N.S. actor Kirstin Howell earns trio of nominations ahead of Screen Nova Scotia Awards

Actor Kirstin Howell received three ACTRA Maritimes Award nominations.

Kirstin Howell, a Halifax-based actor and acting coach, is being recognized for her work.

She’s received three ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) Maritimes Award nominations for her performances in the Hallmark holiday film “Believe in Christmas,” the short film “Gaslit,” and TV series “Everybody’s Meg.”

The awards will be presented as part of the upcoming Screen Nova Scotia Awards in May.

“(It’s) really special. I’m honoured,” Howell said in an interview with CTV Atlantic’s Katie Kelly.

Howell has been working professionally in the industry for over two decades.

“I love just the experience of being on set and creating something that even though you only do it once, it’s going to last forever. It’s really special,” she said.

In addition to acting, she runs a coaching studio out of her home, helping clients of all ages with auditions, self-tapes, and on-set preparation.

“The way I know that I’m supposed to be doing this is that I feel tired at the start of the day, but then I get more and more energy from my clients. It’s kind of my happy place,” she said.

“I love talking about the scenes with people. I love investigating what’s going on, and figuring out who the character is, and nailing a self tape.”

Howell credits Nova Scotia’s growing screen industry with helping provide more opportunities for local actors.

“There’s a lot going on. A lot of big shows might not be booking leads, but there are opportunities for sure – short films, features, TV shows,” she said.

She is currently on stage in Neptune Theatre’s Little Shop of Horrors and has performed in more than 10 Neptune productions.

“I actually started at Neptune Theatre School when I was in junior high, taking classes a million years ago, and always dreamed of being on the main stage.”

The Screen Nova Scotia Awards celebrate excellence in film, television, and animation across the province. The ACTRA Maritimes Awards are part of the evening’s festivities, recognizing outstanding performances by union members.

“It just feels special to acknowledge our peers for the hard work that they’re doing and continuing to do,” said Howell.

The awards ceremony takes place May 31 in Halifax.