By: Lauren Mitchell

Maiken Poulsen submitted her audition and moved on. Weeks later, she received a callback—one of just a few selected from more than 700 actors. By that evening, she had secured her first lead role in a prominent theater production.

This moment marked a significant step, shaped by years of steady effort, beginning on a school stage in Denmark and nurtured through professional training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles.

In the following, we explore how Maiken navigated her journey from early theater experiences to working on international film sets, how being bilingual has shaped her career, and the factors that help her stand out in a city full of aspiring actors.

From Danish Stages to Los Angeles Soundstages

Maiken’s passion for acting began early. At six years old, she appeared in her first school play in Denmark and immediately felt a strong connection to performing. This spark evolved into a clear path. She continued acting throughout elementary and middle school, eventually taking formal classes in high school.

In 2018, Maiken moved to Los Angeles to pursue professional acting training. She was accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she earned both the Academy Honors Scholarship and a Merit Scholarship.

She graduated during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, entering a challenging industry landscape. Since then, she has gained experience across various formats, including theater, short films, a series, a supporting role in a feature, and most recently, her first lead role in a feature film.

A Turning Point Audition

One of the most pivotal moments in Maiken’s career came from a self-taped audition submitted through Actors Access. While she had experienced this process before, something about this particular role stood out to her.

“I felt a strong connection to this character in a way I hadn’t experienced before,” she says. “I felt I truly understood this character like never before.”

She sent in her audition and continued on. Weeks later, she received a callback. Over 700 actors had submitted tapes, and after a chemistry read, she received the news that she had booked the lead role.

“It felt surreal,” she says. “I was both excited and nervous. I didn’t want to mess it up.”

The pressure eased as rehearsals began. The more she stepped into the role, the more grounded she felt. “Every moment I spent portraying this character reminded me why I love acting,” she says. “It became something much more personal to me.”

Craft Built on Consistency

Maiken attributes much of her mindset and work ethic to her background as a competitive equestrian. For over 12 years, she trained in both dressage and show jumping. That experience, she believes, instilled in her patience, discipline, and an understanding of how trust is built over time.

“I learned from working with horses that success doesn’t always come right away, but with persistence, it will pay off,” she reflects. “And it did.”

This approach has carried over into her preparation for roles, her navigation of the industry, and her collaborations with others in the field.

A Bilingual Voice with a Global Perspective

Maiken, born and raised in Denmark, is fluent in both Danish and English. Her international background helps her connect with a broad array of stories and characters, and she brings this adaptability to every project she undertakes.

She has also gained valuable insights by working alongside well-known actors such as Rafe Spall, Lindsay Lohan, Margot Robbie, Colin Farrell, Kate Hudson, and Brenda Song. These experiences have given her a firsthand view of diverse production styles and on-set dynamics.

“I’ve learned so much just by observing,” she shares. “You can feel when people are fully invested in the work. That’s the kind of environment I strive to contribute to.”

Focused on the Work Ahead

Maiken remains focused on growth, not just as an actor, but as a storyteller. She is particularly drawn to film for its emotional depth and seeks roles that allow her to explore new challenges. Over time, she also hopes to contribute behind the camera, helping shape stories from the ground up.

“I definitely want to do more movies. I want to dive deeper into the characters I portray and continue to evolve as a storyteller,” she says. “Eventually, I’d love to direct. Being involved from the initial idea to the final cut really excites me.”

No matter where her next roles lead, Maiken’s approach remains consistent: prepare fully, stay present, and respect the craft. With each project, she is building something intentional. The groundwork is done. Now, she is embracing the journey of what she hopes will be a fulfilling career in Hollywood.