Charmaine is Living Her Best Life
"The best education is one that teaches you how to learn."
Charmaine Bingwa graduated from Santa Maria College in 2001. She has since, established herself as a professional actor, after making the decision to move to America and follow her dream.
We asked her to answer a few questions for us about her life and her career.
When did you decide you wanted to become a professional actor?
Not until later in life. I was completing my second degree, in music. I took acting as an elective, and that was it.
Who are your biggest influences?
The artists obsessed with the craft, Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, Denzel Washington… There are many influences outside of acting too, paintings, poetry, and music. Life has always been the greatest reference point for me.
Did your time at Santa Maria influence where you are today?
The best education is one that teaches you how to learn. My time at Santa definitely afforded me that.
What advice would you give your 15-year-old self?
None, she had a plan, and she did very, very well.
What do you do in your downtime?
What downtime?! I write, read, exercise, travel, religiously wash my car, shop and connect with friends.
 What are you currently working on?
I recently completed filming Emancipation starring Will Smith and Ben Foster, and I’m currently shooting Season 6 of The Good Fight in New York.
What advice would you give to our Drama students who are keen to pursue acting?
Enjoy the process and take the pressure off the results. Enjoy the brilliance of the writer, the connection with your scene partner and the reverence of the life you’re representing. You’ll most likely end up where you want to go regardless.
Thank you for sharing with us Charmaine. We love watching your career and can’t wait to see where it takes you next.
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
