Heidi Philipsen

I first started acting at the age of 12 in middle school via the musical "The Twelve Dancing Princesses."  I was in the sixth grade and technically was only supposed to get a background role (seventh and eighth grades got the lead roles back then), but did so well on my audition that they cast me in the lead role of the 'Evil Enchantress.' 
I was so excited that during that year's spring break prior to rehearsals,  I learned not only my lines but everyone else's as well.  And from that moment on, I was hooked. Acting would forever be my main love in life.
That being said, in my family, you didn't really pursue 'acting' as a main profession. Hobby? Yes. Hollywood? No.
As a result, I pursued a career in international affairs and journalism; and, in spite of the occasional role in in theater on the side while living in Berlin, Germany in the 90s.
And then, after moving to NYC in the beginning of the year 2000, while at Columbia University's School of International & Public Affairs, I got hooked on scene study classes at T. Schreiber Studios and couldn't let go. I refused to stop taking them, in spite of a hectic grad school roster -- and then 9/11's tragedy hit and I realized that life is too short to compromise on what truly fulfills you.  AndI realized then and there that couldn't take living a life without acting any longer.
Since then, I've made it my purpose to pursue acting and learn everything I could about the craft via advanced training at schools like Terry Schreiber Studios, Stella Adler Studios, Matthias Schott Acting Studio (Berlin) and Jeff Daniel's Purple Rose Theatre (Michigan), I've been blessed to have acting as a constant companion in my life.
​There have been ups and downs -- and I've branched out to writing, directing and producing to keep my foot in the circle all while starting a family and raising two children -- but through it all, the creativity and absolute joy of "living the truth in imaginary circumstances" has always kept me coming back.