Actress Zofia Helena, known for her many roles in musical theatre, hails from Poland. Over the years, she has appeared in the English production of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, a comedic take on the beloved story set in England, and the ballad and romance Switezianka by Adam Mickiewicz, the story of a nightingale’s charms in the man’s voice, and foxy intentions in his heart.
From Europe to Los Angeles, Zofia has touched down in Hollywood to embark on a 12-week intensive acting course at the world-famous Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, a program designed for students interested in Method Acting training.
About Insider sat down with Zofia to discuss her new chapter.
HELLO ZOFIA HELENA, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! FOR THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH YOU, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF OUTSIDE OF SHOWBIZ.
I was born in Poland, Tychy to be specific. Besides a few little move-in and outs I have lived in Kłobuck my entire life. I did not go to kindergarten until I was almost 6, and from then on, I did NOT like school. For my senior year I was homeschooled and between that I had some fun going on exchange and different field trips just to avoid school. I travel a lot which has been fun, mostly Europe. It definitely started my passion for learning new cultures and languages. My favorite city of all time is Paris. I have always had a lot of after school lessons, like math, drawing, painting, dance, sports, etc. There was never a dull moment.
WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED SO FAR ABOUT ACTING?
There are many things that I have enjoyed about acting so far. I love the way i can express myself in different ways and different scenarios and playing different characters.
YOU HAVE JUST ARRIVED IN LOS ANGELES TO TRAIN AT ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS ACTING SCHOOLS. TELL US WHY YOU CHOSE LEE STRASBERG METHOD ACTING?
When I first started looking for acting schools there were many to choose from, I wanted to choose something that had a lot of value. Lee Strasberg seemed to have it and I like how the techniques are passed down to other generations.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT IS METHOD ACTING?
Yes, so Method Acting is a systematic approach to training the living material that is the actor’s “instrument,” as well as a means for preparing a role. The use of Lee Strasberg’s exercises both develop the content of the actor’s talent and provide a roadmap to the individual’s creation of a character.
We use our own life experiences in the creative imagination and apply that to the character we are portraying. The process is built upon the work of Stanislavsky. The Method trains actors to use their physical, mental and emotional self in the creation of a character and stresses the way in which personal experience can fire the actor’s imagination.
I am excited to embark in Method Acting at Lee Strasberg in Los Angeles.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR BEING IN LOS ANGELES?
I definitely cant wait to make new friendships as well as my Lee Strasberg experience.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ACTORS?
My favorite collaboration would be Margot Robie, Zendaya, Johnny Depp, Tom Holland.
WHO ARE YOUR FILMMAKER INFLUENCES GROWING UP THAT HELPED TO MOLD YOU INTO WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
The series of movies I watched constantly as a kid was “Pirates of the Caribbean”. The movies are great, the original plot really caught my attention, and Johnny Depp’s acting is also incredible. That is why one of the biggest filmmaker influences on me was Gore Verbinski, an American film director of Polish descent. Also, him being a polish descendant and seeing him succeed in big American production was very inspiring.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MOVIE?
I definitely have a few and it varies depending on my mood. But I think Mamma Mia is the first that pops in my mind because of its catchy music, summer love, and happiness it brings. I love vocals that are in the movie, especially in Mamma Mia Here We Go Again when Cher goes onto the stage, the choreography even though it’s simple brings light to it and makes it fun to watch and then play the music over and over. Besides that, the story itself is interesting.
WE ARE EXCITED TO FOLLOW YOUR JOURNEY IN LOS ANGELES! HOW CAN PEOPLE GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU?
I will be posting my journey on Instagram @zofiaahelena!
