Dear Stage 32 Community,
My name is Yvonne, an actress with a deep passion for storytelling through my own theater shows. Looking back, I recall being approached for film roles when I was younger. Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to say yes. Why? It wasn’t fear or doubt—it was the lack of control. Reading someone else’s script felt like stepping into a world I hadn’t shaped, and that didn’t sit right with me.
Back then, did I envision myself writing screenplays years later? Honestly, no. But here I am, crafting my own stories for the screen. Do I see myself starring in these films? Not quite. For now, I’m more drawn to pitching my work—think press-style sizzle reels—while envisioning other actors bringing my scripts to life. Will this mindset shift? Perhaps. I’m open to change, but I’m curious about the journey.
This brings me to my question for you, the talented Stage 32 community: Are there any screenwriters here who also star in their own films? What’s your philosophy behind wearing both hats? How do you balance the creative control of writing with the vulnerability of acting in your own story? I’m eager to hear your experiences and insights, as I navigate this path with curiosity and an open mind.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Warm regards,
Yvonne
3 people like this
Hi, Yvonne Padmos. Welcome to the community. Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world (www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...).
Stage 32 had a live Community Open House the other week. The recording will be available to watch soon (www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-june-community-open-house-...). It'll also help you navigate Stage 32 and connect with creatives and industry pros.
There might be screenwriters on here who star in their own films. I met an actress on Stage 32 a while back who wrote her own scenes for her to star in. She also produced the films. They were short scenes she added to her acting reel. I've also heard of actors and actresses who wrote their own scripts to star in.
4 people like this
Yvonne Padmos this is such a good question. I wish I could give you an answer but i've yet to write a script. Can you say more about how your reason for not wanting to star in your films ? Does it feel too vulnerable?
3 people like this
I have written a one act. I know a lot of actors write their own scripts and produce it themselves as that is often the best way to get yourself out there. Are there actors who started out strictly as writers? Sure. You ask some very thought provoking questions. I can't wait to hear the answers!
2 people like this
Dear Maurice Vaughan, Alexandra Stevens and Suzanne Bronson and Hi Stage 32 community! Huge thanks for all your support—it’s been amazing connecting here. I’m a writer first, always. I started in theater, doing some acting and writing my own plays. After a life-changing accident, I wanted my stories to hit the screen, not just stay in books, so I dove into screenwriting. It’s been such a thrill! My first screenplay got me hooked, and now I’m deep into my TV series, Ella in Marbella, set in sunny Spain where I live.I’m Ella in Ella in Marbella, and I’m having a blast pitching the next seasons with my theater energy—acting out scenes during presentations is just too fun, I can’t stop! I never meant to star, though. I used to turn down movie roles because I couldn’t control the scripts, and now, writing my own, I’ve got that control, which feels so right. Writing and acting have merged for me, maybe because I spent years as an undercover journalist/actor—my life’s a mix of storytelling and performance! But when I pitch as Ella, some folks think I’m a movie star. I always laugh and say, “Nope, I’m a writer!” Still, I love slipping into character to bring my pitches to life.For my other films, I’m leaning toward casting younger actors or those with more film experience—they seem to shine brighter on screen these days. Theater’s my happy place; the movie spotlight feels intense. Looking back, I regret saying no to filmmakers who offered me roles—they said I was good, and maybe with more film experience, I’d feel differently about acting. For Ella in Marbella, though, I’m still playing Ella in my pitches, but I’m curious—what do you think? Should I keep acting as Ella for the series, or would casting a seasoned film actor make it pop more? Producers out there, do you love working with a writer who’s also the actress, or does it complicate things? I’d love to hear your thoughts! What’s been your experience blending writing and acting, or producing projects with multi-passions? How do you decide when to step into a role versus handing it off? Let’s keep the conversation going! I’m on Stage 32, Script Revolution, and IMDB Pro, sharing my work and learning from you all. Share your insights below or message me—I’m all ears for making Ella in Marbella the best it can be. Thanks for reading!
4 people like this
You're welcome, Yvonne Padmos. Sorry to hear about the accident. You said you're having a blast pitching Ella in Marbella and you said "when I pitch as Ella, some folks think I’m a movie star," so I think you should keep acting as Ella for the series. And I like the idea of acting out scenes during a pitch.
5 people like this
I wrote a screenplay, my first one, as an acting student. The purpose was to shoot a short film before my scene partner left the country for home. It was a quick draft, and two days later he approved it. I asked a friend to film it. Well, She produced, another friend directed, seven other filmmakers swarmed in to fill out the crew, we cast one person (who never acted before) into the co-lead, and I focused in on the crafty. Next thing you know, the film was finished, and the collaborative effort of others allowed me to be my character. I wrote, I acted, I crafty'd. We won a lot of awards, had fun, learned from each other. The lesson learned, is after you write, collaborate. Let it go. Trust your producer and director and the sound person and your cast members. Your story will live.
3 people like this
Hi Yvonne Padmos, Ashley here—Head of Community at Stage 32!
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and vulnerable post. Your reflections on authorship and control are so relatable, especially for creators who’ve spent time shaping work in theater and are now stepping into screenwriting or filmmaking. The evolution of your creative instincts, from needing control to now inviting collaboration, shows such growth, and I admire the openness you’re bringing to this next chapter.
We have a number of Education offerings that touch on actor-writer dynamics- https://www.stage32.com/education. Or consider booking a consult with one of our industry executives to discuss your goals and the best strategy for your scripts by emailing Success@stage32.com.
And since you’re looking to connect and collaborate, I highly recommend joining our July Filmmakers Club, in partnership with Blackmagic Design! This week’s challenge explores cross-cultural storytelling and the unique perspectives we bring to our creative work. You can check it out and join in here:
https://www.stage32.com/blog/july-filmmakers-club-week-2-strategies-for-...
Thanks again for starting this rich conversation. I hope you’ll continue sharing your journey!
4 people like this
Yvonne Padmos I'm impressed by your energy for writing and Ella in Marbella which comes through your words. Given that, I personally think you should continue playing Ella. What's Spain and particularly Malaga like with regard to the industry?
3 people like this
Hi Alexandra Stevens
Thanks for the sweet words—you totally caught the Ella-in-Marbella spark in my writing! Okay, quick correction: I’m in Marbella, not Málaga, but I’m stealth-mode about my whereabouts to keep my acting/writing chaos separate from my personal life. Though, haha, let’s be honest—writing and acting are my life! Even my “down time” is just me scribbling scripts or dreaming up stage moments. You feel that creative whirlwind, right?
2 people like this
Yvonne Padmos yes that creative whirlwind is potent. I look forward to seeing/hearing more of what it brings.