Meet Anika Perera | Actor, Educator, & Music Industry Professional

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

Hi Anika, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

I was born and raised in the California sun, with two immigrant parents from Sri Lanka. As a child, I often felt caught between two cultures. To find a sense of belonging, I turned to the arts. However, faces like mine were rare in the media. Despite this, my mom recognized my passion for theater and encouraged me to pursue it.

It was in the world of theater that I truly discovered myself. Mixing both American and Sri Lankan cultures in my performances allowed me to bring fresh perspectives to traditional shows. Embracing my dual cultural identity, I found value and harmony within myself. This passions transformed to all areas of the arts including music, and film.

As our world continues to evolve, I aim to be a voice and face in the arts advocating for diversity. I want to tell stories that inspire kids like me to pursue their passions and love themselves for who they are.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an artist, I’m in a constant mode of self-critique, so I appreciate you providing the space for me to reflect on what makes me proud of myself. Mental health struggles have been a significant part of my journey, and this industry isn’t exactly made for people dealing with anxiety. However, I’ve discovered that pushing myself—whether it’s for an in person (finally lol!) audition or stepping onto a set with unfamiliar faces—has been a goood way for me to shed those anxieties. It’s not about completely ditching them but finding healthy ways to coexist without letting the anxiety take the reins.

As I’ve been more open about my struggles, its become evident that I am not alone! Culturally, mental health was mostly seen as taboo. As an actor, I am ready to bring these stories to light authentically to hopefully bring some comfort to a little girl like me who didn’t understand the way her mind was working and let her know she’s not alone.

As a music professional, I am so honored to be representing artists that have been so open about their own struggles with mental health and have let it inspire the music they put out into the world.

I hope to continue creating and bringing stories to life that can create community because at the end of the day, media kept me going when I needed it and I want to be that person for someone else.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is my favorite question ever!! So essentially I live in Laguna Beach. We would definitely start by grabbing breakfast at Zinc Cafe then hopping on the trolley and going to my absolute favorite beach- Victoria Beach. We could spend the day swimming, playing volleyball, and exploring the rock pool. Its truly a beautiful beach. Then we would get cleaned up, throw on a cute outfit and head to Ahba for dinner. They have the absolute best burger and right next door is a little house that was turned into a bar. The vibe is AMAZING and everyone who goes there is super friendly. There’s always Uno games and just people chatting.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
From the jump, my parents and brother deserve the biggest shoutout. They have always supported my passions even when I kept them up singing into all hours of the night, or asked them to play roles in the random short films I’ve created. They truly are my rocks and I don’t know where I’d be without them.

With their support I was able to meet mentors that really gave me the tools I need to pursue my creative passions. First, The Center Stage Studios! This studio introduced me to the world of theater and gave me the foundation for the rest of my artistic passions- and now I get to teach there! Secondly, Jeremy Golden, my high school theater teacher who really took my acting and passion for directing to the next level and also gave me to opportunity to teach beside him. Finally, Dani Thompson of DNT Entertainment who took a chance on a random girl who sent her DM inquiring about the music industry. I’ve learned so much about creating brands and managing new artists from her- she’s truly an inspiration. Oh! Of course, I also have to shoutout my alma mater New York University, Tisch!!!

I can’t end this without shouting out all my friends! Each person I’ve come across in my life has shaped it in someway. I’ve carried their humor, sarcasm, and the way they love with me where ever I go.

Website: anikasperera.com

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKCIk6NTgDhHDEQa4KY3ANA

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@anikasbaddecisions

Image Credits
Made by Google, Dani Thompson, Emilie Manville, NessNess Photography, Abigail Gorden