“A Day in the Life” with: Calgary-based Actress Samantha Grant

Originally from Montreal, Samantha Grant was born into the arts through her notable ballet dancer parents who owned a dance studio and company. Costumes hanging on the backs of doors and bellowing applause inspired her future theatrical career. As a teen, she found her theatre family by joining a repertory company performing Shakespeare in schools. After a brief hiatus working in the U.K. ski industry and travelling throughout Europe she moved to Vancouver where the booming film industry garnered her many opportunities in film and TV. There she could train and grow as an artist with well-respected teachers and coaches. She honed her improv acting skills as a role player training law enforcement from corrections to Detectives adding realism to scenarios and hopefully saving lives. Relocating to Edmonton with her new husband and growing family, she included lifestyle modelling and Zumba Instructor to her credits. Now in Calgary, she is a mom to a teenage boy, two dogs, and cat! Her days consist of auditions, dog walks, writing, painting, and enjoying nature through her camera lens. Her passion for nature, the human condition, and giving back inspires her work and spirit.

Samantha Grant
Picking up the brushes for a special memorial piece and reconnecting with my dad in spirit. He taught me to paint with oils when I was a child. I hope he’s happy that I’m painting again. I feel so at peace when I paint.
Samantha Grant
Where all the ideas percolate. My writing nook for Morning Pages that I’ve been faithful to since the late 90’s. A tiny haven to imagine and plan.
A favourite place with my family on the water. A simple row boat to sit in peacefully watching the birds and dipping a rod into cool dark water. We pack a snack and stay out for a couple of hours. Herons, Kingfishers, Eagles, Ospreys, Loons, Pelicans, Cormorants, ducks, geese, and other lake fowl are the showgirls of the shore.
I’m a little obsessed with taking photos of the girls and Alberta skies. I often get them together. Belgians are always moving so I have to be quick. I’m looking forward to getting the big camera out in the spring.
On set and so happy. A selfie from my trailer and my cheesy “pinch me” grin. I am very aware of the blessings when I book a role. This was a recent MOW shot in Calgary.
Role-playing for the military always has some adventures and surprises. It’s an honour to assist in training new and seasoned soldiers by providing accurate portrayals of civilians/soldiers in a situation of civil unrest. Hostage, Medi-Vac, smuggling, revolts, and other scenarios bring true reactions and teach empathy and sharpen skills.
Samantha Grant
Just made myself a Canicross belt to have hands-free with the girls on a city run. It saves my shoulders and allows for more natural movement. I’m thrilled to be running again. I retired from 13 years of teaching Zumba and my Achilles is just feeling better now.
Oh, heaven to be on a horse. I bought Western boots when we moved to Alberta so I would force myself to keep riding. I used to ride as a teen and miss connecting to horses. It’s on my list to gently bother a few stables for some lessons soon. This is another of my happy places.

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Which ’hood are you in?

I live in Taradale in Northeast Calgary with my husband Allan, teenage son, two dogs, and cat! We have a large yard and spend most of the year outdoors on our deck enjoying elaborate dinners prepared by my husband who happens to be a chef and celebrating the seasons. We’re close to many amenities and we’ve made some great friends in the best dog park.

What do you do?

Being an actor, I must be ready for any kind of audition. I sing in the car to keep my voice limber, dance in the downstairs studio, run with the girls to keep fit, and I am always writing. I book the occasional lifestyle modelling gig and can find myself in the most beautiful locations enjoying nature with great people. Most importantly, I’m a mom to a teen on the spectrum. We spend a lot of time together going for long walks with the dogs around Calgary, or our favourite, picnicking at the Zoo. From May to October, we escape to a family cabin by a lake and enjoy the wildlife, scenery, water activities, and constant renovations. That’s my paradise.

What are you currently working on?

Everything ebbs and flows depending on the season/weather and casting needs. Before shooting ramps up I will be painting a mural to be completed this spring with another artist to beautify a community space. There’s a short film script in my head that I am just beginning to write requiring much research and funding! That will be ongoing. I am still a role player with first responders, military, and medical personnel putting my improv skills to good use in crises. I scream louder than any mannequin!

Where can we find your work?

I have an IMDB page listing my film and TV work and currently the feature film “The Birds Who Fear Death” is on the festival circuit garnering many awards. I am also on big and little screens in the ATA “No Excuses” ad campaign. I have accounts on IG and FB for any upcoming film, TV, theatre, artwork, and notices.

 

About Shantelle Canzanese 14 Articles
Shantelle Canzanese was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She currently writes for the Toronto Guardian and values the freedom and creativity it allows. She loves connecting with people and getting the opportunity to tell their story. She's also a personal development coach and passionate about DIY and design. You can learn more about her at www.shantellecanzanese.com