When you ask Aseel Yaseen where her story began, she doesn’t start with fame or film sets; she starts with her childhood living room. As a little girl, she was so captivated by the characters on television that she would try to reach into the screen to talk to them. That curiosity wasn’t just childhood play; it was the first spark of a lifelong love for acting.
From those early moments, Aseel Yaseen’s fascination with stories and human emotions grew stronger. Today, she is not only an actor but also the founder of The Act Cast, a platform dedicated to training, empowering, and connecting Jordanian and Arab actors with real opportunities. Her journey is one of passion, resilience, and vision, a story that continues to inspire many in the Arab creative industry.
Growing Up Between Drama and Reality
Aseel Yaseen’s childhood wasn’t like most others. Her parents divorced before she was born, and she was raised by her grandmother and aunts. These strong women were passionate about Syrian drama, and their love for emotional storytelling surrounded her from a young age. “That’s probably where my drama queen side came from,” Aseel says with a laugh, remembering those early days.
Being raised in a household where art and emotion were constantly present shaped her creative instincts. She found joy in performing and imagining stories beyond her world. Later, her curiosity about people’s emotions and behavior led her to study psychology, a subject that deepened her understanding of the human mind.
“Psychology taught me how people think, why they act the way they do, and what moves them emotionally,” she says. “That understanding became a huge part of my acting.”
Her love for reading and writing complemented her creative development. Slowly, she began to blend acting, writing, and directing, discovering a creative balance that became her signature.
Finding Purpose in an Uncertain Industry
When Aseel Yaseen began working in Jordan’s film industry in 2018, she quickly realized that opportunities were scarce. “Finding good projects wasn’t easy,” she recalls. “Jordan has so much talent, but the system doesn’t always support new actors.”
Instead of giving up, Aseel Yaseen decided to do something about it. She envisioned a platform that could fill the gaps she had personally faced, one that would give actors access to proper training, real opportunities, and visibility within the film industry.
This idea became The Act Cast, a platform designed to empower actors and connect them with production houses, filmmakers, and commercial clients. For Aseel Yaseen, it wasn’t just a business; it was a mission.
“I wanted to create something that could make the journey easier for others,” she explains. “Acting isn’t just a talent; it’s a craft. And every actor deserves a chance to develop that craft in a professional way.”
Turning Challenges into Change
Starting a business in Jordan’s creative industry was far from easy. The country’s limited resources, small market, and economic challenges made things difficult. But Aseel Yaseen had already learned how to navigate obstacles early in life.
“I’ve been living and working independently since I was nineteen,” she says. “It taught me how to take responsibility, stay focused, and never wait for the perfect moment to start.”
Her entrepreneurial mindset grew stronger with experience. She began building The Act Cast from the ground up, learning business management, networking with professionals, and securing support from development programs.
She often describes entrepreneurship as a full-time journey rather than a job. “It’s not a nine to five thing. It’s something that lives with you every hour of the day. You have to believe in what you’re building even when no one else sees it yet.”
Empowering Actors, One Role at a Time
At its core, The Act Cast aims to create real opportunities for actors in Jordan and across the Arab world. It connects talented performers with casting directors and filmmakers who are looking for the right fit for their projects.
But Aseel Yaseen’s vision goes beyond matchmaking. She wants to build a community of confident, well-trained actors who understand the value of their craft. “In Jordan, many actors don’t get the appreciation they deserve,” she says. “I want to change that by giving them the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams.”
Through workshops, casting projects, and industry collaborations, The Act Cast helps aspiring talents polish their skills and gain visibility. It also helps clients such as brands, directors, and agencies find authentic and diverse talent for their work.
For Aseel Yaseen, this isn’t just about business; it’s about shaping the future of acting in the region. “I want The Act Cast to become a sustainable ecosystem, something that continues to support actors long after I’m gone,” she says.
The Vision Beyond Borders
Aseel Yaseen’s long-term goal is to elevate Arab talent onto the international stage. She wants to prove that the Middle East has stories worth telling and actors capable of telling them beautifully.
She’s currently juggling several projects: writing her first feature film, managing casting campaigns, and developing new features for The Act Cast. Each project, she says, brings her closer to her dream of seeing Jordanian and Arab actors recognized globally.
“I want our stories to travel,” she says. “The Arab world is full of rich experiences, deep emotions, and unique perspectives. It’s time for the world to see them.”
Lessons from the Journey
Looking back, Aseel Yaseen admits that the road hasn’t been easy. “Nothing ever goes exactly as planned,” she says. “That was a hard lesson for me because I’m a perfectionist.”
She has learned that failure isn’t the end; it’s part of the process. “It’s okay to fall, to rest, and to start again,” she says. “Every setback teaches you something new.”
For young dreamers — and she says she’s still one of them — her advice is simple but powerful: Keep going, no matter how hard it gets. Believe in yourself, even when it feels impossible. You don’t need everything to be perfect to begin; just start.
This mindset has shaped her both personally and professionally. It taught her resilience, patience, and self-compassion, qualities that shine through everything she does.
Shaping the Future of Jordanian Cinema
The Act Cast is more than a startup. It is a movement that is slowly transforming Jordan’s creative landscape. By focusing on both talent development and opportunity creation, it bridges the gap between passion and profession.
Aseel Yaseen’s work has started to inspire a new wave of creative entrepreneurs and young filmmakers in Jordan. Her message is clear: instead of waiting for opportunities, create them.
Through her leadership, The Act Cast has become a symbol of hope for many aspiring actors who once felt unseen. It gives them a platform to be heard, noticed, and celebrated.
The Heart Behind the Vision
Despite her achievements, Aseel Yaseen remains grounded and grateful. She often reflects on how far she has come, from the little girl who wanted to talk to TV characters to a woman creating a stage for countless others to shine.
Her story isn’t just about success; it’s about courage. It’s about taking pain, struggle, and uncertainty and turning them into something meaningful.
“Acting is more than performing,” she says. “It’s about understanding people, telling their stories, and giving emotions a voice. That’s what drives me every single day.”
Through The Act Cast, Aseel Yaseen is rewriting the future of acting in Jordan, one talent, one story, and one opportunity at a time. Her journey is proof that when passion meets purpose, the result can inspire an entire generation to dream bigger and reach higher.
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