Hailing from Australia, Hollywood screen and stage actress, Claire Dewar, transitioned to Los Angeles to follow her dreams and study at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her time at the Academy allowed her to hone and develop her craft by learning from some of the best. She successfully completed the Academy’s 2-year Conservatory program, graduating with her A.O.S. Degree. Her talent and commitment did not go unnoticed by the Academy when she was offered and very gratefully accepted a position in the Academy’s Los Angeles Company for 2022-2023. Since graduating from the Academy, Claire has been very fortunate to be a part of some amazing projects. She has appeared in many plays, student films, short films and feature films as well as taking on vital roles behind the scenes. She is highly sought after for the skills, expertise, and professionalism she brings to every project she works on.
HI, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS CLAIRE DEWAR IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
I am easy-going and ambitious. Hanging out with friends in my spare time is something I enjoy doing. I am a kind, considerate person who always has a positive outlook on life. My friends and family are important to me.
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE SUCCESS OF THE STAGE PRODUCTION OF ‘MONSTER’! TELL US ABOUT THE PLAY.
The official synopsis is: 7 years ago, the writer of this play, Linda Ravenswood, worked with a psychologist on a deconstruction of the Frankenstein myth. This was an experimental theater staged reading of this work that consisted of a series of poems and monologues with an underlying theme of climate change. I played the lead role of“The Creature”.
HOW DID IT FEEL TO BE A PART OF THE PROJECT, AND WHAT INITIALLY DREW YOU IN?
I initially saw the job on Backstage and I have always been interested in the story of Frankenstein, so I decided to apply. I had a zoom audition and then a few weeks later I was offered the role of The Creature. I was excited to be cast in this production and take on the important role of The Creature. I was honored to be acting alongside the Director, Writer, and Long Beach Shakespeare Company’sArtistic Director in this production.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC RITUALS OR TECHNIQUES YOU USE TO GET INTO CHARACTER?
Before each performance the cast would walk around the theater and say random lines from the script in character to help us loosen up and be relaxed and comfortable in our space as a cast. We would warm our voices up with our lines playing around with pitch, pace, and volume. For the Creature, I would stretch and warm my body up so I could move freely to create different movements of my character. The physicality of the play wasn’t scripted, so every night was different as the actors followed their impulses.
YOU’VE HAD A DIVERSE CAREER SPANNING TV, FILM, AND THEATER. LOOKING BACK, WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE MOST DEFINING MOMENTS OR HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR ACTING JOURNEY SO FAR?
I’m particularly proud of my performance in ‘Reasons To Be Happy’. During the rehearsal process, the Director’s both believed in me and pushed me to take more risks in my portrayal of Carly to come up with an authentic and believable character. I am very grateful for their support, belief in me and to be able to bring the character of Carly to life.
I’ve been fortunate to be a part of many short and feature films, some of which have been nominated for several awards and featured at film festivals around the world. I’ve worked on some vertical film series as well and I had a lot of fun in my most recent role as Jenny. She was a doctor who had to make some tough decisions risking her career for her friend.
WHAT’S BEEN THE PROS AND CONS OF PURSUING YOUR ACTING CAREER?
One of the pros to an acting career is every day is different. I enjoy meeting and working with new people and the friendships that are formed. No two days are the same and I can portray doing any job in the world or be whoever I want to be. The biggest con of acting is probably the rejection. Being an actor there is a lot of rejection and it is not always easy in this industry. You can apply for over 20 jobs in a day and only hear back from 3 or 4. I try not to let that rejection get to me since I know there are hundreds of people applying for the same roles as me. I always try to stay positive about life and not get affected by negativity. Persistence, patience, hard work, and determination has gotten me to where I am today, and I believe these are some of my strongest qualities.
WHO ARE YOUR FILMMAKER INFLUENCES GROWING UP THAT HELPED TO MOLD YOU INTO WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
I really like the work of Robin Williams. He was so talented and a natural at comedy but was also versatile and could play serious roles too. He seemed to be a very genuine and kind person. I hope to be like him and be humble, kind, and genuine despite my successes.
WHICH ACTORS / DIRECTORS WOULD YOU LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH IN FUTURE?
I’d love to work with Sadie Sink because I think we are both similar in our acting styles and personalities. I believe we would get along and tell some amazing stories together. She is a hard worker like I am and even though she is young she has achieved a lot. As an Australian, I really like Margot Robbie and look up to her and all she has achieved. She has remained kind and humble through all her successes and stayed true to herself. I think it would be amazing to work with someone like her.
IF YOU HAD ONE MESSAGE TO GIVE TO YOUR FANS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would sayalways stay positive, be persistent and work hard to achieve your dreams. Don’t listen to anyone who tries to tell you, you can’t achieve what you want. It’s your dream and you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
HOW CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU?
You can check out my IMDb @Claire Dewar, Instagram @clairedewar and Website clairedewar.com
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