“You MUST believe in yourself, you MUST love yourself, you MUST build confidence and you MUST be willing to hear the word NO from others, but you must NEVER say no to yourself when it comes to putting yourself out there.
— Sheryl Carbonell
The Interview Q&A
Where are you based out of?
“Orlando, FL”
What role do you typically play on set?
“Strong female types, either kind and warm, or powerful with a chip on her shoulder”
How long have you been working in the film industry? Where did you get your start?
“Over 10 years. My first gig was when I was 12, I played the orphan July in Annie in my hometown, Windsor Ontario Canada. It wasn't until college that I began to sing professionally with the Orlando Opera Company in the ensemble chorus. When I booked my first principal role with the Company the experience piqued my interest to begin to study acting. I booked commercials, then professional theatre roles, which started as smaller roles gradually growing to principal roles. Then film roles and television. Excited to see what happens next.”
Who is your biggest inspiration? What have they taught you?
“My father worked hard as an electrician and when he got home from work, he sang and played his guitar which he taught himself to play. He was scientifically and mathematically gifted and believed in working hard to make an honest living. His creative side were also very important to him. After he saw me play the role of Calpurnia at Orlando Shakes, he pulled me aside and told me I should act and never quit. It was the last time I saw him alive. I'm keeping the promise I made to myself after he blessed me his prophetic words!”
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
“I am a spiritual person. I don't believe any human is perfect - though humans do inspire me, I believe in a higher power who keeps my faults in check and gives me strength to overcome hurdles and life's obstacles.”
What are some of the biggest things you’ve accomplished in your career so far?
“I booked a hosting gig in my first years of on-camera work interviewing some of the nation's most innovative art and physical education teachers around the country. I got to witness the students performing under their prospective teacher's instruction. Teaching is a gift, and those who teach well empower students and change lives! I was an understudy for the role of Cleopatra in Antony and Cleopatra at Orlando Shakes. One night, the lead actress was sick and I went on in a very last-minute fashion! It was the scariest, but most thrilling experience - one I'll never forget. I had rehearsed that role daily, almost hourly at my home, relishing the character, the language her movements - never thinking I'd ever perform her on stage in front of an audience. I was terrified because I hadn't rehearsed ever with the cast, nor had I rehearsed the many choreographed sections of the play until moments before going on stage. I held the script to give me peace of mind though I did not use it and at the end, when I did the curtain call, the audience stood up for me. I had no idea that I was well received by the audience - honestly I had decided that it didn't like me, and that I was still proud of myself for what I accomplished. I was wrong they really felt my performance and gave me a standing ovation. The cast was so gracious loving and caring. I even received a review!! Thrill of my life!”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? (No dream is too big!)
“I see myself as a working actor in film and television and occasionally doing plays. I see myself joining SAG, building my resume, and growing as an actress and having the reputation of being able to create compelling characters. I also see myself building a team of wonderful actors, directors and writers who know me and know my work. And most importantly, I see myself helping others become the actors and artists they want to be!”
If you had one piece of advice for a woman who wants to get started in the film industry what it would be?
“You MUST believe in yourself, you MUST love yourself, you MUST build confidence and you MUST be willing to hear the word NO from others, but you must NEVER say no to yourself when it comes to trying, working and putting yourself out there.”