Actress Ama K. Abebrese discusses struggles and resilience required in the Acting Industry

Ghanaian actress Ama K. Abebrese recently opened up about the challenges faced by actors both within and outside the film industry during an interview on Joy Prime’s late afternoon show, Changes. Speaking with host Roselyn Felli, Abebrese shared her perspective on the demanding nature of the acting profession.

Abebrese described acting as a field requiring significant resilience due to the constant struggles involved in securing roles. “Acting is one of the most disappointing professions you can be in, regardless of where you are in the world,” she remarked. “You might audition for a role and go through multiple callbacks—sometimes up to four times. By the fourth call, you might believe you’ve secured the role, only to find out that you didn’t get it. This process can build you up and then bring you down, so you need to develop a tough skin because it can become personal.”

Reflecting on her own experiences, Abebrese noted that she has attended numerous auditions throughout her career, often more than the number of films she has been cast in. Despite her considerable experience, she recounted losing over twenty roles she auditioned for in the past year alone. “It’s a difficult and painful experience, but it’s part of the industry. Each setback helps sharpen my skills and motivates me to continue pursuing opportunities,” she explained.

Abebrese emphasized that not every role is meant for her, and sometimes discovering who ultimately gets the role provides clarity on why she wasn’t chosen. “If I didn’t get a role, it often just means it wasn’t meant for me. Learning about who was cast can sometimes help me understand why I wasn’t selected,” she added.

Throughout her career, Abebrese has appeared in approximately twenty films, a number she is content with given the impact and success of the movies. She highlighted her focus on the quality of her work rather than the quantity. Notable films in her portfolio include Beast of No Nation, for which she auditioned, as well as other award-winning local and international productions such as Sinking Sands, Double-Cross, and Azali. Abebrese’s candid discussion underscores the perseverance required in the acting profession and her dedication to maintaining high standards in her work despite the challenges.