Check out our interview with actress Athena Park who can be seen as Robin on highly anticipated feature film “The Swearing Jar” alongside Adelaide Clemens, Patrick J. Adams, Douglas Smith, and Kathleen Turner. The film will be released this Fall 2022.
The Swearing Jar centers on Carey played by Adelaide Clemens, a high-school music teacher who throws a birthday concert for her husband, Simon played by Patrick J. Adams, making them reminisce about their shared past. Through comedy, music and memory, the film will chart Carey and Simon’s relationship and the birth of their child.
Follow Athena @itsathenapark
Hi Athena, please tell us a little about you?
Hey!! I’m 17, I grew up in Toronto. I just graduated from highschool and will be going to the University of Toronto in September. I did well academically and want to continue, but my real goal and passion is acting and eventually directing. I did have to juggle school and work during my academic career and I probably will keep doing it during University. It did get to be a lot sometimes but I did not want to miss any opportunities. I also have my second degree black belt in Taekwondo and played competitive volleyball and landed on Team Ontario. My team went on to win gold. My favorite of all was working on set. From grade 5 to grade 12 I managed to be on set working every year. Yeah I have been busy.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Enthusiastic, spontaneous, adventurous
How did you get started with acting?
When I was in fourth grade, my school was holding auditions to be cast in the “Rockin Tale of Snow White”. I was told that eighth graders were the only ones allowed to be in the play, but me being an ambitious and annoying fourth grader, I begged the drama teacher to at least let me audition for one of the characters. After much convincing, she let me audition for the role of one of the seven dwarfs. I killed the audition, and to my surprise, she asked me if I would like to audition for one of the lead roles, The Evil Witch, and I was cast as The Evil Witch. I was thriving every night I performed. I always wanted to be an actress, but it is a demanding career that requires support from everyone around you, so I knew that my performances in this play would be my chance to prove to my parents that I can do this. Shortly after I signed with my first agent.
How has this changed your life?
It gave me a focus and my ambitious nature kicked in. It made my life very busy because I had to keep up with everything else and audition constantly and from there land roles. I loved being on set and meeting people who were like me. I made some amazing friends.
What is the best and most challenging part about being an actress?
Best: Meeting fantastic people and entertaining the world to spread happiness.
Challenging: It is not a set schedule of when an audition will come, so I often have to cancel plans made with friends if an audition pops up.
Tell us about your work in the highly anticipated film “The Swearing Jar?” And about your character “Robin?”
“The Swearing Jar”, focuses on Carey (a music teacher at a high school) and her husband’s love and the birth of their child through humour, music, and memories. I play Robin, one of Carey’s music students. Robin is a good student who works hard and is so grateful for her awesome music teacher. Robin is delighted when Carey switches her to drums, something that her parents were not thrilled about. Robin is also seen later in the film at the Dakota Tavern, three years later after she has graduated high school. I had the privilege to sing the song used during the dramatic turning point of the movie.
How would your best friends describe you?
My friends would describe me as being energetic, and a laugher. I love being around people so when I get to see them I get excited and love to laugh. They would also say that I throw out random facts a lot and this leads to more laughing.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Don’t take anything seriously. I was an extreme perfectionist, which led me to become extremely competitive and therefore never satisfied with myself or my accomplishments. But I’ve learned now that the only way to grow and become better is if you accept who you are and what you’ve done and be proud of it so you can have that motivation to grow even more.
What’s next for Athena Park in 2022?
Music! Music is next for Athena in 2022. I actually just finished recording my very first song, where I wrote all of the lyrics and helped develop the instrumentals, and am working towards making my next songs. After the release of my first song (which is coming very soon), I will release my first EP or album. I am still deciding on which challenge I am up for.
What is your favorite healthy food?
My favourite healthy food would definitely be a Power Bowl, with sweet potatoes, quinoa, salmon, edamame, avocado, chickpeas, red cabbage, spinach, kale, and tomatoes. I kind of just throw anything in there, depending on the day.
And your favorite cheat food?
Perogies
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being at peace with yourself.
Favorite song? Why?
My favourite song is without a doubt “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar. This song can always get me up on my feet and make me feel powerful. This is also my go-to song to blast in my bedroom, which makes me feel like I’m in a music video.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram (@itsathenapark), on Twitter (@itsathenapark), on TikTok (@athena.park), on Youtube (@Athena Park), and on Facebook (@Athena Park)
Book: “We Were Dreamers” (at the moment) because Simu is a friend and he is a really great guy
Quote: ‘’Rome wasn’t built in a day”
Movie: Joy
TV Series: Futurama and Breaking Bad
Favorite Food: Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
Travel Destination: Australia
