Alyssa Jacobsen is a rising star. When she smiled at me during our interview, I couldn’t help but smile too. Alyssa plays the cheerleader in the recently released movie Rise of the Fellowship, which also stars Justin Moe, Jayme Bell, Cole Matson and Emma Earnest.
Rise of the Fellowship tells the tale of a team of gaming geeks who go on a quest to win the Lord of the Rings gaming championship in Orlando, Florida. Alyssa describes it as “a zero to hero movie.” I watched the sneak preview and I think the movie is adorable.
Alyssa always had a passion for acting. She grew up in Northern Virginia, where started acting in high school and continued acting throughout college.
While in college, Alyssa attended an intensive summer program at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She describes her time at the academy as “one of my favorite parts of my acting career. I learned so much. It was an amazing experience. I got to spend time with people from all over the world.” Plus, it was the first time Alyssa flew on a plane by herself. “That was pretty cool too.”
Alyssa auditioned for Rise of the Fellowship before she moved to Los Angeles. Then she found out she got the part of cheerleader, so she had to fly back for filming. After filming, Alyssa returned to Los Angeles and has been acting there ever since.
Alyssa credits her drama teacher in high school with inspiring her and pushing her in the right direction. “He told me to go for it. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know if I would have taking acting as seriously. I had great teachers in college as well.” When Alyssa performed in plays, she met other young actors who also encouraged and supported her.
When I asked Alyssa what her perfect acting role would be, she smiled broadly and responded with “anything Rachel McAdams would do. I love anything that she does! Any romantic comedy, probably something cutsie and girly.”
Alyssa uses social media to connect with fans and promote her work. “I use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and I do have a website. It’s just AlyssaJacobsen.com.” She tries to update her websites as often as possible. She mostly uses Facebook to post pictures, articles and events “to brag about.”
What’s up next for Alyssa Jacobsen? She’s going to begin filming a short film. She consistently auditions for new roles, and she looks forward to receiving positive responses.
For other young actors just starting out, Alyssa recommends, “Keep learning. Take classes. You meet a lot of people who teach you things along the way. There’s always something to learn in the industry. It always changes. Keep training, practicing and auditioning.”
Keep pursuing your dream, Alyssa. I’m glad that I could help.
Watch the YouTube video interview: http://youtu.be/LLHyVCaK5lc
Rise of the Fellowship trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y4kZdTbasg
Amused Now Featured Artist Series
Alyssa Jacobsen
AlyssaJacobsen.com
@AlyssaJacobsen
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alyssa.jacobsen1
Cynthia Kahn, Founder of Amused Now
@Amused_Now
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