Meet Lina Zinecker | Performer on stage and screen

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

Hi Lina, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?

I think people would be extremely surprised to find out how much preparation  and time goes into creating a character. Acting is not ‘just reciting some lines’. As a performer you have to sit down and dissect the entire play looking for clues  to understand your character better, so that you can play them as truthfully as  possible. 

That process looks differently for everyone, but I usually sit down with the script  and write down every single thing that other characters say about the person I’m  playing, so that I’m acutely aware of what others think of the role I’m portraying,  

and so that I also have a good understanding of who my character is. Usually I write an entire backstory for my character (if one wasn’t provided in the  script), I create mood boards and playlists, to feel ‘closer’ to them and get a  good grasp of what they like. You also have to research the time period and be  very familiar with it. 

A lot of that work also goes into auditioning. 

It is very common that you only have between 5-24 hours to film a self tape.  That includes learning the lines, coming up with character choices, setting up  your camera/ background, getting a reader, cutting the material etc. Not to mention all of the hours you spend at rehearsals and at home going over  everything.  

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.
I moved to the US back in 2015 to study acting at AMDA in both LA and NYC. Since then I have worked on stage and in front of the camera.  My favorite part about acting is being creative with others, making the audience  forget the outside world, and bringing them joy through art. 

Right now I am employed by two improv theaters in the city.  

I love how unpredictable that kind of acting is, that no one knows what will  happen on stage, the interaction with the audience, and surprising yourself as  an artist with how quickly you’re able to think and come up with an idea! You have to be completely in the moment, can’t get caught up with judging your  acting choices, and aren’t able to zone out.

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.
I love New York City more than anything! To me it’s my home, so I’m so excited to talk about my favorite spots.
I live to eat, and don’t eat to live so let’s start with food/ drinks:

Black Tap has the best milkshakes (aka Crazy Shakes) ever: They come with their own cake slice on top and look like they were taken off a movie set. Must try!!
The Hummus Place has the best hummus I have ever tasted, plus their mango soda is out of this world.
If you enjoy Chai definitely check out the Chai Spot, because not only is the Chai suuuper delicious, but the entire space is so beautifully decorated you’ll never want to leave.

I love the Lower East Side area, because of the murals, the one of a kind small businesses that you can find there, and little cafes. I would recommend just walking through the entire neighborhood and getting lost there.
You can then walk across the Manhattan bridge and explore Williamsburg!
Make sure to watch the sunset at The Williamsburg Hotel.
Or attend one of the free outdoor dance parties at the piers in Brooklyn!

And, obviously, check out some live theater!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is very special to me, because whenever I feel self-doubt taking over I recall specific interactions that I‘ve had with the people listed below. They‘ve always celebrated me being a performer and made me feel so uplifted, encouraged, supported, and seen that the feeling I felt then is still with me to this day, and continues to give me so much strength and courage!
I‘m very grateful for the verbal gifts they left me with, because whenever I think of what they said I feel capable and strong.

Ashley
Andres
Anna-Lisa
Zaryab
Gaby
Noy

Website: linazinecker.com

Instagram: linainnyc