Meet Anna Demaria | Actor & Singer

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

Hi Anna, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My current favorite quote is: “At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel” (Maya Angelou). This quote resonates with me deeply. As an overthinker, I often overanalyze conversations I’ve had and ruminate about what I could have done differently. I love this quote because it shines a light on the power of intention. If we approach others with an open mind and heart, people will remember those qualities. When I think back on my favorite times spent with others, I rarely recall every word exchanged between us, but I do remember what it felt like to spend time together. This quote speaks to my everyday experiences, as well as the work I hope to accomplish as an actor. When watching a play or film, what strikes me in a performance is not what is said, but what I am left feeling after the credits roll. What characters did I resonate with? To whom did I feel most connected? Why did I connect with them? Often it’s not a case of what lines were spoken, but rather how the characters approached their interactions with others. This quote brings me solace in the fact that our intentions and the effects of our actions speak louder than our words.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am most excited to work on projects that give me the opportunity to utilize my comedic chops. In my life, I try to approach situations with the mentality of “if you can laugh through it, you can get through it.” This is certainly easier said than done, but nothing brings me more joy than making others laugh. That is the reason I began performing in the first place- to bring others joy. As most artists know, the opportunity to work comes and goes. This past fall I was putting together an updated acting reel, and noticed that there wasn’t any material that showcased my comedic side. It was suggested that I write my own scene and film it. So I called up one of the funniest people I know, my friend Tim, and together we developed an idea for a script. A few weeks later, Razzle Dazzle ‘Em was born. Though a small project, it gave me immense excitement. When you create your own work, the opportunities are endless. We utilized spaces that were available to us, and with the help of my brother we were able to bring the project to life. Right now, that is the type of work that I am most excited about. Work that involves the talents of people I love and admire. At the end of the day, art is about sharing and exchanging ideas and observations. I want to participate in work that brings people joy, and fosters a sense of community.

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.
If you’re visiting me in LA, I will likely prioritize three things: food, nature, and entertainment. For your vacation consideration, may I present: Downtown Burbank and surrounding areas. The day would start with a coffee or tea at Coffee Commissary, followed by a hike in one of the many trails that you can find in Burbank. If you’re not a hiker, you can walk from Coffee Commissary to Brand Park, where you can meander the beautiful grounds and check out the featured art exhibition at the Brand Library and Art Center (for free!). Later, you can head to Downtown Burbank and grab a meal at Granville (treat yourself!) before going to a movie at the AMC theater. If you’d prefer to see a play or musical instead of a movie, drive to downtown Los Angeles and see a matinee at the Ahmanson Theatre! After the show, you can grab a bite at Grand Central Market. The market is particularly great if you are craving something different than those you’re with- you can all grab food from different vendors and reconvene to eat! Other notable and fun locations are Griffith Park Observatory, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (Miracle Mile), and Republic of Pie (North Hollywood). These places hold some of my favorite memories in LA. I personally believe that if you explore the city with good company, practically anywhere in LA is a good place to be.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to Rubicon Theatre Company, a regional theater located in my hometown of Ventura. In addition to professional mainstage performances, Rubicon has a summer education program that allows young artists to explore their love of performance while honing the skills of their craft. When I was fifteen, I began working with Rubicon as a student in their Jack Oakie Musical Theatre Intensive program. I was a student for three summers, and my experience in the program was overwhelmingly positive. I was surrounded by like-minded students and supportive mentors who challenged me in my skills as a performer. I left the program with the confidence to pursue theatre professionally. I have continued to be a member of the Rubicon community, making my mainstage debut last spring in the world premiere of Dark of the Moon: A New Musical. I am so grateful for the gifts Rubicon has given to the community, and highly encourage you all to support the theater by donating, attending a performance, or recommending their youth education program to a loved one! I would also like to dedicate my shoutout to my family: specifically my Mom, Dad, and brother. They have been by my side and have always supported me in my pursuit of acting. My brother is a filmmaker (check out his work at www.josephdemariafilms.com), and happens to be my favorite collaborator. I am beyond grateful to have the support of family (and friends!) as I navigate next steps in my life and career.

Website: www.annademaria.com

Instagram: annamdemaria

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@annamdemaria

Other: Razzle Dazzle ‘Em: https://youtu.be/uOLYTgrpiWM
Actors Access: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/annademaria

Image Credits
Photography by Tandem Photo (headshot), Joseph Demaria (still from Razzle Dazzle ‘Em; still from Vocal Reel), Camila Li/ArtCenter College of Design Team (still from Parry & Lydia), and Carpool Productions (still from All Grown Up)