Anastasia Bobrova is graduating from the Acting for Film and Digital Media program proud to have pursued her passion for acting and grateful for the NC family she made during her time at the College.
We catch up with Bobrova to learn about what drew her to NC and what she loved most about her time here.
How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day/ what does it personally mean to you?
I’m feeling excited and sad at the same time. It’s sad that this is the end of a very big chapter in my life but it’s exciting too because I know that this is just the beginning of something amazing.
What were you doing before attending NC (did you enroll after high school, did you study at another postsecondary institution, or were you working)?
I got accepted to NC right after I finished high school in my hometown Kemerovo, Russia. However, because of Covid, the acting program was postponed for a year. Because of this, before attending NC, I ended up taking a gap year and decided to spend this time working and living in Moscow.
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
I was looking for a college that has an acting for film program and came across Niagara College. I then reached out to a few past students, who took the acting program here. After learning about their experiences, classes, and teachers, I had no doubts that I wanted to study here, and I can’t imagine a better place and better family I could’ve gained from a school program.
What interests you in / why are you passionate about your field of study?
I knew that I wanted to become an actor from a very young age. I always dreamt of being an actor and I chased that dream a million miles away from home. Growing up, I knew I wanted to inspire people all around the world to follow their dreams and never give up. I want to be an example for people and prove that anything is possible if you work hard and keep pushing to make your dreams happen. Each of us is on a different path to reach the top of the mountain, but know that it’ll all be worth it at the end.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
Over the course of 2 years, I got to learn so much about myself and what I’m capable of. We were treated like professionals and learned every step of the film-making process. We experienced auditions in real life with people from the industry. We got so many opportunities to learn and grow here, including, BRTF collaborations, game development voice over work, police foundation scenarios, etc. By the end of the program, I felt so confident and prepared for the industry, not just because of the technical experience, but also because of the support from my teachers and classmates.
What did you find rewarding about your program / area of study? Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time at NC?
I will never forget our V10 room where you could be as vulnerable as possible and express yourself in any form. Acting for me is very therapeutic, when you’re feeling down or going through something, you just step into your character’s shoes and forget about your problems. Acting helped me realize that instead of worrying about the things I can’t control, I should focus my attention toward the things that I can control and should prioritize.
I will always remember the evening I had to prepare for one of my first acting exams by asking myself questions and trying to develop an opposite version of myself. This evening taught me that in order to build a character, you have to understand yourself first: your traits, you story, reaction on things, feelings, and much more.
Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate? (for example, juggling your studies with jobs and/ or a family)/
One of my main obstacles during my education was the language barrier. English is my second language, so writing reflection journals, tests and doing assignments was hard at first.
I’m very grateful for my teachers and their support over the years. They created a trusting environment where I felt safe asking questions or asking for explanations for words I didn’t understand or even just talking about my personal struggles. I am unconditionally grateful for every single person who helped me get closer to achieving my dream. When I started at NC for the first time, I didn’t know that I’d be leaving with a family here.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
During my time in Niagara college, I was a social media ambassador. I created a Tik Tok explaining why I love Niagara College, and after some time I was accepted to be a part of the NC Social Media department. I don’t regret applying and accepting this position for a second. As an actor it’s important to not be afraid of taking every opportunity in your path, and this position gave me the opportunity to work in media and meet and work with great new people.
Were you involved in any clubs/ teams or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?
I attended almost every activity organized by NC including, karaoke night, bowling, trips to Toronto, Niagara Falls etc. I enjoyed being able to have new experiences and meet new people.
What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?
Since completing my studies at Niagara College, I have continued working towards my goals and am trying to build my career. Recently I recorded a self-tape and got a callback, so my next step now is an in-person audition in Toronto.
