TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ can be seen in USA’s crime series, Dare Me. Based on the acclaimed novel by Megan Abbott, Dare Me is an unflinching exploration of teen angst, jealousy, loyalty, and the dynamics of power in a small Midwestern town.
Taveeta can also be seen in the Netflix series October Faction, which follows the story of globetrotting monster hunters Fred and Deloris Allen who, after the death of Fred’s father, return to their hometown in upstate New York. As the family adjusts, Fred and Deloris must hide their identities as members of a secret organization.
AC: What can audiences expect from Dare Me?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – Audiences can expect to feel a wide range of emotions from Dare Me. Dare Me is primarily led by young women, making the show powerful in its exploration of power dynamics and adolescence. It is dark, thrilling, and twisted, making for a very engaging and stimulating emotional and visual experience of the physical and psychological themes of the show. A must watch for audiences who enjoy a thrill.
AC: Have you read the novel by Megan Abbott?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – I have read the novel by Megan Abbott. I read the novel during my audition process for the show.
AC: Does the series depart from the book in any way?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – I think fans of the book will be glad to hear that the series is very true to the book but also providing a new fun fresh feel to the characters. We were so privileged to have Megan Abbott with us every day on set as one of our showrunners to ultimately bring her novel to life on the screen.
AC: Can you give us any teasers on what is in store for Riri?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – I can’t give away any spoilers but I can say that you can expect Riri to make you feel young and free, but also show you just how quickly all of the joy and vibrancy of life can fade in an instant. I really enjoy portraying this character. She’s not what you initially expect her to be, and I think that connection becomes more clear to audiences of the show as the show progresses.
AC: Do you have a favorite line of dialogue from the show?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – I do. It would have to be “Band of Bitches”. I’ll let you decide why.
AC: Can you recall any funny moments from on-set filming?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – Some of my favorite funny moments on set are all behind the scenes. The cast and crew were very quick to form a very fun family-oriented bond, and we would occasionally have Nerf wars on set. Our last day of shooting we had a big Nerf battle cast vs. crew and we all dressed the part in extreme Nerf war safety equipment and we all looked hilarious and turned into big giant kids. I laughed for the duration of the whole Nerf war, I just couldn’t take any of us seriously. It was really special.
AC: Were there any particular challenges that came with the role?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – I can’t give away any spoilers, but there was one particular episode of the show coming up that was extremely physically and emotionally taxing for me. It was a few days of back-to-back shooting of this same taxing scene, but I couldn’t have been more fulfilled by the challenge. Stay tuned!
AC: Who is your favorite person to share a scene with on the show?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – My favorite person to share a scene with on the show is Marlo Kelly, the actor who plays Beth. Marlo and I got to shoot a lot of fun scenes together and she is incredibly talented and engaging to work with. We had a blast!
AC: As an actor, what are you still trying to learn?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – As an actor, I believe I will always be trying to learn. The biggest area of focus for me right now comes from experiences off the set, audition room, and scripts, and moving into real life. Being an actor to me is about portraying life from the perspectives of many different types of people – from all walks and orientations of life – and the ability able to tell their stories. So a big part of my work comes from experiencing life. I am trying to experience as much life as possible and see as much of this world as possible, so that I can do my very best to put all that experience back into my work.
AC: How can you tell when you’re reading a great script?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – When I do not put it down or stray away from it until I’ve finished reading it.
AC: When did you begin to see acting as a potential career avenue?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – I fell in love with acting over the course of my first project. Working on a set and seeing how much goes into bringing a story to life on a screen was genuinely life-changing when it came to my creative fulfillment. I knew then that I wanted to pursue it as a career.
AC: What was it like growing up in Toronto?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – Growing up in Toronto was educating and fun. Toronto is a very cultured and creative city and so I was exposed and surround by a lot of different ways of life and art every time I would walk outside. I feel blessed to have been surrounded by all of that influence growing up.
AC: Let’s talk about Netflix’s October Faction. How does your character fit into the story?
Yes! Go October Faction. This show was so much fun to be a part of. I play the younger version of the lead Character Deloris Allen, played by Tamara Taylor. So essentially I fit into the story, every time you get a glimpse into Tamara’s character past. I can’t give away any spoilers, but it was a fantastic role in terms of its range and I am really looking forward to seeing how the audience takes to Young Deloris.
AC: How important is social media to you right now?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – I have really mixed feelings about social media. I think it is a fantastic tool for business and entrepreneurs and a lovely way to stay connected with your friends, but I do feel like it does an exceptional job of taking you away from the present moments of life sometimes. I try my best to have a good balance between time spent sharing what I enjoy and sharing news on the projects I am working on, while also enjoying life behind the social screen. Balance is key!
AC: What do you want the world to look like in 10 years?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – In 10 years I hope we live in a world where we as a species but the planet’s best environmental interest first. There is no world without this planet and I hope that we as a human race can take care of it as best as we can.
AC: Everyone seems to have an app idea at the moment, what’s yours?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – Forget an app – I’d like a teleportation device. So I guess my idea for an app would be a teleportation app. Let’s make it happen people. Maybe Uber will release that feature this year. Fingers crossed!
AC: If you had the chance to put something on billboards worldwide next week, what would it be?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – I love this question. If I had to share a billboard next week, it would definitely be just a big white background with strong black font reading “You are enough.” because all of us are, and I would want anyone reading that to be reminded of that.
AC: In front of the camera. what is a fear you’d like to conquer?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – In front of a camera I’d like to conquer interview jitters. Put a camera in front of me for a scene and I promise you I will fear no fear. But put a camera in front of me and some interview questions, and I’ll want nothing more but to crawl into my mamma bears arms and eat an entire jar of Nutella.
AC: What can you tell us about your upcoming projects?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – Both Dare Me and October Faction are incredibly engaging shows. The cast and crew of both projects worked so hard to bring these very different stories to life, and I hope you enjoying watching them as much as I did being a part of their creation.
AC: Aside from your upcoming projects, is there one thing you’re particularly excited about for the future?
TAVEETA SZYMANOWICZ – I am excited for experiences. I am planning on doing as much traveling as possible and I am excited to see what all these future adventures have in store for me.
INTERVIEW: ADAM CROOKES
