Nathalie Rudolph shares her story with The Michelle Danner Acting School.

WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO ACTING?

In the theater at my high school, they were showing “Hamlet“ and I was just overwhelmed by the performance of the actress who played Ophelia. The seating was also arranged so creatively that we were up-close literally sitting on the stage, and whenever she was giving a monologue she kept putting her concentration on me, which really captivated me. I could feel what she was feeling and how troubled she was. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to be able to do that as well. Create a character and make others feel what you’re feeling; being able to effect them on an emotional level.

WHAT WAS YOUR PERFORMANCE EDUCATION LIKE?

I then started performing with a small theater group in my hometown. But then, in taking it more seriously, I decided to take workshops and acting classes with different teachers over the years and soon transitioned to a bigger more ambitious theater group where I performed in five plays. I also, while continuing my theater education, started taking workshops for screen actors until I became a regular scene partner for actors attending those workshops. Then when I came to Los Angeles last year, I worked with Michelle Danner for six months while also taking acting classes at the Playhouse West where I studied the Meisner Technique.

WHICH ACTORS DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?

Johnny Depp, Zoe Saldana, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sandra Bullock, Tom Hanks, Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston and many more!

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

I would say the role that gave me the most satisfaction was “Mary Goodnight“ in the James Bond play “From Her Eyes Only”, directed by Derek Reid. In the play, my character Mary has her heart broken and wants revenge for that. Her character was incredibly interesting and a lot of fun to explore. She was a strong women and I was able to really connect with that.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE PROJECTS PLANNED?

I’m currently working on my own web-series and I’m very excited about the opportunity to put my own project out there. I’m also rehearsing the play “Suburbia“ that will be showing at the Promenade Conservatory.

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

If I had to choose, I’d pick Kevin Spacey because he’s just incredible and does awesome character work. He fascinates me in every movie. If I had to choose an actress, I’d chose Maggie Smith because she is just brilliant in every role she takes on and I just admire her work. I think I’d benefit greatly from their experience if I ever got to work with either of them.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?

I want to continue working hard and push myself beyond my limits because I know I have what it takes.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ACTORS? 

Don’t let anyone throw you off track! Stay on it and take every chance you can.

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 !