Meet the Hluav Taws Cast: Part 1
Putting out a casting call for my first ever original music video seemed daunting at the time. Yet as everything unfolded, it was one of the most inspiring parts of producing the Hluav Taws music video.
As auditions and interests came from all over the US, I soon realized how passionate my Hmong brothers and sisters are in acting. I'm truly grateful to have shared this "first" with six incredibly passionate and kind actors, and am pleased to present them to you in this 3-part series.
Note: This is Part 1 of the "Meet the Hluav Taws Cast" series.
Meet the Hluav Taws Cast: Part 1
Meet the Hluav Taws Cast: Part 2
Meet the Hluav Taws Cast: Part 3
VUE PAO LEE
Greensboro, North Carolina
How long have you been acting? Do you have plans to act in future productions?
I have played some minor characters in plays back in high school during my International Club days. It started in the year 2005 when the International Club started "The Big Show." Organizing and practicing scripts was some of the most frustrating and fun times during high school. That was about 10 years ago. I do plan on acting some more in the future if the opportunity presents itself.
What drew you to audition for Pagnia Xiong’s Hluav Taws music video?
I auditioned for a role in the Hluav Taws music video because it was an opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and to challenge myself in a role that I couldn't see myself at this point in time. It was also an opportunity for me to work with Kong, Pagnia, and a bunch of people from North Carolina on a project that is very meaningful to a bunch of people around the globe.
Name one highlight and one challenge you took away after the production.
One highlight that I took away from the production is being able to work with a couple of my friends and being able to meet new people. A challenge I took away from the production is remembering everything that is going on during the set: taking notice of where the camera is at all times, remembering your lines all at the same time trying to stay in character at all times (facial expression, body language, etc.).
If you could give someone who’s interested in acting a piece of advice, what would tell him/her?
If I can give one advice to anyone who is interested in acting, it would be, do not be afraid of what others think of how you act. No one starts out being the best actor/actress. Everyone started at the bottom and work their way up. It is the same for everything else. If it is your passion and dream, pursue it and make it come true.
KRISTY MEEGE HER
Clover, South Carolina
How long have you been acting? Do you have plans to act in future productions?
I've been acting since I was 6 years old, but only for homemade videos, so I don't think that counts? But if you mean to ask if I have acted outside family home videos, than no, I haven't act before till joining this production. This is my first time. As for acting in the future, I don't think I am planning to act anytime soon but I'm keeping my options open and if an opportunity arrives, I won't hesitate to take it.
What drew you to audition for Pagnia Xiong’s Hluav Taws music video?
What drew me to audition was being a fan of Pagnia's. And what also drew me to audition was because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.
Name one highlight and one challenge you took away after the production.
One highlight of being a part of this production was getting to meet new people and coming to an understanding that it takes a lot of effort and hard work to make a scene come to life but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy what you do. I enjoyed filming the scenes and had fun doing something different and out of my comfort zone. And I think a challenge I took away from this production was that while I act it is not just my "acting skills" that can bring the scene come to life, but it is the effort of everyone and the support from my acting partner. You can't show chemistry or show any emotions if both you and your partner don't work together as a team and through this I was challenged to learn and help my partner act out as well as my partner is helping me. I'm still trying to improve myself and skills, so it's a challenge we all have to face in doing anything that's put in front of or ahead of us.
If you could give someone who’s interested in acting a piece of advice, what would tell him/her?
If I could give any advice, I would give this: not all actors and actresses can act, but if you want something you go for it. If you don't even try, you won't ever know if you can or not. So don't be afraid to be afraid because we all are in anything we do but what makes us braver is by giving our best and doing our best. Even when you feel like you gave it your all and feel like it didn't go as you want. The whole purpose is you try and so you won't have any regrets later.
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