Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Scaringe-Peene.
Hi Elena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My first experience in acting was in small, elementary school productions, but I didn’t state my career intentions out loud until middle school. Even then, I was incredibly shy and unsure of whether that would ever be a reality. I gained more confidence through high school and really found my confidence when I entered the theatre program at the University of Central Florida.
I was cast in a number of productions at UCF, and eventually began auditioning for short films around Orlando, and was even cast in Halloween Horror Nights at Universal. Before Covid hit, I had begun reaching out to photographers in order to gain some modeling experience, but that and most of my work were put to a stop during Covid. I’m incredibly excited presently because I feel as if I’m gaining back the momentum that I had at the beginning of 2020. I’ve recently finished shoots for a short film and a web series, and now I’m preparing for a move to Los Angeles.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I do feel as if I’m incredibly lucky because I’m privileged enough to have an amazing support system in my friends and family. I did, however, find failure pretty quickly in this career. Straight out of high school, I applied to a number of BFAs. I got rejected by each one. The year following, I reapplied for the BFA at UCF. I was once again rejected. It’s easy as a freshmen to think that rejection like this means you aren’t talented or you don’t deserve the career you’re going for. I took this time to reevaluate my own efforts and found a fire lit inside me.
I knew I wanted a career as an actor, and I wanted to prove to myself and others that I could do it. I decided to take the best advantage of the BA program as I could. By the next year, I had performed in three main stages at UCF, with leads in two of them. I had also reached out and worked on many pieces outside of my school. I finally worked on myself and my own outlook on talent and education, and as thankful as I am for the education I received, I understand that I can’t put my entire self-worth on that.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m and Actor/model within the Orlando community. I’ve just recently graduated from UCF with a BA in theatre and a minor in writing and dance. When it comes to live theatre, I absolutely love experimental pieces that mix in fantasy or period elements. Around Orlando, I’ve done a number of reads and performances for new works. I’m incredibly excited to perform as Beth in “From the Fire”, by Brianna Barrett, at the fragmented festival online. One of my favorite pieces was the devised play Street of Crocodiles at UCF, where I played Adela. I love working with other artists to create new and different works. My goal for film would be to perform in period and fantasy films.
For photography, I’ve found that I live when I’m able to mix in my acting skills and produce emotional photos. I love to collaborate with Photographers to create the shoot ideas. I’m incredibly proud of my writing work, but it is still new to me. I hope to start writing and shooting my own short films.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Determination. Acting is so based in luck, so you have to control the aspects of your career that you can control. If you can get yourself out there as much as you can, your luck increases tremendously. There are so many talented actors out there, and if you don’t have determination, you will fall far behind the rest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elenamariesp.wixsite.com/acting
- Instagram: Lena_mara42
- Facebook: Elena Scaringe-Peene
Image Credits
First portrait and film still shot with hair buns: @spensocial for Instagram Yellow jacket: @patriciaasphotography Green outfit: @synfulmind The rover and street of crocodiles show photos- theatre UCF.
