In January, I had the privilege of savoring a sweet Hallmark film {The Birthday Wish) penned by none other than Julie Sherman Wolfe. While I was anticipating a fun story fraught with the delightful antics of Jessy Schram and Luke Macfarlane amongst others {Marcus Rosner}, the actress playing Jessy’s character’s friend caught my eye, and I immediately launched an investigation via IMDB. After some research, I discovered it was none other than Yvonne Chapman, a promising actress in the Vancouver film community. Recently, she agreed to take some time from her busy schedule to discuss how she became an actress, her notable works, and a hint at her future aspirations.

RH: What inspired you to become an actress? What kind of training have you received?

YC: I’ve always wanted to try my hand at acting. I remember asking my parents for an agent when I was ten. I didn’t even know what an agent was! I just knew actors had them.

I did many school plays, but other than theatre in school, I never had any formal training growing up. Instead, I pursued other interests and studied commerce at the University of Calgary and specialized in Finance. During school, I took on commercial work and modeling gigs to help pay for my tuition. It introduced me to being on set and getting in front of a camera. I’ve worked in corporate finance out of University for a few years, and as a creative outlet, I was taking acting classes at night. But I fell in love with it. A few years ago, I quit my job and moved to Vancouver to pursue acting full-time.

What can you tell us about the show Single & Dating in Vancouver? How did you get involved with the show and what did you like about your role?

It’s a hilarious web series written and created by a talented group of Vancouver actors that epitomizes the perils of dating in Vancouver. Vancouver has a bit of a reputation for being a difficult place to find love, and the show smartly encapsulates the situations many singles find themselves in this city. I found the opportunity to join the show online at Vancouver Actors Guide – a website where independent filmmakers can post auditions for their projects. I play Melinda – a sassy, no-nonsense women. She is that friend you have that will tell it to you straight and has a heart of gold.

You’ve been involved with several indie short films. What do you like about working in indie films? What are some of the challenges of doing indie films?

In between projects, I love looking for short films to be a part of. It allows me to practice my craft, collaborate with other artists, and be on set. I have helped to produce a couple short films, and a challenge we always run into is budget and time, which I don’t think are hurdles that are exclusive to indie films! Those are things every production could use more of. But the good thing that comes out of that is it forces everyone to think outside the box in order to get things done, and we all come together more as a team. We take on a number of different roles and challenges in order to tell the story.

from Rufus

What can you tell us about Rufus, the TV short? (I’m not used to seeing something listed as a TV short.) What was your experience like with this project? I notice J. Alex Brinson on the cast list. Did you get to work with him?

Rufus is a movie made for TV produced by Nickelodeon. I believe they call it a TV “short” on IMDB as the movie is shorter in duration in order to accommodate the young audience it is intended for. Most children’s movies tend to be shorter in length to sustain their attention, so I believe that is why it’s named that way.

I LOVED working on this project. The director Steve Holland was a blast, and the production team, cast and crew were wonderful to work with. I still keep in touch with some of the actors, and it’s also a movie that my nieces and nephews love to watch!

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to work with J. Alex Brinson on set – we were scheduled on different days. But the kids said he was fun as the DJ on set!

What can you tell us about the film The Mechanics of Love? What was your experience like working with that tremendous cast?

I had a very small role in this film, so I was only there for a day. But the director David Weaver, cast and crew were so welcoming, and fun to work with.

with Jessy Schram The Birthday Wish

Hallmark audiences had the joy of seeing you in The Birthday Wish. How did you get that role? What was the filming experience like? How was it working with the cast and crew? Any special memories?

I had auditioned for the role like any other. But I remember immediately connecting with Mia’s character. She is so playful, honest, and a bit spunky. I went into the audition not expecting to land the role, but just having a ton of fun with the material and how I envisioned Mia to be. I was thrilled when I found out I booked it!

The filming experience was fantastic. Peter DeLuise is such a riot and is so great to work with. Jessy Schram is a sweetheart and I absolutely loved working with her. Same goes for the rest of the cast and crew. I have a lot of memories of all of us acting like goofballs in between takes!

I really enjoyed the experience from start to finish. It’s a bit sad as you spend so much time with this film family for a few weeks, and then all of a sudden it’s over. But we keep in touch, and since then, I’ve gotten to see some of the cast and crew on different film sets.

I notice you are on an episode of The 100.  How was your experience with that show?

I was incredibly impressed with the set of The 100. The scene was completely built (i.e. no green screens), so everything felt real and that helps tremendously in getting (and staying) in character. The episode in which my character appears is the season finale of the current season which has just ended.

Any other upcoming works you can mention?

None that I can mention at the moment –sworn to secrecy!

Do you have plans to write/direct/produce?

I’m always writing and creating. I think it’s incredibly important for actors to create their own work. I want to be educated and involved in as many different aspects of filmmaking as possible. The more you know about the industry and of the work that others are doing around you, the better decisions you can make both in front and behind the camera.  Additionally, in doing this you can bring more value to a project as an actor. Just like any profession, the more knowledge you seek, initiatives you take and collaborations you establish, the more you bring to the table.

What are your favorite things to do in your free time?

I’m a huge foodie! If you ever need to know where to go in Vancouver for good eats, I’m your gal. I especially love the hole in the wall places, or small coffee shops to read. I also paint, listen to podcasts, play sports and of course…I spend a lot of time on Netflix or at the movie theatre. Luckily because of my profession, I just call that research! But most of all, I really appreciate the time I can spend catching up with friends and family and just having a good conversation.

I adore the spirit and enthusiasm that Yvonne brings with her to every project into which she is cast, and she consistently makes it a point to get along with her fellow cast and crew members no matter what the situation or circumstance. I believe that since she left what possibly could have been a steady job with a secure future to pursue her passion, she doesn’t take one moment of her artistic endeavors for granted. I salute her sense of adventure and work ethic as some young people who enter the business still fall for the hackneyed myth of “overnight success.” Not so with Yvonne. Her natural penchant to learn as much as possible about every aspect of filmmaking is an admirable quality that will only continue to work in her favor as her career maintains its slow but steady upward spiral towards her goals and dreams in the entertainment universe. But in the midst of her determination and aspirations, she does make the time to build her character and interests outside of the acting profession so that she is a well-rounded person who understands and appreciates the value of interpersonal communication and building relationships with those she loves. If you have not seen The Birthday Wish nor any of her other works, I invite you to check out her resume and follow her at all the links below. This is one young woman who irradiates true professionalism and allegiance to her craft no matter the brevity of her role, and it is those kinds of talents I encourage all of us to support in any way we can!

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