Rising Star Ciel Post On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry
An Interview With Eden Gold
To study psychology and get an understanding of human nature and personality traits. In this industry you will encounter a large number of the more difficult personalities and you’ll need to know how to deal with them accordingly.
As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Ciel Post.
Ciel Post is an American actress known for her lead role in the epic fantasy film “Empire Queen: The Golden Age of Magic,” now available on Amazon Prime Video. In “Empire Queen” Ciel plays Arra Winter, who is a part of a charming trio who embarks on a dangerous quest in search of the legendary Sovereign Wand, which is needed to overthrow an evil queen and restore magic for all.
She initially found comfort behind the camera but transitioned to acting after studying improv and comedy to address ADHD and social anxiety. This new path led to her role in Shine On Me, a high fantasy music video that ultimately evolved into her “Empire Queen” movie character. Beyond the screen, Ciel teaches dance and expression to special needs children. Ciel is from Reno, Nevada.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I’m the oldest of three girls. I grew up in a relatively small town. I will not get into too much of the how’s and why’s, but my childhood was kind of difficult for me emotionally. I remember being super young and already questioning why I was here and what it all meant etc. My sensitivities and shyness were challenging to navigate, and I didn’t care for school or the bullies at all. I found so much solace in my ballet classes and watching films like “The Wizard of Oz” and anything Disney.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
As a child, I always knew deep down that I was a bit of a misfit and struggled to fit in. I’ve often experienced crippling social anxiety, so I got good at escaping into the world of fantasy and make believe. I drove my poor sisters nuts with constantly wanting to put on complex choreographed productions in the living room when they just wanted to go ride bikes. In high school I made friends with a gregarious outgoing girl that took my timid self under her wing. She convinced me to try out for the school musical. I was hesitant but once I did, I became particularly addicted to the high of getting laughs. That stage drug is euphoric and heavenly. It’s the only time I truly ever felt like I was home.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I once agreed to go on a date with a guy in the music scene. I wasn’t too excited, but he seemed to really like me, and a close friend of mine was interested in collaborating with him, so I figured I’d give it a try. He invited me to join him at his agency party and rumor had it that Prince might attend. Turns out he was more interested in the thought of meeting Prince than getting to know me as he incessantly carried on about him, never bothering to ask anything about me.
He was so arrogant and obnoxiously tried to mimic Prince’s singing and moves, which didn’t remotely resemble anything close to Prince. Throughout the evening, he dashed from room to room in search of Prince, completely forgetting about my existence. One of my best performances to date was acting like this guy didn’t fray every last nerve I had. Eventually, I insisted on leaving, and he reluctantly agreed after realizing Prince wasn’t going to show up. As we were about to leave, he excused himself to the bathroom, and I kid you not, what happened next was the most ironically serendipitous moment: the room seemed to freeze like a scene from a movie as a mysterious dark figure glided directly towards me with an otherworldly grace like in a smoky dream. Yes, it was none other than Prince himself! He drew close, his eye line was at my chest, but he was looking straight in my eyes, which was somewhat of an unusual experience for me. He gently grabbed my hand and placed it on his chest, leaned in even closer and whispered, “beautiful soul.” He then glided away into the crowd just as quickly as he arrived, returning to whatever magical portal he came from.
Whoa! I had just exchanged an intense spiritual moment with Prince, and I felt like he genuinely touched my soul! Perfectly on cue, my date reappeared and asked if he had missed anything. I said no.
It has been said that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Well I’m the queen of comedic blunders, and here’s a classic example. Years back, my agent at the time called with an audition for a spokesmodel slot on a popular morning game show. I never had any interest in modeling whatsoever, but I reluctantly agreed. He gave me strict orders to bring a bikini, which I forgot of course.
Thankfully, I found an old lime green sequined Spandex jumpsuit from Kmart in my trunk from an improv show so I threw it on. It was hideous! So here I am amidst a lineup of stunning bikini-clad models in my lime green spandex nightmare, bending, bobbing, and gesturing as if promoting an imaginary car.
