Over the summer, we at Candid Magazine got the exciting opportunity to talk to one of Hollywood’s upcoming young actresses, Tiffany Hines. You may recognize her as the star of Beyond the Break, as well as guest roles on Grey’s Anatomy, Heroes, and Criminal Minds.

How did you get interested in acting?

I guess acting has always been a part of me. When I was younger my Dad’s nickname for me was M.D. People used to ask him if he expected me to become a doctor, and he would reply “No. She’s just melodramatic…our little actress.”  I loved watching movies when I was younger too. My sister and I would drive our parents crazy acting out and singing parts from our favorite movies like Annie, Newsies, and the Little Mermaid. We would quote entire movies from beginning to end, scene by scene. I guess you could say, in some weird way, that early obsession with films was the beginning of my love affair with acting. When I was in high school I took my first drama class, and got my first part in a play. I will never forget it. I was the cat in Watership Down who snuck up on the rabbits. I only had one line, but it was all I needed to get hooked! I didn’t know of any other acting classes in Ohio at the time, so I started buying any acting book I could get my hands on. A few years later, at a performing arts event, I sang, danced, acted, and modeled. A talent agent and manager scouted me which is how I ended up in Los Angeles. Sometimes I still find myself looking around on a set, taking everything in, and I can’t believe I’m there, living my dream. I feel so blessed.

What career would you be pursuing if you weren’t acting?

Hmmm… If I wasn’t acting? Hopefully that day NEVER comes! [laughs]. But eventually, in addition to acting, I want to test my skills behind the camera. I would love to write, produce and direct. I am already taking a writing class. I just finished writing my first short film, and just started working on a feature. It is much harder than it looks though, so wish me luck!

What were things you did in high school and college that help you now?

I was pretty busy in high school and college. I  lived at the dance studio taking classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical dance, and tumbling. Every weekend I traveled all over the nation competing in competitions. At school I was a  cheerleader, and was on the gymnastics team. That is always good when a role calls for dancing of any kind. I also used to sing in a band when I was in college. Being a triple threat is always a nice thing to have up your sleeve as an actor because it sets you apart from a lot of other talent.

Is there anything you would change?

I wouldn’t change a thing. Everything that has happened in my life so far has made me the woman I am today, and I love who that is. Life is too fleeting to waste time on regrets. Everything happens for a reason.

What are some of your goals for the future?

One of my goals is to start a school or program that offers performing arts training to kids who aren’t fortunate enough to pursue their dreams. I used to teach dance for inner city kids in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. I became really close with the kids and I loved being able to share my love of the arts with them. I knew that under normal circumstances, without the program, they wouldn’t have been able to afford it. In this economy especially, arts programs are being cut out of our public schools and these kids are being cheated out of their artistic opportunities. I don’t think you should have to have money to be able pursue your dreams and train in the performing arts. I want to start small with a charity/camp, but eventually I’d love to have my own school!

What has your favorite role been so far and why?

Well I really enjoyed my role as Birdie on Beyond the Break. We filmed in Hawaii, which was just gorgeous, and I got to learn to surf which was a blast. But if I had to pick a favorite, it would have to be the role I just finished in a romantic comedy called “Perfect Combination.” The film also stars Christian Keyes (Madea Goes to Jail, and other Tyler Perry plays), Angell Conwell (Baby Boy, Soul Plane), Ayo Sorells (He’s On my Mind) and Kareem Grimes (He Who Finds a Wife). It’s about a guy named Rick (Keyes) who enlists the help of a dating service to find his one true love, and the hilarious adventures that ensue during the process. I play Lia, Ricks best friend, and a sassy boutique owner who is there to add her two cents and help him along the way. Lia is strong, sexy, successful, and funny and knows exactly what she wants in life. She knows what you want too, and she’s not afraid to tell you, in case you don’t know! However, she has a soft vulnerable side that comes out as well. I really loved that Lia was such a dynamic character. It was a lot of fun to play her.

What are some of the perks and disadvantages to your job?

I love what I do for a living. There is such an inexpressible joy that comes from doing what you love, and an empowering feeling that comes from achieving goals you set into motion years ago. I also love being surrounded by other creative people who are making their own dreams a reality. It’s humbling and exciting to learn everything I can from all the amazing talented people around me.

As far as disadvantages go, I guess the biggest one would be that you never know when your next job is coming. I am a typical Virgo and I always want to plan ahead, but you can’t really do that in the career of acting. You have to be able to go with the flow. At first that was hard for me, but I am getting better at just letting go, and enjoying the journey. Someone once told me, “if you can’t love the process, then you’re in the wrong industry!”

Do you have any advice for people who want to start an acting career?

There is a lot of work involved if you want to start an acting career. Make sure you really love it! I always tell people, if you can see yourself doing something else, you might want to try that first! [laughs] But if your heart is set on acting, make sure you are prepared. There are several books on the business of acting that would be a good read. Also, getting into a good acting class is invaluable. There are a lot out there so, RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! Also I try to do at least one thing for my career every day. It makes me feel like I am still moving towards my goal. Finally, my biggest piece of advice is to surround yourself with positive people who will support you. On the hard days, the only thing that gets you through is the love for what you do, and the encouragements that come from your supporters. If there was a recipe for success in acting, I think it might look something like this…Step 1: Work hard Step 2: Bust your butt Step 3: Don’t give up Step 4: Repeat steps 1-4… Best of luck to all you other artists out there!

photo credits to John Stevenson (1) and Robert Kazandjian (2)

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