INTERVIEW with MONIKA VALKUNAITE: “Don’t give up on your dreams. The right opportunity might be just around the corner!”
Monika Valkunaite is a high energy dramatic actress with a quirky side. Born and raised in Lithuania. She lived in the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Portugal. She is fluent in several languages and accents. Graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2015. Based in Barcelona.
Thank you so much for interviewing with us! Can you share your story on how did you get started in the film industry?
I am a thespian adventurously travelling through the world. Each of the countries I lived in has emphasized specific learning and creative experiences in my life. Lithuania was the place I was born and grew up gaining my identity. I mastered the skills of jazz saxophone at the Conservatoire of Castelfranco Veneto In Italy. I explored what it takes to be a music theatre performer at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in the UK. Along the way I found my love for onscreen acting. In the past couple of years, I have been exploring the Meisner Technique at the Meisner International with Steven Ditmyer from New York. Gradually I delved more and more into filmmaking, working on short and feature films, as well as TV series. When I moved to Barcelona, I met a great group of independent filmmakers with whom I continue to create and collaborate.
Who are you grateful for your success and can you share a story about that?
I’m deeply grateful to my parents for their patience and support, all the people who I have been learning from and working with. However, my husband stands out as my greatest supporter. His unwavering belief in my dreams, especially during times of doubt, has been pivotal. His constant encouragement and reminders of my talent helped me push through challenges. I owe him immeasurable gratitude for being my rock and biggest cheerleader.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
There have been quite a few adventures along the way, but one story that stands out is that when I moved to Barcelona and was a new-comer, two weeks later I received a message via LinkedIn from an Italian actor, producer and script writer, who was based in Miami at the time, but was planning to move to Barcelona soon. He was asking me questions about the Barcelona’s local filmmaking industry. I answered that I was new to the city myself. However, unexpectedly we started collaborating on a short film. Afterwards on another one, and another one. We became friends and filmmaking colleagues. It is interesting how you can meet people that you “click” with in the most unexpected ways.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge is when I feel as if I have no control over my career, which in this industry can happen often. For example, when you audition and audition, and hear nothing in return. I always find my way out and move forward, but it is easy to feel overwhelmed at times.
What are your ‘‘5 things I do to prepare for the role”?
It depends on the requirements of the project, but usually I work on the text in as many ways as possible, so I am not stuck in performing it one single way. I want to stay spontaneous and alive when it comes time to act. I also research the project and the role as much as I can to be able to create the given circumstances and the backstory of my character. I warm up my body and my voice, so I am not stiff when I am performing. And finally, I take time to do some relaxation and sensory work, so that I am ready to be playful and am open to respond in the moment.
What methods or techniques do you use to find truth in your character’s behaviour?
I don’t think there is one single technique that works for all genres, all styles, all roles, and all actors. I create my own “toolbox” that work for me. I tend to use a certain tool from that “toolbox” for a certain situation. Having a variety of training in the past (music theatre, music, drama, onscreen acting), I am happy to have various techniques under my belt, such as Laban, Stanislavski, Meisner, Method and etc. But the training never stops. I always try to upgrade my “toolbox”, so I don’t get stuck in my old ways of performing. There are always new things to discover out there.
Maybe Meisner is the technique that shaped me the most as an actress and taught me about truth, spontaneity and human behaviour.
What are your top 3 tips for actors that are starting?
Some starting actors are scared to try things or putting themselves out there. I think we learn acting by doing. So, my advice would be — do it! If you need to improve your acting skills: take a class, find a coach, research information. If you need a self-tape buddy or a reading partner: reach out to people, ask around. And so on and so forth.
There is a great international actors’ community where you can connect with like-minded people, get support, and ask questions. It is called The Actors Home. And it is led by an amazing casting director Luci Lenox. I have found lots of encouragement and help by being part of this group. So, it might be helpful for other actors out there to look into it too.
What has been inspiring you lately?
Different things inspire me on different days. A positive answer for the efforts I put in motivates me a lot. Watching a great movie with strong acting inspires me. I am a very determined person and I used to overwork myself by trying to reach my creative goals. However, with time I have learnt that the quality of my work depends on my time off. So, taking time away from work and by spending time with family, friends, doing something simple like taking a walk on the beach can clear my head, allow me to return to work with fresh ideas and productivity.
What movie would you recommend watching and why?
I loved “Poor Things”. The acting was brilliant, the story and the way the film was made show you how far you can go with your imagination and playfulness. I felt like that film was breaking quite a few rules of typical filmmaking. It was bold and daring, and that was exactly what I loved.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Don’t give up on your dreams. The right opportunity might be just around the corner! Be yourself and believe in yourself!
