Athena Park is an award-winning and fast-rising actress based in Toronto, Canada. Athena had her sights on the entertainment industry at a young age when she got the role of the Witch in her fourth-grade school production of Snow White. From there, she began to take her craft seriously training with various coaches and attending schools in acting. She is the recipient of multiple awards including a Joey Award, a Young Entertainer Award, and the Young Artist Academy Award. Athena has also performed on stage as a theatre actress, singer, and dancer. We had the pleasure of speaking with her about her projects and career trajectory.
Athena Park, Thank you for agreeing to catch up with Occhi Magazine. Congratulations on your career to date. How did you get into the industry?
Hi! When I was in fourth grade, my school was holding auditions for “Rockin’ Tale of Snow White”. I was told that this was only for the older grades, but me being an ambitious and annoying fourth grader, I begged the drama teacher to at least let me audition for one of the characters. After much convincing, she let me audition. I killed the audition, and to my surprise, she asked me if I would like to audition for the role of The Evil Witch, and I was cast as The Evil Witch. I was thriving every night I performed. I always wanted to be an actress, but it is a demanding career that requires support from everyone around you, so I knew that my performances in this play would be my chance to prove to my parents that I can do this. Shortly after I signed with my first agent.
You secured a major role as Kerrigen in the hit sci-fi television series Killjoys (CTV). What were your expectations when you started working on the series and did its success automatically provide further opportunities?
Well, Kerrigan was actually my very first character role, so I learned so much learning alongside so many talented actors and finally being able to dive into a different personality. My expectations were certainly opposite from reality, I believed that since I hadn’t had much experience acting before, there would be much more loneliness on set, and I would basically just show up to work solely for the job to be done and there would be no time for social time. But it was such an inclusive and amazing environment! A really great experience for the first time. Yes, it did provide me with more opportunities, it was a great asset to have on my resume.
Tell us about your experiences working on the set of Holly Hobbie
Working on Holly Hobbie was equivalent to studying set life and acting at a top university. It was solid work with full scripts and a lot of fun with my peers, which made it a lifelong memory.
You’re the recipient of several awards including a Joey Award, a Young Entertainer Award, and the Young Artist Academy Award. To date, what would you say is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement would definitely be the messages I receive on social media from young people that I influence. For example, it makes me so so happy when I see a message from a young growing girl, saying that she loves watching me on TV and it gives her confidence to do the things she loves. Another achievement I am proud of would be my second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, it took many years to achieve and I did it.
Who are your biggest industry influences, and why?
My biggest industry influence would be Simu Liu, who is known for playing Marvel’s newest superhero, Shang-Chi for his strength and constant fight to represent the East Asian community. As well as my mom for always showing me that it is possible to keep going no matter what.
Name one experience you’ve had in this industry that has significantly shaped your appreciation of film and TV?
The experience that has shaped my appreciation for the industry of film and TV would be the time my character Savannah had a scene on stage performing in a school play. I was able to sing on set in character, and immediately realized I am a triple threat. I am an actress, dancer, and singer and I love it.
What is your strongest asset as an artist?
My strongest asset as an artist would be determination.
We can see you alongside Adelaide Clemens, Patrick J. Adams, Douglas Smith, and Kathleen Turner in the feature film The Swearing Jar this fall. Please tell us more about the film, your role, and what audiences can expect.
“The Swearing Jar”, focuses on Carey (a music teacher at a high school) and her husband’s love and the birth of their child through humor, music, and memories. I play Robin, one of Carey’s music students. Robin is a good student who works hard and is so grateful for her awesome music teacher. Robin is delighted when Carey switches her to drums, something that her parents were not thrilled about. Robin is also seen later in the film at the Dakota Tavern, three years later after she has graduated high school. I had the privilege to sing the song used during the dramatic turning point of the movie.
What other projects are you currently working on?
I have recently just finished shooting a horror movie called “The Devil’s Void” where I am one of the lead actresses and producers. This is now in post-production and should be scheduled to release next year! I am also beginning to work on music, and I just finished recording my very first song, where I wrote all of the lyrics and helped develop the instrumentals, and am working towards making my next songs. After the release of my first song (which is coming very soon), I will release my first EP or album. I am still deciding on which challenge I am up for.
Where can our readers find out more about you and your projects?
Hey!! You guys can find me on Instagram (@itsathenapark), Twitter (@itsathenapark), Tik Tok (@athena.park), Youtube (@Athena Park), and Facebook (@Athena Park)!
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