Milica Burazer is a passionate theater actress who discovered her love for acting at just five years old. Trained at the Academy of Arts in Belgrade under Professor Nebojsa Dugalić, she quickly made a name for herself. Despite early challenges, Milica has grown into a versatile performer, with roles that have deeply impacted both her life and career.
In this interview, Milica shares insights from her acting journey, discusses her inspirations, and offers advice to aspiring actors. She also reveals how costumes help her embody characters and reflects on her future aspirations in the industry.
Discovering a Love for Acting
How and when did you first realize that you wanted to become an actress?
I was five years old when I joined a children’s theatre choir. I participated in performances, but it was the thrill of being given a line in a play that changed everything for me. That moment made me realize the theater was where I wanted to spend a large part of my life. That’s how it all began. Afterward, I attended many acting schools, enrolled in acting, and now I can say I’m living my childhood dream.
Education and Training in Acting
Could you tell us about your education and training in acting? Where did you study, and how did those experiences shape your career?
I studied acting at the Academy of Arts in Belgrade under Professor Nebojša Dugalić. I’m incredibly grateful to be his student. Over four years, I learned how to see and think critically. Through independent projects, TV series, and professional theater work, I gained a unique fitness, essential for any actor. Each role has added something new to my personal and professional life. The constant learning is the true magic and beauty of this job.
Overcoming Early Career Challenges
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced at the beginning of your acting career, and how did you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges came at the end of my first year of study. We were preparing scenes from Anton Pavlovich Chekhov‘s plays (my favorite writer). It was incredibly hard for me to let go and do what was needed for the scene. I felt untalented and wanted to drop out. On the night before the exam, our assistant, Hana Selimović, told me something I’ll never forget: “Everything you feel will be chased away or used in the best possible way.” I’m grateful for those words. They helped me channel my emotions and improve as an actor.
Inspirations and Evolving Motivations
Who or what inspired you to pursue acting, and how has that inspiration evolved over time?
I don’t believe in idols, but I admire anyone who is brave, loving, and resilient. Love and children are my biggest inspirations.
Balancing Personal Life and Acting Career
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of your acting career?
Acting is my life, in the best sense. I think about it often, but without pressure. I truly love what I do, so I consider acting more of a love than a job. Everyone around me loves and supports my work. With good organization and support, I believe anything is possible.
Significant Moments and Life-Changing Experiences
Can you share a few significant moments in your life that have had a profound impact on you, both personally and professionally?
Self-awareness, every day, through every role. I don’t single out moments because every day and every experience counts.
Was there a particular event or experience in your life that changed your perspective on acting or influenced your career decisions?
Yes, many experiences have shaped my path, but one stands out. I faced a health problem that was successfully resolved. Returning to the stage afterward, I felt immense gratitude to be alive and to be able to act, sing, and dance again. That experience gave me a new sense of fearlessness and made me realize I can do anything. Since then, I’ve felt unstoppable.
Personal and Professional Highlights
What would you consider the highlight of your life so far, and how has it shaped you as both a person and an actress?
Working on myself daily is crucial. As an actress, and personally, I continuously explore my talents, stay curious, and nurture a deep love for life, joy, and song. This daily commitment keeps me close to my peak.
Among the roles you’ve played, which one has been your favorite and why? What did you learn from that character?
Each role has brought something special and new. I love them all because they are different. But I felt happiest and most tender while filming a soap opera. Seeing my grandmother’s pride when her neighbors, relatives, and friends saw me on TV was priceless. I was a proud granddaughter, and she was a proud grandmother.
What are some of the most significant achievements in your acting career so far?
The play “Memory of Water,” directed by Nikola Kljajić, premiered in 2021. It helped me mature during one of the most challenging times of my life. This play, which I started as an independent project, marked a turning point in my career.
Future Aspirations and Career Goals
What are your goals for the future as an actress? Are there any particular roles or types of projects you aspire to be a part of?
I aspire to play an exciting, demanding role in a good production with an even better crew. I also dream of bringing Serbian historical figures to life on screen. I feel a strong connection with them.
What inspired you to create the “Zlatni Žir” festival, and how did you turn your dream into reality?
The project that fills me with pride and optimism is the “Zlatni Žir” festival, debuting this year in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia. Five years ago, when I was out of work and creating my own plays, I dreamed of launching a theater festival. Today, that dream is a reality. “Zlatni Žir” is dedicated to young creators producing plays outside traditional institutions. This festival will provide a platform for showcasing excellent but often overlooked plays and foster networking among artists across Serbia. With the slogan “Iskorak” (Step Forward), I believe this festival will make a lasting impact and grow stronger each year.
Advice for Aspiring Actors
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in the acting industry?
Be free, be brave, and embrace life. Open your heart and eyes wide, and what is meant for you will come. If something bypasses you, it wasn’t meant for you.
The Role of Costumes in Acting
In your work as an actress, particularly in theater, how important are costumes in helping you embody a character, especially when portraying roles from different historical periods?
In Serbia, there’s a saying: “A costume is half a character,” and I agree. I love trying on new and different outfits, especially those from various eras, styles, and genres. Costumes can reveal a lot about the character and help bring the time and style closer to the audience. I enjoy wearing pieces far removed from my personal style because, through them, I can explore aspects of myself I might not express in everyday life.
I also love fashion and staying up-to-date with trends. Like theater, fashion is living and evolving. Trying on costumes is always fun, especially during the intense rehearsal process. It feels like a little break where we can all indulge in the joy of play.
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