Meet Maxine Roediger | Performer

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

Hi Maxine, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think my life wouldn‘t have turned out the way it did if I hadn’t taken a risk. It started with my family leaving our home town and moving away to a completely different country without even speaking the language. We were all very scared and worried because it was a huge risk. No one ever knew how it was going to turn out. But isn‘t that what risk-taking means? You just don‘t know the outcome. After some pretty good experiences, I thought that risk-taking always ended well, but obviously, it didn’t many times. I had to go through many ups and downs, to finally realize that risk-taking, requires a lot of bravery and authenticity. Without that, I wouldn‘t be where I am today. Being an actress drags me out of my comfort zone every single day and I always have the need to take more risks, because, without risk, there is comfort, and comfort just means to stay exactly where you are, without moving one tiny bit. During my time in LA, I met so many incredible open-minded people, who taught me that making mistakes is normal, but if you don‘t try or if you don‘t take risks, you won‘t move forward. To me, risk-taking is being purely energized and the feeling of being alive.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Everyone always said that I would one day become an actress or a comedian. I mean I was about five years old, but I noticed how happy I was when they all came to see my dance recitals or Christmas choir events. I loved the applause and being the center of attention. Although, things changed a little as I got older because I felt pressured into the industry. I felt like being an entertainer was all I could do, even though I was good at other things as well. I speak 4 languages, I am a very organized and authoritative person. I am a very strong character and I am good at motivating people. But still, without being an incredibly good singer/dancer, I decided to study Musical Theater in Málaga/Spain. It was the School of Performing arts called ESAEM. I remember wanting to quit every single day in those four years because I felt like I was simply not good enough. We had to do a lot of dancing, but I was never the best, even though that was all I wanted to be. The best. I graduated in 2019, playing the leading role in our final performance and it was the first time, that I felt like I had done a really good job and that the effort I had put into, was finally enough. I, then, applied at The Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, to which I was admitted in April last year. I think LA changed my life and especially my opinion about myself. I gained lots of confidence and quickly realized that I enjoyed learning new sides of myself. I became more open, which I definitely projected onto my performance. I suddenly enjoyed it so much that I had so many new ideas for my life. I was so motivated and excited. Not even Covid-19 could bring me down. I contacted a couple of people and started my own digital Theater company called “The ARTtractive Ensemble”. We became a group of 35 people, who recorded audiobooks, for people to listen to for free, during these hard times. We wanted to bring happiness and fun back to the world. During the process, I realized even more how much I needed to be in the performing arts industry.

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?
One of my favorite places for a fun night out has to be Harvard & Stone. I love that bar so much because of the live music and its amazing dancers hanging from the ceiling. I also enjoy an energetic hike to Runyon Canyon or Griffith Observatory every now and then when I have the time. My dog Mika loves it so much and the views are unreal, especially at sunset. Whenever. Other places I would love to visit again are the Grand Central Market, the Grove and obviously Venice, for some people watching.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my life, I realized how important friendship and finding people who inspire you is. I always struggled to find the right people in life and I constantly thought, that there is no one like me. Someone who would mention your name in a room full of opportunities. Until I met Julia Müller, who is now my best friend and creative partner in crime. I am so thankful to be able to work alongside this person every single day. I also want to thank my mother from the bottom of my heart for never giving up on me and my dreams and working so hard every single day. You are a true inspiration, Mom.

Website: https://arttractive-ensemble.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxine.ro/?hl=de
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxine.roediger/