ACTRESS TADE’ ADEPOYIBI

We recently sat down with fiercely talented actress Tade Adepoyibi about some of her favorite roles as well as some exciting projects she has coming up. Here is what this extremely talented actress and performer had to say:
Please introduce yourself to the readers and how and when did you first get into performing?
My name is Tade`Adepoyibi. I first started performing at a very early age, in fact, the first time I vividly remember being on stage in front of a large audience was in the third grade performing in ” The Wizard of Oz”. I played a poppie. As in the poppie flower. I had big red petals attached to my face! But I remember absolutely loving every minute of it and since then I studied drama all the way through high school and ever since.
What inspired you to get into this industry?
I don’t think any one thing/person stands out as inspiring me to get in the industry per se. Its just something innate in me that I always knew I wanted to do. I did initially follow more “serious” or traditional career paths but always carried on with acting on the side knowing that was my true passion. Then slowly it turned into the main and only thing I do. I took a chance and it’s been great! Lots of work, but great! But I always wanted to just act – not get into “the industry” per se – there’s a difference!
What kind of training have you had, if any?
Loads- training is so necessary I think! I trained in Australia over a number of years doing various courses including with NIDA, then a few classes with teachers like Larry Moss which were life changing and then I trained for a couple of years in London too. I had a teacher in London who ‘whipped me into shape’ so to say, and now I carry on training here in LA with fortnightly performance/scene classes, audition technique, voice etc – I think you have to do these things to keep ‘warm’ as they say!
What has been your favorite role to play so far?
Hmm, that’s a tricky one, It’s been awesome so far and I feel like every role I’ve done is a favorite in some way -probably either a woman dying of leprosy in a feature film coming out next year or the female leader of an underground Haitian militia in another major undisclosed project. Or, this smart and intelligent young woman I played in a dialogue heavy shoot recently -I do love the gritty dramatic roles, but it’s too hard to decide on just one role!
What has been one of your biggest achievements in your career so far?
Hmm – well I’d say being cast in an episode of a major network television series here in LA “Murder in the First”- it can be so hard to get that first network credit, and the show I was on starred a big name I used to have a poster of on my wall growing up lol. I didn’t mention that when I was on set though (laughs). I have to say also getting really close to life changing roles- or just really cool opportunities – one that comes to mind was I came extremely close to a great role on “Modern Family” – it blows my mind every time I get so close to roles like that, another was being in the running for the lead role in a Michael Bay produced feature – just being in the mix is quite exhilarating and lets me know I’m on the right track! I’ve been lucky enough to be cast in a few awesome roles in some excellent features as well. Every booking is an achievement in my mind!
What projects do you have coming up?
There’s quite a few! – Next year I’m set to film exciting roles in two features, one shoots in LA and Louisiana with some big names and also another in Mexico and Australia. I cant wait!
Who would you most like to work with?
Viola Davis.
What are your plans for the future?
To keep acting and getting better and better at it. And basically just acting and enjoying life with family and friends! I’m quite an upbeat and positive person and am usually always laughing about something – it’s a good way to be I think! I also I want to travel a little more – I’ve always traveled a lot but not so much in the past year or two of being in LA. I need to revisit some of my old worldwide stomping grounds! Hopefully an acting gig will get me to these places. That’s the ideal plan anyway!
What is your advice to aspiring performers?
Work and work hard and enjoy it! If you’re not enjoying it, take a break or breather, there are a million other things that may bring you happiness in this life. But if it’s the only thing you want to do – work hard, and make sure you’re good at it too-because when those opportunities come – you have to be ready! And look after yourself! Do something every day non- performance related that makes you smile and keeps you well rounded:)
.