Interview with Alexandra Berti

(photos by Jeff Collier)

1. I know you, but some people may not.
So could you please introduce yourself to the world?


"Hi my name is Alexandra B (aka Alex B or Xandra B). I am a professional actress and dancer based in NY. I currently recur on FBI (Season 2) on CBS and other network shows. I am a current master’s degree candidate at Johns Hopkins University and hold a BFA in Dance from Fordham University/Alvin Ailey along with a Teaching Certification through the Bolshoi Ballet. I also have a certification in Psychological First Aid from Johns Hopkins."

2. What was your first job in the entertainment industry?
Also, what did you do before that?

"My first professional job technically was as a model for Art Stone’s Costume Magazine. I was teaching dance at the time when I was “found” for the job."

3. Did you study acting before getting into the industry?

"Not really. I had taken a few acting classes here and there over the years specifically for dancers but never really trained in acting too much before attending Alvin Ailey/Fordham University BFA in Dance Program. My junior year there I took <Acting for Dancers> and sought private coaching in acting when possible. I became a professional actor booking my first professional film gig on Friends from College followed a week or so later by being booked as the lead of the 2.5hr feature film One More Photo Please, an Off Broadway Show, a regional theater show, and many many more film gigs."

4. If you could work with anyone you'd want,
who would that person be and why? 

"I would love to work with Sandra Bullock and Lady Gaga as they are very multifaceted. I’d also love to work with Queen Latifah and Regina Hall as I love how strong characters their usually portray are and the conviction they have when delivering their characters to the camera."

5. What does a normal day in your life looks like?

"My day really differs. My day starts about 2-3 hours before “call time” usually. I wake up, get ready for the day. I try to preset anything I need for set by the door the night before just so it is one less thing to have to think about in the morning since calls for me tend to be very early in the morning. I like listening to music on my way to set to clear my mind and block everything else but my role out. When I get to set I check in, see wardrobe, hair and makeup, then head to set. Sometimes it takes a few hours to get to set and other times just moments after finishing with hair I go to set. USUALLY it is somewhere around a 10-12 hour work day. It can be up to 15 hours at times though. You never know what time you get off work really so they key is to be flexible. When waiting I try and do my homework for school same when I get home. If I have a later call time like 8am on then I will try and do homework before work too. It’s a balancing act for sure. Other than that, I don’t really have a regular gym schedule like I would like since I never know when I’m working until the night before usually. I do go to the gym before/after work when I’m able and have a healthy diet though. I also teach dance during the week when not on set. My students inspire me a lot!"

6. Where is your favorite place to be and why?

"I really love Lincoln Center as well as The Ailey School and the ice rink."

7. If you could, what would be the one advice you
would want to give to your younger self?

"Don’t be afraid to close the door to an opportunity or a person that is not the best for you. There is always another door or window you can go through to get to your destiny."

8. What is one of the best advice that you've got?
Who was the person that gave it to you?

"It’s tough to pick just one! <Always live within your means and always have multiple backup plans.> one of the stars of Blue Bloods told me this but to respect their privacy I won’t release their name. <Shield your heart.> my mentor told me. <There is only one Alex B.> my friend told me. <If you feel alone, you are probably doing something right.> (Let that sink in for a minute...) one of my ballet teachers had told me this my freshman yesr of college. <Don’t watch the competition before you go on> my figure skating coach as a kid told me this right after I began training for the Olympics."

9. What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

"Being able to remember where I come from and that I am a small town girl living in a big world, not taking that for granted, and remembering those who helped me along the way. No job or award beats that."

10. If you could book any role in the next years to come,
what would that dream role be?

"I would love to be Superwoman on film, have a documentary film made about my life (because I have had some really interesting experiences and a lot of people tell me it needs to be made into a film, and if in a theater show I’d love to be in Mamma Mia!"

11. Is there anything you can disclose about any new project?

"A few things I can disclose- you will be seeing a lot more of me on television this year across the board. I am a recurring actress on FBI and also am recurring in a few other network shows also. There are rumors about a cosplay/dance video in the near future. I’m going to be speaking on a distinguished artist panel at Fordham University in 2020. Also I have HUGE plans for 2020."

12. What is the best part about life on set?

"The people. I work with people each day who may not have a clue where they are working the next day but come together to help one another find jobs and get booked. We all have different reasons for being on set, are from different places and have different skills but we really lean on one another for the support to continue on in our work. The career isn’t for the faint of heart. I’ve met people from literally every career on set even brain surgeons. The people truly make the set and long hours worth it. The people make the place or in this place the set."

13. In the end, is there anything you'd like to say to the people who support you?

"I’d love to thank my parents, family, friends, mentors, teachers, coaches, sponsors, managers, PR, boss’, and the organizations/companies who have supported me. I would also like to thank the casting directors who give me the opportunity to be booked each day. I’d also like to give a shoutout to Johns Hopkins University, Fordham University, The Ailey School, and St. John the Baptist DHS for supporting me academically as well as on my professional career path. I would also like to thank my students for their efforts and inspiration and their parents/guardians for entrusting me with their children."