Meet Ella Fraley | Actress, Student, & Bookworm

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

Hi Ella, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balance is a super important aspect to my life. I love acting and am so incredibly passionate about it, but you need to take care of your mental health along the way. Acting is something that I will always pursue and take with me throughout my entire life, but so is my education, books, my health and fitness. The more I am faced with rejection in this industry, the more I focus on the balance in my life. Instead of focusing on the movie credits, I focus on the wonderful people I’ve met along the way, the experience in itself of auditioning, booking and being on set and just all the positive aspects. I’ve had to learn to change my balance so many times, but I feel like I have it down to a science now. If something doesn’t go my way or something starts to negatively effect my mental health, I start to work on something that I have absolute control over to refocus my energy. If I absolutely bomb a performance in an audition room or on set, I recognize it and use it as a tool but I immediately switch gears. I don’t let myself get upset, instead I go read a book, go to the gym or for a run.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I first started acting, I literally got no auditions. I had no guidance and no one to ask. I had no idea what I was doing. It seemed absolutely impossible because I didn’t know anyone in the industry. I had to learn and figure it all out on my own so it most definitely was (and still isn’t) easy. I got to where I am today by being persistent and not giving up no matter what I was told. All I want the world to know, is that if there is someone out there that dreams of being an actress and you feel lost, or don’t know the first thing about this industry, I see you and you are not alone. If you are truly passionate about it, you will find a way. It may not be overnight, but keep at it and just don’t ever, EVER give up.

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?
My favorite things to do in the city are go for long runs and walks in Beverly Hills because the neighborhoods and nature is just absolutely beautiful. I also really enjoy taking dance classes at Millennium in Studio City. I recommend going and seeing a movie at the El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. It’s a super neat, old school theatre that has the coolest atmosphere. I also went and saw Reefer Madness the musical at the Reefer Den a couple times also on Hollywood Blvd, and although the show has ended it’s run, they are continuing to use the space. If you are in LA or the area, I beg of you to check out if any shows or events are taking place in this space because it is the coolest, most fun spot in all of Los Angeles.

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?
I owe a lot of credit to my parents in my younger years for letting me pursue my dream. I will forever be so grateful to my mom for traveling with me to go work on jobs that didn’t pay and for my dad’s support. My mom reads with me in all my self tapes even though she is NOT an actress (I love you mom just jokes). My dad always listens to me whenever I am feeling down, unmotivated and talks to me endlessly about never giving up. I have met so many people along the way as well that have helped me tremendously. I want to give a huge thank you to my voice teacher, Madison Ward. She has helped me gain confidence in any performance I give and with my voice. She tells me I am never allowed to say “I can’t”, only that “I will be able to soon”. She has helped me grow as a performer and human being, and for that I will forever be grateful. I also want to give a huge thank you to my two best friends, Paige and Sofia for giving me endless support.

Instagram: @ellafraley

Youtube: @ellafraley

Other: IMDb: imdb.me/ellafraley

Image Credits
FaithDaniellePhoto