One thing unites them...

We’re excited to share the second installment of our photo collaboration and interview series! A heartfelt thank you to The Realest Surrealist—a talented photographer and one of AWP’s own Adult Acting Students—for generously lending her time, vision, and creativity to this project.

In this candid conversation, we delve into topics ranging from mental health to personal and artistic challenges, and explore the passions and practices that bring these performers peace. While their goals may vary, one thing unites them: their shared love for acting. We are grateful for their honesty and vulnerability in this discussion.

Photo: Ava Harrison

Featured in the photos are AWP students Aaron Arquimedes, Ava Harrison, Ethan Nguyen Duy Hong, Isabelle Alonso, Sophia Joss, and Zane Kunter. In this blog, we hear from Ava Harrison (AWP student for 6 weeks at the time of the interview), Sophia Joss (AWP student for 5 years), and Aaron Arquimedes (AWP student for 3 years).

HOW DO YOU FEEL ACTING HAS CHANGED YOUR OUTLOOK LIFE?

Acting has introduced me to knew characters and point of views that have made me realize what is going on around me more.

-Ava Harrison

I feel like it has made me more empathetic and in touch with my emotions. I feel like after putting myself in a characters shoes I put myself in others shoes more in real life too. 

-Sophia Joss

It’s connected me more with people and helped me with my social anxiety and understanding peoples emotions. 

-Aaron Arquimedes

HOW HAS AWP IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?

AWP has given me a place to learn acting and singing skills on a deeper level.

-Ava Harrison

AWP has given me a second home and I have met so many life-long friends through AWP. It has also helped boost my career in so many ways

-Sophia Joss

AWP has given me a family that I can cherish for the rest of my life and also has helped me grow as an actor and as a human being! 

-Aaron Arquimedes

Photos: Zane Kunter, Sophia Joss, Ethan Nguyen Duy Hong

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU KNEW YOU COULD NOT FAIL?

I would be the lead in a Broadway performance and or be in a TV show.

-Ava Harrison

I would help others and share my gift with those who need help cause if I can’t fail then they can’t fail either!!

-Aaron Arquimedes

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF THIS YEAR?

I enjoy hearing what my friends have to say and trying to help them through it.

-Ava Harrison

I feel like every year I gain more confidence in myself. 

-Sophia Joss

I’ve learned that it’s ok to be a child at heart even though you're an adult, it’s never negative to keep that child like spirit with you and share it with the world!

-Aaron Arquimedes

WHAT NEGATIVE SELF TALK DO YOU STRUGGLE WITH?

I often doubt my singing abilities. I compare myself to the other beautiful voices around me and feel bad about my own.

-Ava Harrison

Always feeling like I’m not good enough.

-Sophia Joss

I’m not man enough, I’m not good enough as an actor, and that my personality is weird and I’m too childish.

-Aaron Arquimedes

NOTE: The AWP Team fully believes that weird is good, different is beautiful and YOU ARE ENOUGH!

Photo: Aaron Arquimedes

HOW DO YOU ACTIVELY TRY TO ACHIEVE PERSONAL GROWTH?

I try and stay positive and don't give in to negativity. 

-Ava Harrison

I always think about how my actions affect others and make decisions from that to grow as a person. 

-Sophia Joss

I go to therapy and journal! 

-Aaron Arquimedes

WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE MISUNDERSTAND ABOUT YOU?

People often think that I am weak and can't stand up for myself 

-Ava Harrison

My anxiety, for example even though I’m really nice when I say no I mean it, I will say no and people will push and push and take my kindness for granted but I think they misunderstand how anxious I am and how hard it is for me to say no. 

-Aaron Arquimedes

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS AN ACTOR?

My biggest challenge in acting is typecasting myself. I tend to try out for the role that would normally suit me and don't let myself try new things. 

-Ava Harrison

It can be scary to try new things and make big choices but I’m learning to be confident with my choices and just go full out.

-Sophia Joss

Not playing the compare game, being ok with the journey taking longer than others, and confidence in my self worth and ability as an actor!

-Aaron Arquimedes

Photo: Isabelle Alonso

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE AND WHY?

Personally my biggest influences are my parents because they do so much for me and are amazing and I love them. But acting wise I would probably say I'm most influenced by Zendaya or Sofia Wylie because neither of them have let their fame take away their true personality and they still have that childlike life view.

-Ava Harrison

My sister because she isn’t afraid to be herself and even if others call her names she doesn’t let it affect her but she still pushes forward and works hard! 

-Aaron Arquimedes

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE SELF CARE?

I take time doing my hair after wash days. I also try and read a lot to relax.

-Ava Harrison

I try to meditate and just take a second for myself when I get too stressed. Acting is also a great outlet for me.

-Sophia Joss

I go to the gym or take long walks alone!

-Aaron Arquimedes

WHAT ARE YOU PROUDEST OF?

I'm proudest of being seen as a trustworthy friend.

-Ava Harrison

I’m proud of the person I am and how I treat others.

-Sophia Joss

Myself this year in terms of Getting better at talking to strangers although my social anxiety can get really bad I always push myself to be better!

-Aaron Arquimedes

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GUILTY PLEASURE?

I love rewatching Disney channel TV shows!

-Ava Harrison

Watching Love Island

-Sophia Joss

Eating junk food 🙈

-Aaron Arquimedes

Thank you for taking a glimpse into the world of these young artists and The Realest Surrealist!