Get to know the up-and-coming actress whose journey from stage fright to the silver screen is nothing short of inspiring.
Jennings’ journey to becoming an actress began as small child, “I always loved the arts and performing whether it was dancing, singing or acting.” Despite having stage fright, (“I would literally fake being sick if I ever had to speak in public.) her first real play, “The Jungle Book” in middle school, became a turning point. “I was hooked after that and continued doing shows throughout school before attending college and getting my degree in Theatre Performance,” she recalls.
Initially planning to major in Marketing, Jennings pivoted towards acting during her senior year of high school. Confident in her talent, she applied to arts colleges despite being told she wouldn’t get accepted. She proved her doubters wrong and moved to LA after graduation. “Man, did I have to hustle, and I still do,” she says. From filming scenes with friends to participating in student films, Jennings’s dedication paid off when she booked a commercial for Ipsy in 2020, marking her first significant professional job.
Jennings emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive acting class. She credits The Acting Center for providing a nurturing environment that allows artists to grow without anxiety. “A class should be a place where you can make a mistake and not feel bad or do an amazing scene and have people support and learn from each other,” she advises.
Joining The Acting Center in 2022 proved to be a pivotal moment in Jennings’s career. Despite having a commercial agent and auditioning regularly, she felt her career had plateaued. Hearing about The Acting Center came just as Jennings was contemplating a change. Within six months of starting, she secured a new agent and manager, both of whom she continues to work with today. “The Acting Center has made the transition from class, to auditions, and finally to set seamless for me,” she says.
Jennings’s recent projects, “Secret Life of the Pastor’s Wife” and “Surviving the Sleepover,” have been remarkable experiences. “Everyone brought everything to the table every single day on set, and we were all very supportive and kind to one another,” she shares. The training she received at The Acting Center directly influenced her audition success and character portrayal on set.
Jennings describes the on-set experience as fast-paced and demanding. Preparation was key to managing the pressure, especially during night shoots for “Surviving the Sleepover.” She credits advice from crew members and her own meticulous preparation for her ability to adapt quickly to the challenges.
The rise of self-tape auditions has changed the landscape for actors. Jennings recalls her first self-tape audition in 2018, which was rudimentary at best. Now, with the confidence gained from The Acting Center, she embraces the creative freedom self-tapes offer. “My prep and prep time have changed a lot since studying here,” she notes, now able to create great performances and learn lines quickly and efficiently.
Jennings treasures the supportive environment at The Acting Center, which has allowed her to become her own biggest fan rather than her harshest critic. “Auditions are now exciting rather than anxiety-inducing,” she says. She also praises the teachers who genuinely care about their students’ success.
Reflecting on her journey, Jennings believes The Acting Center has instilled a confidence in her she never knew she could have. Her focus has shifted from seeking approval to serving the character and the story. “There’s something so liberating about sending in an audition and feeling unbelievably proud of your work,” she concludes.
For aspiring actors, Jennings highly recommends The Acting Center. “It changed my life,” she says with gratitude. “Thank you, The Acting Center!”
