6p, I will be performing my One-Woman show called SAFARI-LAND. Join Jennifer Collins, a British ride operator/wildlife tour guide as she takes you to 4 different natural habitats, introducing you to animals and their human counterparts.

This show is a fun display of humanity with an overall theme of acceptance for our animal selves.

Event will take place at The Electric Lodge in Venice. is open to the public! Invite is here: https://partiful.com/e/ZyfB0oEgUxCPhVlVQkr9

I have attached the visual flyer as well.

Image Credits
Michael Roud