Aspiring actor Joel Junior joins us from Brazil to attend Michelle Danner’s Acting School in Los Angeles and shares the story of his unfolding journey with us.

PLEASE BEGIN WITH A BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF YOURSELF.

My Name is Joel Junior from Brazil and I’m 26 years old with a passion for the arts in general, especially music, theater and cinema.

WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO ACTING?

When I was a little kid, I loved to act in school plays. Whenever I was with my sister and cousins, we used to act like we were in movies and soap operas all the time. But ironically, when I grew up. instead of studying acting, I studied language and literature, majoring in Linguistics graduating with my Masters in Multidisciplinary Studies; becoming a professor by the age of 21. But after I saved some money, I decided to go to New York and study Musical Theater. And that’s when my life was changed forever.

WHAT WAS YOU PERFORMANCE EDUCATION LIKE!

I have a Certificate in Musical Theater from the New York Film Academy and credits from the schools I attended in Brazil. I also took classes in singing and music.

WHICH ACTORS DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?

Bryan Cranston, Megan Mullally, Meryl Streep, Kevin Spacey and Sean Hayes.

WHICH OF YOUR ROLES HAVE GIVEN YOU THE MOST SATISFACTION? WHY?

The role that gave me the most satisfaction was my first performance as a actor in musical theater playing a character named “David” in the musical “New York City: Dreams of Broadway”. Before this role, I hadn’t even done anything professional. So it was shocking enough being cast as the lead in my first audition. Even more so, the story was about a man who left his life in Brazil to become an actor in New York. It was like the role was written just for me.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE PROJECTS PLANNED?

I also work as a writer. In Brazil I wrote for many projects. And also co-wrote and directed a musical called “At First Sight”. But recently, I’ve been using my time to write short films and work on a pilot for a new comedy series. I’m also expecting to act in a feature film pretty soon!

IF YOU COULD CO-STAR WITH ANYONE, WHO WOULD YOU CHOSE? WHY?

With the cast of “Will and Grace” because I know I’d have a great time shooting. I’d also love to work with Emma Stone because she is so young and so talented.

WHAT ARE YOU GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?

I dream big. Oscar for Best Actor, Emmy for Best Outstanding Comedy, etc. So, my job is to work hard and never give up.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ACTORS?

This is a really tough vocation to aspire toward for anyone. It’s really hard and it’s so easy to become frustrated. But resilience is the key. Never give up. No matter how slow things are moving. They WILL happen and you will NEVER regret the time you spent being patient.

HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN AT THE MICHELLE DANNER ACTING STUDIO?

Michelle Danner’s Acting Studio [One of the best Acting Schools in Los Angeles], gave me the opportunity to meet so many talented people from all over the world.  But best of all, it gave me the chance to learn from one of the most amazing and talented coaches I ever met: Chirstine Dunford. What I got from Michelle Danner’s Acting School, I will carry with me for a lifetime.

And for our readers, please look forward to more interviews with aspiring actors and dreamers as we share what stories our students bring from their homes and journeys. More to come from Michelle Danner’s acting school !