Today’s Notable Young Professional is actress Andrea Drepaul, who’s been committed to her career path since a very young age and has high ambitions within her five-year plan. Here’s what she loves most about her profession…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I pretend to be other people.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I decided to pursue my true passion of performing in my last year of university. It was important for me to finish my education.
My mother is truly my inspiration. She raised me with strong convictions of honouring your heart, following your path, and staying true to who you are. From a young age I knew what I wanted to do and the kind of person I wanted to be. Being an actor allows me to explore other characters and bring life to stories.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of what I do is the opportunity to “play” with a character. You can be a villain in one moment and a heartbroken woman in the next. The chance to become a multitude of characters is simply the best.
The most challenging part is dealing with rejection. As an actor, we audition frequently. It can be difficult to cope with not getting a role. The challenge is truly in your mind.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
I notice that when my balance is off I have a tendency to neglect eating. Stress works differently for some people and for me it means I don’t feel hunger… or it means I start eating ice cream every day.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself living in Los Angeles, working on a show as an actress, and producing my own projects.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was learning to trust my talent. Confidence is key. The business can wear you down so I focused on developing myself from the inside. I went to yoga and took development classes. I also took many acting classes and worked on honing my craft. I am still enrolled in classes today. It is really important to continue evolving and growing as an artist and person.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
I believe money can create opportunities for happiness, but I don’t believe money = happiness. Success, to me, is getting to do what you love, making a good living, and having the opportunity to share it with those you love.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I had auditioned for the CBC show “Being Erica” and though the casting directors really liked my audition, they decided I wasn’t right for that particular role. Instead, they hired me for a different role, a better role, which turned into a recurring character. That’s how I got to play Marie.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
My advice is to believe in yourself, set a vision for what you want in your life, and every day take a step towards that. Make a tangible plan, and don’t take no for an answer. Be open to life taking you on a journey, as your career will be filled with many twists and turns.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
I love Piri Piri Grill House. It’s a Portuguese restaurant at Lansdowne and Dupont (Toronto). They have very authentic cuisine that reminds me of my childhood.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I love to spend time by the water relaxing, or having coffee with friends, and travelling.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Argentina. The culture is very warm and inviting. There are many Italian and German influences in the architecture and food, which is great if you’re a foodie like me. You can have the beach on one side in Mar del Plata or the mountains on the other side in Mendoza.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
New York – Alicia Keys.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I would be working in an orphanage in India.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support Ernestine’s Woman’s Shelter. I believe that every woman and child has the right to live without violence.
What to you is notable?
To me, integrity and honesty is notable.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
I’m a happy iPhone user.
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