Meet Jacqueline Patrice | Artist

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

Hi Jacqueline, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
As an aspiring actress, a lot of people will tell you that you aren’t going to “make it”, but I have realized that we as the younger generation of performer need to redefine success. The idea that success is based off how many fans you have or how many followers you have or how much money you make isn’t a healthy mindset. I believe that if you truly want to pursue a creative career you have to define what success means to you. Does it mean you’re getting paid for the work you do, or does your soul feel fulfilled when you’re working, what does real success in your field mean and how do you go about meeting those goals to success. I think you have to ask why you want to pursue something in order for you to be successful in it.

I’ve been in LA for 5 years and my definition of success changes constantly. During the pandemic, my thoughts had to change, when I was diagnosed with cancer, my definition had to change because I didn’t know what the future would hold for me. Success no longer became about getting money or being famous, but it became about fueling a part of me that needed it. I was depressed when I was going through cancer, my body ached, my heart hurt. But singing, acting, thinking abut new ways to approach a role, brought me a level of confidence and productiveness I didn’t have before. I was excited to work on what I love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Honestly, I haven’t made a lot of steps in to a professional level yet, but everyday I am working towards my goal of success. Whether I am recording a video for my YouTube channel, preparing an audition, or doing research on agents and managers, I find myself always thinking about next steps.

In no way is the entertainment industry easy, especially when your a new face and don’t have connections built out. That’s why its important to understand that you can’t come out to Los Angeles and in 6 months you’re going to be the next face of Marvel, its important to set your expectations to a level of reality. Give yourself time to adjust. When I moved to LA, I came with many people from my college, and today, only 2 or 3 people still live in the city, the rest left because they burnt out on the auditions or they couldn’t afford it. The most important thing to remember is to find a way to sustain yourself long-term, you’ll never make it if you can’t stay.

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 spots in LA, that’s a hard questions.

Not technically LA, but the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena are truly breath-taking. You can spend all day there and still not see everything. Its so beautiful and a fun pace to take pictures and have lunch.
Zuma beach in Malibu is my favorite beach, not too many people and good weather, plus a Starbucks not far away.
But of course, my favorite place to catch a show is High Street Arts Center in Moorpark, CA. A community theatre that is truly about supporting their community, and giving performance opportunities to the people of Ventura County.

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?
My story goes out to many people including, my husband, my family, the doctors and nurses at UCLA Oncology, and of course, High Street Art Center in Moorpark, CA.
Without the love and support of my family, I could not have been able to even function through cancer. My family flew out to LA and took turns taking care of me. They would keep me company during my chemotherapy, cook healthy food that wouldn’t make me sick, watch hockey games with me, and of course keep my spirits high with good energy and constant laughter.
My incredible care team at UCLA did the work to get me through. My nurses were always happy to see me and greeted me with smiles and comfort, and my Oncologist, Dr. Arzoo, always explained my treatment clearly do I could actually understand what was happening.
Of course, my family at high Street Arts Center really got me through the home stretch. They rallied around me, giving me strength and supporting me by allowing me to escape from reality and do what made me happy, all while making sure I was safe.
With all of these people in my corner, I really don’t think I could have found my joy and the real definition of success that I found.

Website: https://jacquelinepatrice.com

Instagram: @jacqueline.patrice

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacquelinepatrice.acting

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacquelinepatrice6778

Other: tiktok: @jacquelinepatrice

Image Credits
Barbara Mazeika