Today we’d like to introduce you to GeCamri Amberay.
Hi GeCamri, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Up until age 9 I thought everything on television was reality. What piqued my interest in acting was an episode of Disney’s Austin and Ally. Trish lost her job, per usual for the series, but she lost it in a really embarrassing way. I asked my mom, “Why did they treat her like that?” Of course, thinking that all of this is real. When my mom picked up that I was actually upset on Trish’s behalf, she took the time to explain to me that it was all fiction, and how“acting” is a job where people are paid to tell stories. Something in me shifted at that moment. Before then, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. But after that conversation, every stranger or family member that asked me what I wanted to be, my answer was finally consistent: “An actor.”
I played volleyball competitively from ages 7 to 17. At the age of 15, I was feeling stuck because I couldn’t participate in my high school’s shows because of my volleyball schedule. It upset me even more because by this time my heart was absent from volleyball for a while, but it was all I knew. I unexpectedly got voted as varsity co-captain in Fall of my junior year of high school. It really threw me, because I just wanted to get in, get out of practice and do my best in between, I didn’t converse much unless it was on the court. However, Spring 2022 is when I was in my first high school mini production. The seniors graduating got to direct a 20-minute cutting of a show, and I was casted in Rumors. The audience voted our show “Best Play,” and I was voted “Runner up best actress.” I was bouncing off of the walls! My first time on stage I was voted for such a thing, I couldn’t believe it. It had to be a sign, right?
The summer after that show was complete turmoil, though. I was so torn about taking the leap of faith with theatre and letting my parents down, or stretching myself thin and trying to do both theatre and volleyball. My coach was so gracious, God bless her, she said she’d be willing to work with my schedule if I did both. “And you’re a senior! What about senior night? Cam, you’re almost at the finish line” she told me. In hindsight, the high I got leaving the stage after performing Rumors sealed my fate, I knew what I wanted to do. It was all a matter of preserving the feelings of those I love. I decided to bet on myself, and I went from being Varsity co-captain of the Longview Lady Lobos, to not being a player at all. By Fall 2022, I was willing to risk everything to get started on making acting my career.
Now it’s Senior year, so I was on a college search. I knew I wanted to go to the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) to obtain a degree in Spanish Translation and Interpreting, then go to drama school somewhere after I graduated. While I was doing research on UTA, I stumbled across their BFA Acting program. I had no idea anything like this existed, but it was perfect! I auditioned, and I got in! I also auditioned for a Christmas movie, and was cast as Jingle Lady #2, my first movie ever! It seemed like everything started going right when I took the leap of faith. I was also cast in my first two professional theatre productions my first semester of college! All glory to God for that. I’ve learned so much through both my degree and the DFW professional world, and I’m so blessed, as well as grateful. I start my last semester at UTA this fall, and I’ll graduate with a BFA in acting with a minor in Spanish Interpreting!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ever since I started college and started learning more about my craft, it got harder mentally, especially when learning about archetypes. I didn’t want to be the comic relief, the funny Black girl, or the funny best friend in everything I did. I learned that you come into the room as yourself, to then take on the energy of the character that you want to portray. I believe in bringing at least a tiny piece of yourself to every character you play, otherwise you’re just lying. But I was making the mistake of bringing too much of myself to audition rooms, and I was concerned that all the people behind the table were seeing was my childlike energy, and not the character.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I believe God doesn’t put big dreams on people’s hearts if He doesn’t plan on bringing them to fruition. I love theatre, but I love acting in front of a camera. Film/TV is where I want to be in the long run. I believe that being on stage can prepare you for anything on camera, besides shooting out of sequence. It teaches you teamwork, problem solving, and how to think on your feet, because there’s no such thing as “take 2” onstage.
Aside from acting, I also write poetry. I published a book this past March called “The Poetic Insomniac.” Some people walk to clear their head, some people drive, some play games. But after I wrote poetry, the static in my head seemed to quiet down. So, I took 21 of those late-night thoughts, and published them for my 21st birthday.
I think my empathy/kindness is my biggest strength. I’m a firm believer that everyone is dealing with something behind the smile they shine at you, so I do my best to be kind and give people grace. Don’t mistake it for weakness, though.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Mentors have never been my thing until I was cast in Theatre Arlington’s Chicken & Biscuits in Summer 2024. The director, Sheran Goodspeed Keyton, had a very peaceful and kind spirit about her. After the show closed, she called me for another job, and I’ve been working with her since that show! I’m not sure if she knows it or not, but I see her as a mentor. I like to watch how she works in between the times we’re in rehearsal. She does everything! She writes both shows and songs, produces, sings, acts, and does it all exceptionally well! A true theatre Barbie, I must say. She doesn’t wait for anyone to give her opportunities, she creates her own, and I really admire that about her.
As far as networking, please be nice, and remain humble. A genuine smile and kind spirit make you memorable and will get you far. If you recognize someone at a networking event, introduce yourself! That’s what’s works for me. A short conversation doesn’t make it forgettable. Be yourself, everyone else is taken! Oscar Wilde, right?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gecamriamberay.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gecamriamberay?igsh=ZWRicnJ2cWJmZWY%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CrU8K318U/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
(Headshot) Alicia Johnson, BeStill Photography
(Book photo) Paloma Magaña
(Crossed arms) Jacob Oderberg
(Silver outfit) Art Ortiz Jr.
