Meet Jana Haraty | Actress & Improviser

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

Hi Jana, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Leaving my home to pursue acting in New York was undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating and nerve-wracking decisions I’ve ever made. It was a leap of faith that i took after the Beirut explosion. It was driven by an insatiable passion for the craft and a burning desire to bring stories to life on the stage and screen and be a good example to my country. The thought of stepping into the unknown, leaving behind the familiar comforts and routines family and friends, was both daunting and thrilling.

When it comes to risk, I’ve always believed that taking calculated chances is an essential ingredient for growth and success. Everything i’ve done in my life and career from leaving to pursuing comedy and performing in front of a crowd for the first time ever has been the result of embracing risks and pushing beyond my comfort zone. From auditioning for challenging roles that seemed out of reach to relocating to a new city to pursue opportunities, even singing. I remember my first singing class i was so terrified to perform in front of people that i almost dropped the class but with a little push and faith i realized my love and potential in musical theatre and especially singing. These risks have consistently shaped my journey and helped me evolve as an actress and as a person. I don’t believe we can discover our full potential without taking many risks everyday.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was born and raised in Lebanon and i come from a small village in Bekaa. I wanted to be an actress ever since I could remember. I realized when I accidentally joined a kids acting class as a participant and I got to perform in front of kids and I felt an accelerating magical feeling that I’ve never felt, and I remember leaving that day, saying to myself whatever I felt in that room I want to do for the rest of my life. My whole life is films theater and art. It’s all i consumed as a child. I actually learned English from watching too many films and reading the translation. I learned through memorizing the songs and the determination to be able to speak perfect english to hopefully one day be on screen or on stage.

It was not easy at the start. I come from a family where the only art connection is my grandfather who is an amazing painter and with that, it was really difficult to convince my parents to enter acting even though i always was the family entertainer. After a long fight, for a minute I decided to give it up for them, but when I lived without even the possibility of pursuing my dreams, I felt like I had nothing to live for and felt completely empty and purposeless. And I decided to fight for it with everything I had. I couldn’t live a life without even the risk of failure. Finally my parents met me in the middle, and I studied filmmaking , and meanwhile did a minor in performance art and I was thrilled to be in the theater and wonderfully enough, I learned beautiful aspects of everything behind the camera and backstage. Learning script writing and directing through the eyes of an actor was actually something that I cherish and I think was really important for me as a performer to know everything about what happens on set and backstage and also take a moment and be behind the table and get inspired by other artists.

I knew I always wanted to pursue acting where my inspiration started, which is the United States but I was in Lebanon and it seemed impossible at the time to leave due to the economy and the country’s state but when the Beirut explosion happened we all felt it deep in our hearts. Seeing Beirut like this and witnessing the amazing souls that lost their lives that day broke me so I decided to try and find a chance somewhere else. Thankfully I got a scholarship and moved to New York and I had three amazing years where I got to live my life long dream of training as an actress and being in the theater all the time and finally being on the other side of the camera. What i also discovered was my passion and the importance of Improv, i wanted to do comedy because my purpose as a performer is to make people . After a couple of improv classes, it became an essential part in my acting. Improv helped break my walls, and allowed me to let go and just be a child again and that’s exactly what i needed to do to take more chances as an artist.

Leaving home was not easy, but I think being completely by myself in New York, set me to be way stronger and I think the challenges that happen around also inspire a big part of my artist side. I’ve learned to be a very independent person and to write my own material which is really exciting. I think being in New York, away from home, connected me with my culture, through Arabic poetry, Lebanese music and even script writing. Everything in my work has always been because I wanted to entertain. It made me happy to make people laugh. I think projects that I’ve always been very fond of being part of are all comedic at the same time and meaningful. I always like my work to have a message behind it. I think that’s a beautiful way to connect with the world and it’s what I want to pursue for the rest of my life. Even the world is a little weird right now, but I will keep pushing forward and I think this is just the beginning of my journey. I’m very grateful for everyone. I met my teachers, my mentors, my friends, everyone has been a huge inspiration.

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.
We would firstly go for a walk to central park and just lay on the grass and then enjoy a lunch at Milos which is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Later would go to Fanelli Caffe my favorite spot in soho to grab cosmopolitans and hang out, i love the crowd and the people who work there. I love to party especially at Gospel so we finish the night listing to house and techno music and meet amazing people. For Breakfast i adore getting french toast at La Bonbonniere, my absolute best place in the morning then a walk around the village. I would continue down to Washington square park then continue my day with a smoothie from Joe & the juice and go to the drama bookshop in midtown to sit and read plays. Nothing is better than jazz night in New York especially at the Django, amazing live jazz and great drinks that will end your night in the best way. After a perfect night a beautiful way to start the day would be a walk on pier 57 with fresh patisserie and coffee with an amazing view of the city. Brunch time at Loulou’s is a must then a walk around the Chelsea area. Will not forget to show my friend to the best thrift store in Brooklyn called 10ft single, and best bakery L’apartment 4F. We’ll end the trip by sight seeing the city and grabbing tea at the the Plaza, wine night at Sofia Wine bar and dinner at Libertine and a broadway show.

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?
To my beloved father and Mother, the foundation upon which my dreams have been built. Your unwavering support, guidance, and love have been my guiding light, pushing me forward in my pursuit of acting. Your belief in me has given me the courage to chase my aspirations, and for that, I am eternally grateful. I love you both beyond words and thank you for giving me the world!

And to my incredible sisters and brother, Rawaa Layla Carole, Mohamad you are my rock, my confidantes, and my constant source of inspiration. Your endless support in my dreams and love have carried me through challenges and celebrated my victories. You’ve shown me the power of resilience and the beauty of having many siblings, and I am truly blessed to have you all in my corner.

To my beautiful Ghadi, when i look at you i feel empowered. I learned a new type of love when you were born and i push myself to be a better aunty for you.

To my best friends who are also my family, Shadi, Amara, and Amanda, you are the source of my strength and laughter in my life’. Through every up and down, you’ve been by my side, lifting my spirits and sharing in my triumphs. Your friendship is a priceless treasure that fuels my determination and reminds me that I am never alone. Thank you for loving me for who i am even oceans apart.

Lastly to my Teta and Jedo who passed down their art and Heritage that i will cherish forever.

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Youtube: https://youtu.be/Sx5–TvFPJ8