From pirouettes to poignant monologues, Alec Dahmer seamlessly combines the worlds of dance and acting. With a versatile career that spans award-winning television shows, musicals, and cutting-edge short films, Alec creates unforgettable performances by bridging the gap between his passions.
Alec's journey in the performing arts began at the tender age of two when he enrolled in a dance class because his older sister was already part of the dance community. The experience ignited a passion for performance. By the age of twelve, Alec's devotion to his craft reached new heights, prompting his parents to find him an agent. His first significant role came shortly after, playing Kurt in The Sound of Music at the Stratford Festival of Ontario in 2015. The role catapulted him into a year-long commitment of over 100 performances, serving as a foundational chapter in his journey as an actor.
Transitioning from stage to screen, Alec continued to garner critical acclaim. He landed a leading role in Bajillionaires, a comedy that aired on Family Channel in Canada and NBC Universal Kids in the USA. His heartfelt performances earned him nominations for both the Young Entertainer Award and the Young Artist Award in 2020. His talents didn't stop there. Alec dazzled audiences in episodes of award-winning shows like The Queen's Gambit, Titans, and Anne with an E.
Despite his acting achievements, Alec never left behind his first love, dance. In 2016, he performed in the ensemble of The Wizard of Oz at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario, where he not only executed intricate dance numbers but also served as the Youth Dance Captain of the company.
Alec’s most recent project, a short film called Beat It, is now making waves in the international film festival circuit. The film won several accolades, including the Bronze Award for Best Short Film Quebec at the Fantasia International Film Festival and Best Indie Short at the Berlin International Art Film Festival.
In 2022, Alec took a leap of faith, moving from Canada to Brooklyn, NYC, to embark on a two-year conservatory program at TKS. This rigorous training, which included intensive courses in the Meisner Acting Technique, Linklater voice technique, and a range of other esteemed methods, was a pivotal point in his journey. It armed him with diverse techniques that he now employs to make his performances "unapologetically" his own.
However, the road to success wasn’t always smooth. "Finding my own style and letting my uniqueness shine has been hard!" Alec admits. He speaks candidly of the trials and tribulations in the industry, the pressure to conform, and the financial strain. Yet, his approach to overcoming these challenges is a testament to his dedication. "Lots of experimenting on my own was a necessary step," he shares, "and having the right mentors who encouraged and embraced me was necessary as well."
Alec's advice for those forging their own path in the arts is to "trust the process." He emphasizes, "Enjoy the process! Do the work for yourself because you owe it to YOU, not anyone else!"
As for the future, Alec’s aspirations remain high. He dreams of continuing to act, both on stage and on screen, always seeking to produce work that resonates with people deeply. "I want to be acting for a very long time," Alec declares, "making art that is meaningful to me and others." This talented young man is well on his way to achieving that goal.