Meet Angelica Trygar | actress, singer, performer, creator

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

Hi Angelica, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I know it’s time to give up when the arts no longer heal me. I ask myself this exact question every time I have a significant loss. I realize that being able to perform is a way to escape and heal myself in a way. I remember not knowing what to do with my life or how I could continue being an artist after my mother passed in 2018. I prayed and asked God what I was supposed to do with my life. The answers I received inspired me to continue going after my dreams when I got abundant support and encouragement from teachers and directors.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Something that sets me apart from others is that I’m fearless in trying many new avenues to keep myself active in the industry. I recently started a YouTube channel based on a friend’s recommendation under the name of actingsavvy. Putting myself out there is a considerable risk while still learning how the YouTube algorithm works. My videos vary from giving audition advice, reviewing products for self-taping, and interviewing other professionals in the industry. I recently posted a video talking about my auditioning process for theatre through grief. Being able to talk about everything related to my acting journey is essential for others who might be going through something similar. I am excited that my channel is getting some views. My goal is to get verified by February of next year. I started this channel when a friend told me not to let grief stop me from being productive. He even gave me the name of my channel and possible brand, even though I initially thought it was a bit cheesy. I grew to love it. As a performer, it took me many years to get to where I am. Since SAG AFTRA and the Writers Guild are currently striking, I decided to get back into theatre to keep myself sharp and to help myself transition through grief. Auditioning for theatre and film with confidence took me years to get. Getting my acting to the level it is took a lot of loss. People told me that my acting is so realistic. I know it’s from what I have been through, and I can sympathize with the characters I play and what they are going through. My biggest challenge was confidence and not giving up. I still remember my low self-esteem when I started at Columbia College Chicago. I remember asking my advisor about the possibility of not getting a single role, and he had the most confused look. My confidence came after many years of networking and putting myself out there. I was my own talent agent in a sense and still am this day. The biggest lesson I learned as an artist is to care less. Not everyone will enjoy your performance, no matter how good you are. Not everyone is going to like the way you look. You have to get to the point of not caring and being able to go into rooms where you will be rejected and walk out and go to the next audition. I learned that auditioning is a lot like dating. Only some dates (auditions) are going to turn out well. It’s just having the strength to go on to the next one.
I want the world to know that I am someone who wants everyone to have success. The goal of my YouTube channel and acting journey is to show people that no matter what obstacles come, people who watch my journey can be successful, too.

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.
On the first day, I would take them to The Second City, and then after seeing a show, I would take them for drinks at The Old Town Ale House. I would walk them to North Ave Beach, depending on the time of year. On the second day, I would take them to Grant Park and show them the beauty and nature of the Park. I would take them to the museum campus, where all of the boats are. Depending on the weather, I would offer them the opportunity to visit the Planetarium or the Shedd Aquarium. Of course, since Chicago is known for Pizza, I would find a Connie’s Pizza stand to start them off. The third day I would dedicate to the Gold Coast since there is so much to explore there, including beautiful store displays and the American Girl Place in the Watertower. On the fourth day I would offer a tour of Wrigleyville since that part of town can be one day in itself and take them on a tour of Wrigley Field. On the fifth day, I offer to take them on a tour of the Art Institute and Millennium Park. In the evening, I suggest showing them the West Loop’s beauty. I would take them to the Chicago Botanical Gardens on the sixth day. On the last day, I would keep them by Ohare since they are most likely flying out of there and show them Rosemont.

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?
Deborah Bulgrin was the one who inspired me to not give up on performing and became a mother figure to me for four years while pushing me to keep auditioning. She passed in December of last year but still holds a significant place in my heart.

Website: www.angelicatrygar.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/angelicatrygar

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelica-trygar-38556b24

Twitter: www.twitter.com/atriggerbang

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelicatrygar/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9TtMqQCiWraaKNF6CyjJ6A

Other: https://www.amazon.com/shop/ajtrygar

Image Credits
First two Patrick Simmons Third: Bradley Laborman Acting Savvy Logo- Myself Last Photo: Maria Gely