Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation: October 2020

Hana Tariku (Social Media Blooger), decided to interview on our our speakers' from Film Camp and Volunteer with our Film Workshops, Monique Gelineau.

Introducing: Monique Gelineau..Actor, Producer, Teacher, and Volunteer

An actor, producer and helper: Monique Gelineau. Gelineau began her acting career by participating in school productions from elementary school through junior high, subsequently developing her passion of performing. However, Gelineau was torn between whether she wanted to be an actor or singer. After her freshman year at California State University Fullerton, studying in the Musical Theatre program, Gelineau was able to see acting was the passion she wanted to pursue. She began working on developing her craft by joining the Bachelor of Fine Arts for Acting program, which is an extremely selective program to get into. The lessons Gelineau learned from this program, her natural talent and love for acting equipped her to handle multiple roles and learn new stunts, as she did in the play: Metamorphoses. Gelineau played Midas’ daughter, the messenger God Iris, Hunger and Myrah, in addition to sliding down a twenty foot fireman pole, disappearing into a pool of water-- which had a trapdoor beneath it, and learning aerial arts. Even though the play required many aspects, ones which she probably had not practiced being that she was a college student at the time, Gelineau kept a positive attitude, enjoying every moment and seizing the lessons from this opportunity. “Physically, emotionally, and creatively it was an incredible experience that really challenged me in the best ways possible,” exclaimed Gelineau.

Besides being a talented actor on the rise, Gelineau has also dipped her feet into producing. Gelineau foresaw the benefits of this field leading her to gladly take up this position. “Creating your own work is the very best way to keep working, meeting new people and having something to talk about when meeting industry professionals,” Gelineau stated. Gelineau was able to prosper while holding multiple roles by creating a system: “ I try to keep my life very organized, and thrive with Google Spreadsheets.” In addition to leading an organized life, Gelineau is able to connect talented and devoted people in front, and behind, the camera with producing. She aspires for acting and producing to be her only jobs. As of now, acting and producing takes up much of her day, but Gelineau still works as a TV production assistant for Notre Dame High School.

Even with her numerous acting and producing roles Gelineau devotes her free time to contributing her knowledge, on the media industry, with the young actors, directors, and producers of the Barbara Senior Harkins Foundation. She first heard about the foundation through our very own, Elisia Harkins-James while working as a TV production assistant. Gelineau loved working with Harkins-James and saw how the foundation truly benefited others. “She’s just someone you always want to work with; incredibly smart, talented, kind, and supportive, and I love how well she is able to reach out to students across the nation and the world,” exclaimed Gelineau. She officially began her work with the foundation in 2019, working as a guest speaker for workshops about producing, in addition to assisting in the live webinars. Gelineau plans to continue working with the foundation, viewing it as an honor, and is dedicated to partaking in any form the foundation needs. Her persistent work with the foundation has caused her to gain many fond memories, her favorite being a virtual producing seminar she spoke at. “During the summer, and during a pandemic, young filmmakers signed up and showed up to further their knowledge and careers! That kind of passion and dedication from the young generation of filmmakers coming in is truly inspiring,” stated Gelineau.

Beyond gaining memories that will stick with her for a lifetime, Gelineau also was able to witness how her work and the work of the program has benefited young film students. “These participants really feel connected to the world of this industry, fueling their fire, and making their filmmaking dreams seem all that much more attainable,” expressed Gelineau. Subsequently, Gelineau also witnessed her own development in terms of her communication skills and source of creativity. “I am able to hop on virtual calls with other filmmaker guest speakers and learn from them as well, in addition to the inspiration I feel from the young filmmakers who participate in the foundation,” said Gelineau.

Monique Gelineau is a gifted and accomplished actor and producer, and through her work with the Barbara Senior Harkins Foundation, Gelineau has become a talented teacher and mentor to many young film students. Her time spent in the foundation has and continues to be appreciated. I’m sure the film/media industry appreciates her part in developing the future directors, producers, and screenwriters of the entertainment we will be enjoying.