Meet Sandra De Sousa from Islington, North London who moved to LA 4 years ago to pursue acting.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
Yes, I’d been coming out to LA since 2005 to train with my amazing acting mentor Bernard Hiller (www.bernardhiller.com). I met him in London through a random international acting competition, judged by casting director Jeremy Zimmerman, where I won as a British finalist. Bernie invited me to his LA classes, which changed my life and then I totally fell for LA’s charms and didn’t want to leave!
What do you miss most from home?
Loved ones, West End theatre and the NHS.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since ? If so why?
It was a lot more sparkly and innocent when I first came out and it’s a little more tarnished and real now, but I still love it’s brand of crazy and positive energy.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus London?
The amazingly consistent warm weather is a big game changer! My parents are Portuguese, so I always felt like I’d grown up in the wrong country and I’d dreamed of living in a perpetual land of summer. Yup still not missing all the seasons! I also love how open and positive the people are generally. Their passion for learning and growing, their passion to strive for better and their support towards others is wonderful. There is a lot of love in this crazy town.
Do you have any hidden gems in LA that you want to share with us?
Probably not so hidden now….so as I’m a total health geek and health coach (Alkaline Babe) I love healthy, nutritious and delicious tasting food, which is one of the many great things in LA. So, I love Sun Café in Studio City, Café Gratitude, Weho, Stanley’s and Bizou in Sherman Oaks. Also The Olympic Spa, Korea Town, when you need to escape and recharge (sorry, just for the ladies!) And Gail Freedman, Noho for muscle testing and targeted nutritionals and Florade Wellness Center (Elysia), Studio City, for colonics – deals on Groupon!
A lot of people have misconceptions about LA – did you?
Some people told me that LA was very superficial and ugly. But no, that’s really not been my experience at all. I’ve been blessed to have been drawn to people and places that are the opposite.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
If you’re committed, fearless and there’s nowhere else you want to be, then do it! Do the research and prep. Save as much money as you can and have a way of funding yourself (an international business franchise is helpful) as the acting life is expensive! Buy a GPS (TomToms are great) and a reliable car. Surround yourself with a great network of friends. Of course, join the awesome Brits in LA immediately, they are your brilliant extended family.
If your life was a TV show what would be the theme tune and why?
Can I have two? TobyMac – Me Without You and Mercy Me – Move. Love, faith and encouragement to overcome obstacles and keep dancing!
How can we find out more about you?
Watch for the feature film ‘After Ours’, opening September 22nd playing cop Officer Smith.
My IMDB link – http://www.imdb.me/sandradesousa
Website – http://www.sandradesousa.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SandraDeSousaActor
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thealkalinebabe
