Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessa Lundgren.
Hi Tessa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From as early as I can remember, I’ve always loved acting, singing, and dancing. Really anything creative. Including sketching, painting, you name it! Growing up I remember putting on little shows for the family and filming skits with my three younger siblings.
I was homeschooled growing up, and towards the end of high school, playing volleyball became a big part of my life. I played on the varsity team, made All-Star, played competitively in junior olympics/club, and made it with my team to winning a couple state championships. Playing volleyball helped my mental health and it was definitely became a part of my identity at the time.
I then graduated and started going to San Diego Mesa College to study Physical Therapy. I initially chose Physical Therapy because my dad is a physical therapist and growing up I learned a lot from him and figured it was a “safe” career path to follow. I volunteered as an assistant coach for the homeschool boys JV and Varsity volleyball teams for the next two years while full-time at college.
Then one day, while in class, it hit me. I have this one life that I’ve been gifted. How sad would it be if I kept playing it safe for the rest of my life and never went after what I love doing? In that moment in the classroom, I decided I was going to take a risk and trade what I’d considered the “predictable and safe path” for the unknown.
Next thing I knew, it was day one of the new semester and the Mesa College Theatre Company and they were holding in-person auditions for their musical production of, “Peter and The Starcatcher”. I went into that audition not knowing anything but feeling aligned like I was where I was meant to be. I somehow landed the lead role and the stage became my home for the next two years. I then graduated from the theatre program having had the opportunity to take on multiple lead roles in their productions, best performance awards, an Irene Ryan nomination, and more importantly, getting the opportunity to learn and create alongside some of my favorite and most talented mentors and friends.
As much as I loved performing on stage, film is where I wanted to be.
I graduated via Zoom along with my friends in 2020 and since then I’ve been blessed to meet many more amazing people. I’ve been able to gain experience both in front of and behind the camera on various film sets. So far I’ve been a part of some really cool indie feature films (made in San Diego) such as, “Caged and Wild”, “Last Chance”, and handfuls of short films like, “Heart Heist”, “The Tip”, and “Bye-Lingo” (which is on it’s festival run right now). Also received an acting nomination at the Best of San Diego film festival for a comedic, 48 hr short film called, “The Booking”.
I’m now living in LA, continuing my journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say the road has been smooth, but I do believe the combination of these experiences and how I’ve responded to them have made me who I am today.
I feel like, unfortunately, many people can relate to life being very challenging at times, if not, overall. Maybe one day I will elaborate on the personal challenges I’ve faced, but for now, I don’t see the value in sharing that at this time. We’re all going through a lot and I think it’s best to treat each other with kindness, always do our best, and lift one another up.
However, I would like to mention a more prevalent challenge most of us artists are facing. That is, what your follower count is on social media. Sure, I understand from a producers/studio executives’ perspective that having a substantial “following” = more money, but I think it’s a dangerous game and unsustainable in the long-run. I personally know a lot of truly talented actors whom are being overlooked solely because “Johnny doesn’t have at least 10k people following him on socials, therefore, he cannot be considered.” It’s giving Black Mirror episode..
Also, I would love to see more, and be a part of more, original films. I think the endless sequels and live-actions can take a little nappy-naptime for a minute.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an actress, creative, and fellow human. Oh goodness, I’m not known for anything notable yet, but let’s circle back in a few years! I’m most proud my willingness to try and to fail and to try again. Well, I guess if I walk into a separate room, the walls would set me apart from others. In all seriousness, that’s for you to find out, but spoiler alert, I’m another human being figuring out life and how I can contribute positively.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m not sure I believe in luck, but I do believe (in no particular order) that creating a solid game plan, being disciplined, staying true to yourself, maintaining a strong mindset, finding your balance between work ethic and rest/enjoying life, and having faith are the key components needed to find yourself “in the right place, at the right time”.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lundgrentessa.wixsite.com/actingresume
- Instagram: @officially_tessalundgren
Image Credits
Headshots by Michael Roud Photography
