Introduce yourself
Hey! My name is Nina Maria Burke and I am a young actress who moved to Los Angeles at the age of 19. I left my friends and family behind in England and studied at “The American Academy of Dramatic Arts”, where I graduated with my Associates Degree in Acting. I am now 22 and working on my OPT Visa. I have the most supportive and loving family, who I miss very much, but I know I need to be in Los Angeles. I have been acting ever since I was around 5. I have always been very passionate about the arts, whether it be acting, dancing, playing piano, guitar etc. I explored almost every style of dance and I love learning about different acting practitioners and trying their methods. I knew I wanted to be an actress from the first time I stepped on stage. I love watching theatre, I love being in theatre, I love being on set! There is no thrill like performing.
Why did you choose move to Los Angeles?
I have always loved travelling. I was very lucky to see parts of the world growing up, and I never want to stop exploring. I completed my education in England and was deciding between a gap year or going straight into what Americans call “College” and Brits call “University”. After going down an untraditional route of going to an arts college in England, I knew I would not be
attending a regular university. I auditioned to many in London and got into some excellent programs. I just knew I wanted more. I looked into schools abroad and ended up auditioning for one in New York and one in Los Angeles. After being accepted to both, choosing between New York and Los Angeles was not too hard. Los Angeles is great for the young generation with the beaches and coffee shops etc. Another big factor was the gorgeous LA weather, which was a big bonus.
What are your plans for the next few years?
I am currently working on moving from my OPT to my 01 visa for acting. If I am able to get it, I will remain in Los Angeles. If not, I will be moving back to London for a while and potentially going to Sydney, Australia to work on getting more credits. I would then apply from London for my 01 visa. I am currently looking for an agent and manager in both Los Angeles and England. I have been
successful in booking roles by self submitting, however I believe an agent or manager would be able to open doors to bigger auditions and hopefully jobs.
What industry experience do you have?
I attended a dance school called “Fi Steps” back in England. I was a part of this group from the age of 7-19 (when I moved to Los Angeles). With them, I was able to perform in some incredible places, including: The Royal Albert Hall, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Paris Pre-parade, Indigo at the 02 Arena, The Hawth Theatre, The Capitol Theatre and many more! I also performed in
“Can You Dance?” As well as at Miss Pole UK. I have taken part in numerous plays with lead roles, some of which being; Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story, Born Yesterday, Still Life, Uncommen Women. I was also in the incredible pantomime of “Beauty and The Beast”. I have done voice over work, music videos and YouTube series. I have had work in theatre and on camera and I am so grateful for all I have already learnt. I cannot wait to continue growing as a person and an actress.
What are the differences between England and America as an actress?
I would say the main thing would be the acting styles. England is definitely more into using subtitles, whereas in America, a lot of things are very exaggerated. In England the comedic acting tends to lean more on the sarcastic and witty side. I’ve said this many times before but I think acting in England taught me more internal acting, while I learnt more external acting in America. I have found both to be so insanely helpful. Another huge difference is the culture in Los Angeles. Of course this isn’t the case all over
America, but LA is known for Hollywood and films and fame. Therefore the community here is huge! The amount of actresses I meet daily is both warming and supportive and extremely worrying at the same time. There is so much competition, but who are we as
actors if we back away from competition?
