Written by Ramona Nina
We all long for that moment when you realize your dream is coming true. That’s why when LSTFI alumna Boyana Avdjieva landed her starring role in the Lifetime Movie Network’s The Paradise Murders, she was struck with surprise and joy, saying, “I realized how far I’ve come. It was one of those cliché but true ‘This is why you don’t give up‘ moments.”
The Paradise Murders marks a big moment in her career, her first prominent role in an American feature film. The Paradise Murders is a thriller, directed by Richard Switzer, in which Boyana plays the character Isla. The moment when she first saw her name amongst the top four billing cast “felt really special,” said Boyana. Having been the only Bulgarian actor in the cast while the entire film was shot in her home country with a Bulgarian crew she said, “Seeing my name up there felt like a little nod of appreciation to all of us, and that was really sweet.”
The Role of a Lifetime…Network
Being an international actor in this industry is a challenge in itself. “It’s still rare to be cast as someone who isn’t defined by your nationality,” Boyana says. “That’s why this role was so refreshing, especially coming from a very American, traditional network like Lifetime – my character isn’t Eastern European at all.”
When asked about what she learned about herself as an actor through this project, Boyana said, “I used to wonder what it would feel like to work on a film for Lifetime – something so quintessentially American.” She tells me they don’t even have Lifetime in Bulgaria, so she always figured it would be just a dream that was simply out-of-reach. “To me, that’s the coolest part,” she says. “It was proof to myself that it’s absolutely possible and attainable; that someone like me can actually do it.”
When asked about how she sustains her drive in such a competitive, challenging industry, Boyana responds passionately, saying, “For too long, we’ve been told not to even try because there’s no room for us. But there’s plenty of room…I live for the moments where I can quote Elle Woods: What, like it’s hard?“
Training with Authenticity at LSTFI
Boyana looks back on her previous training at home before she attended LSTFI, describing how “the entire system trains you to blend in, to be part of the ensemble,” she explains. “I, however, was born with a pretty prickly attitude — I always stuck out like a sore thumb.” She describes a theatre-troupe, ensemble-driven methodology that she simply couldn’t figure out. “I was literally told once that I needed to be ‘broken in’ like a wild horse. I hated that, but I couldn’t figure out why it was so hard for me.”
When beginning her studies at the LSTFI LA Campus, Boyana quickly found the place where she felt she could be authentically herself. “I’m not the same actress I was before stepping into The Institute. I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s true. I actually know what I’m doing now.” The use of Relaxation and Lee Strasberg’s Method has completely changed her perspective on acting, and is something she uses to this day. “I can’t even begin to explain the power of Relaxation. You’re unapologetically yourself and no one cares, because everyone’s in their own little corner of the room doing the same. It’s so freeing. It’s no wonder some people start crying while they do it.”
When asked if her training at the Lee Strasberg Institute had helped her during The Paradise Murders, she said it wouldn’t have been possible without it. More specifically, “we had some kick-ass Self-Tape and Acting for TV & Film courses. Obviously, every course at Strasberg is top-tier; and don’t think I’m saying that just to be polite,” she jokes. “I’m Eastern European; being nice for the sake of it isn’t really my style.” Boyana describes what she took-away from these classes, “Now I know exactly what I’m auditioning for and that specificity dictates everything about my prep….from framing the tape, to choosing colors that work on camera, to how much physical space I should leave myself, whether to use props, or how far to go with a costume, hint – it’s all intentional.”
Bring Your Own Stories
Boyana booked her role on The Paradise Murders off a single tape, which not only speaks to her talent, but also her process. “I’m a firm believer that knowing exactly what I’m auditioning for – and how I’m auditioning for it – brings out the best performance in me.” In her own flair, she advises all actors, auditioning or on-set, to “bring that famous je ne sais quoi everyone’s always talking about – the thing that screams you, and that nobody else can bring to the character.”
Photo by Adriana Yankulova
After passing such a big milestone in her career, Boyana is excited to work on her own personal project, that she will be both directing and starring in. “Strasberg gives such a great opportunity to its students to expand as actors and beyond and to learn how to take command of their own careers,” she says, having written her current project while she was studying at The institute in Los Angeles. “Our film production teachers (Sheldon Larry and Craig Leif) kept saying to us, ‘Bring your own stories. Create jobs for yourselves! The industry needs these types of voices!’ That hit particularly hard.” What Boyana learned stuck with her, and she is now doing exactly that. Bringing her own stories to life.
“I’m forever grateful I got to experience the magic of The Strasberg Institute in LA – its community, its teachers, and the chance to learn the Method directly from the source.” To end our interview on a fun note, we asked her what roles/projects she can see for herself next. In classic Boyana fashion she said, “I’d love to play a psychopath and deliver at least one glamorous mugshot. Or maybe I already did in The Paradise Murders… who knows? You’ll see.” Watch Boyana Avdjieva in The Paradise Murders, directed by Richard Switzer, out now on Lifetime and Apple TV+.