NIDA alum, Pat Mandziy (Acting, 2020), is an accomplished actor and social media sensation with over 900k followers across TikTok and Instagram. Beyond his career as a social media sorcerer, Pat has recently been cast in Deerstalker Pictures’ immensely popular Dungeons & Dragons web series 1 For All, as the uptight and wearisome wizard, Illustrium. Find out how NIDA helped him polish his acting skills and his advice for aspiring creators.
Why did you choose to study the BFA Acting program at NIDA?
I auditioned for the course because I wanted to hone my skills in the theatre and film arts and meet like-minded people to collaborate with.
You have been cast as Illustrium the Wizard in the Dungeons & Dragons based web series, 1 For All. Can you tell us a bit about your role in the production? How has your NIDA training helped you prepare for the role?
I originally met one of the creators on a different set and they reached out to me in 2022 to play a side character (a talking tree) in one of their shorts, as they were a fan of my short-form content on TikTok. At the time I, regrettably, couldn’t do the project. And then earlier this year, just after I’d finished on NIDA’s Festival of Emerging Artists, they reached out to me about the role of Illustrium, who I thought would be a one-time character, but has come back a few more times. NIDA gave me the tools to be spontaneous and playful in the parts I’ve played.
After a few shoots, the creators asked if I was interested in writing a few scenes, which allowed me to explore a more ‘behind the scenes’ role in the creative process.
You have gained a following of over 580k followers on TikTok and over 300k on Instagram for your comedic sketches. How do you keep your content fresh for such a broad audience?
I think there’s a lot of experimentation when it comes to content creation. Because you never know what will appeal today or tomorrow. I think you have to have passion for what you do, because passion is one of those authentic things that people are naturally drawn to. It also helps if you make content that you personally enjoy making, rather than trying to please thousands of others. It may sound like the old ‘be yourself’ trope, but you never know who that could strike a chord with and just like with writing, if you write what you know you don’t have to fake anything.
What were some of your favourite things about studying at NIDA and are you still in touch with your cohort?
My favourite part about studying at NIDA was the routine and the rigour that the training expected of you, as well as the diversity of theatre and film forms that were taught, I think text analysis and improvisation have been the tools that have stayed with me most.
I still see some of my cohort from time to time whether it’s casually or professionally.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors and those considering the BFA Acting program at NIDA?
My advice is; be your authentic self, constantly stay curious and always be willing to learn.
*Header image: Pat Mandziy in the NIDA student production of Ghosts, 2020. Photo by Phil Erbacher.
