Dani Guevarez is best known for her role in the hit BET+ original series “First Wives Club” as the ex-wife to Tyrell, played by comedian/actor Affion Crockett. Some of her earlier credits include, “Inevitable” (DIM Productions/Innerlocked Media), “At Mamu’s Feet” (Best/Star Maxx Media), and “Inner Demons the Thrillogy” (AM4F/ScriptWork Productions LLC). Dani has also found success as an author, writer, director, and owner + sole acting coach of Acting for Beginners; the latter is where she spends most of her time outside of performing. Coaching is dear to her heart as it is a way of passing the baton to new and uprising creatives. As a working actress and coach, Dani shows no signs of slowing down with several projects in the pipeline for 2023 and beyond.
“First Wives Club” is a modern-day take on the classic 90s film of the same name. Unlike the original film, the series features an entirely Black cast. Set in NYC, First Wives Club follows the life of three women (Ari, Bree, and Hazel) who band together after failed marriages, finding strength in sisterhood and, interestingly, a little revenge.
In this series, Guevarez assumed the role of Nina, the ex-wife of Tyrell (played by Affion Crockett) who has the hustle spirit of a new self-made businesswoman. She guest-starred in the last episode of the third season.
FWM: What is it about entertainment that fuels your soul?
Being able to express oneself not only with words but visually fuels me. I enjoy using my body and emotions to tell stories. It’s like my soul can communicate with others deeper than words can express alone. My mother put me into dance at a young age and from there I was able to use my body and movements to express myself and I saw that I was good at doing so.
FWM: You are best known for your role as Nina on the hit show, The First Wives Club. Tell us about the backstory of the “The First Wives Club” audition.
I auditioned for First Wives Club 3xs until a role landed for me. I’m grateful that I was continuously called in and honored to have been chosen for the role of Nina. When I heard I had gotten the role I was actually finishing up an interview for a production coordinator position for another company. So, I wasn’t too bummed that I didn’t get that position. When my agent told me I played it cool, but when I hung up the phone I jumped for joy. I was booked off of tape with no callbacks. I assume the many auditions for the show were my callback.
“FIRST WIVES CLUB” — AVAILABLE NOW (BET+)
Starring Jill Scott, Michelle Buteau, Ryan M. Bathe, Michelle Mitchenor
FWM: How did you prepare for your role as Nina?
The shoot date was pushed back a few times so by the time I was to film I was well prepared with my lines. I usually read the scene several times with various emotions to see what resonates with the character, but once you get on set and feel the energy of the other characters, it brings something different. Putting on the clothes they saw fit for Nina helped groom me into the role also. It’s something about the shoes that grounds the character.
FWM: You have a passion for coaching aspiring actors. Tell us about Acting for Beginners and how you are passing the baton to new and uprising creatives.
Acting for Beginners is a company I felt aspiring actors needed. It started by giving free information on how to get started in acting in a Facebook group. The group has grown of those wanting to know more about acting and how to get started. Not only did I feel the need to tell them how to get started but also how to act. With my 15 years of knowledge of knowing the do’s and dont’s of the industry I feel it’s only fair to share the knowledge. Maybe I can help shorten another actor’s time of making the same mistakes I’ve made throughout my pursuit.
FWM: How did working behind and in front of the camera cultivate you into a powerful performer?
When acting, I now have an idea of what the camera crew is looking for, how to stay in frame, and how loud or low I can be when it comes to sound. I know how to feel the lights. When it comes to directing, I now know the questions to ask the Director to get the most out of the scene and how to bring out the writer’s intention for the scene. It’s good to know how the machine works so you can make everyone’s job easier.
FWM: Tell us about the Acting for Beginners Workshop.
The Acting For Beginners Workshop was/is a workshop that touches on all aspects of the business of acting up to the audition. We discuss casting sites, headshots, and self-tape auditions to in-person auditions. We had Slingshots ATL photography in attendance to take acting headshots. All students left with acting headshots and the knowledge of where to place them for castings. Atlanta Film and TV was there answering questions about the Atlanta industry and the importance of networking in Atlanta.
FWM: How have you grown your FB academy group to over 63k members with over 75% of them being African actors?
Honestly, I’m sure the group’s growth was an act of God. I was given the name Acting for Beginners. It was available to become a business entity, and it grew from there. I think the name had something to do with it. The name mentions its audience. I’m sure it’s easy for the beginning actor to search for beginners or beginning actors and it directs them to the group. Now the fact that 75% are in Africa puzzles me, but I’m starting to believe that’s where I need to focus. I receive so many questions from those in Africa on how to get started and, although I’m not familiar with the industry there, I can teach them the basics of acting. The fundamentals of acting are similar all over the World.
FWM: What piece of advice do you share with your students about the key to success and longevity in the industry?
I tell them to have patience. Listen and watch the signs for where you are being pulled in the industry, that’s if you are to be in the industry. For some acting is a hobby where you release feelings and for others a career, whether in front of the camera or behind. Be patient with yourself and the process of every “no” from an audition is a lesson. Learn how to make it better for next time, or maybe it’s “not yet”. Ex: Every First Wives Club audition was a “not yet” until I landed the role of Nina.
FWM: Why is Atlanta a great place to kick off a career in entertainment versus NYC or LA?
Although Atlanta seems to be booming now, it’s still growing. Growth allows for upcoming actors to strive and grow within the market. I can only speak for myself of why I chose Atlanta over NYC and LA because it has a lower cost of living and it was closer to home for me, Florida. But once I saw its growth, I never left.
FWM: What’s next for you?
I’m still auditioning, so fingers crossed that something lands with those. I am still building the Acting for Beginners brand and planning more workshops for aspiring actors. Hopefully, you get to see more of Nina on First Wives Club.