Suddenly, out pops (no, not what you’re thinking) the famous game show host who had been watching from behind the glass, He was roaring with laughter and exclaimed, “I like that one, she’s got spunk!” Despite his amusement, I didn’t land the job. The lesson? Always be prepared. Scratch that. The better lesson, keep a lime green sequined spandex jumpsuit in your car at all times.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Right now, I’m writing a musical comedy for the stage with a brilliantly hysterical friend of mine. We are both a bit ADHD, so I’m not sure if the actual musical itself will be as funny as watching us trying to focus long enough to get a page done without getting sidetracked improvising a skit. I’ve had some other working years of my life experiencing very different fields, so I’m thrilled to be headed in a much more creative direction at this particular juncture of my life.
As a rising star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles in your career?
I’m motivated by the heroes journey. I’m motivated by the underdog that doesn’t have it easy, never has anything just handed to them and seemingly has a comedic string of bad luck in life. There’s a line in “Flashdance” that goes, “When you give up on your dream, you die.” That line always really hit me. I guess I’m motivated to live and live to dream.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
Film and TV not only reflect our culture, but also influences it. Given these intertwined aspects, it’s important to showcase our diversity of groups and individuals all with their unique experiences to maintain the reality of who we are as a nation, lest the Wild West of content misdirect us from our core value of everyone being created equal. The lack of diversity could promote stereotypes, injure disadvantaged groups, or mislead those who lack information. The founding principles of America emphasize inclusivity, and to truly embody the spirit of the melting pot, we must ensure fair representation for all. Without this inclusivity, we hinder our growth as human beings and limit our understanding of one another.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- To study psychology and get an understanding of human nature and personality traits. In this industry you will encounter a large number of the more difficult personalities and you’ll need to know how to deal with them accordingly.
- That people are going to want to put you into a box based on your looks. Do not let them. Figure out on your own who you are, be that and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
- It’s not necessary to convince everyone that you are their cup of tea. I absolutely do now fully believe that rejection is indeed God’s protection. In most cases anyway. Trust that and just move on.
- To not put too much significance on opinions good or bad. They’re just opinions, not necessarily facts.
- That you should try to do projects with like-minded people that you really like and that really like you. It will matter, trust me.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Creative types typically tend to be perfectionists and extremely hard on themselves. I’d say that if you can start being cognizant of your inner dialogue with yourself, you will greatly reduce mental and emotional exhaustion, and that’s such a huge part of it. It takes a lot out of you when you are constantly beating yourself up. No one is more of a bully to me than I am to myself, and it’s utterly draining if I’m going to be honest.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
Take one day a week to give creatively of your time. Whatever your hobby or talent is, figure out how to use it to spread joy and help others. Start a knitting club at a retirement home or mentor a youth if you’re a musician. I’ve always loved dancing, so on Saturdays I volunteer at a kids with special needs dance class. We are just now getting ready for a recital. It’s absolutely the best thing ever.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
The budding of a long and still ongoing bloom was the belief that Chris Dane Owens had in me when I first met him many years ago. I was cast in his “Shine On Me” music video way back when and we are close family still to this day.
That man genuinely cares about the success of his friends and a more kind and generous individual you will never meet. When people take the time to look beyond what the eyes see and give you a chance at expressing your talent, it’s the greatest gift one can give to a creative individual.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
I don’t know who originally said it, maybe it was the late great Merriam Webster, but it’s the “He who laughs last” quote. I’ve somewhat made my own by saying “He who laughs… lasts.” Laughter has kept me alive. Wherever I am, whatever I’m doing, whomever I’m with, I’d better be laughing.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
In case you haven’t picked up on my subtle hints, I particularly adore funny people. However, I have to go with Denzel Washington on this one. Not only is he one of the greatest talents of our time, but he has an intense and beautiful depth that I really admire and respect.
Every time I come across a video of him, I anticipate hearing some profound wisdom or sage advice. Nonetheless, I’d gladly spend time with anyone who has endured serious trials of life and managed to uphold their kindness and find a deeper compassion and empathy for others who are also struggling. These are the individuals we should truly revere.
How can our readers follow you online?
You can follow me on Instagram @cielpost.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold.
