By: Nic Abelian
When Anabelle Ciancuillo steps into a room, the energy often shifts. Whether she’s on stage, in front of a camera, or producing the next creative project, her presence is hard to overlook. Known for her engaging performances in short films like At Home With Kevin, Trending, The Veil, The Don’t Call Me Sweetheart Show, and a U.S. commercial for Swytch—an electric bike conversion kit company—this LA-based actor and producer continues to build a reputation as an innovator and storyteller with a strong commitment to authenticity.
Though she’s now building a career in Hollywood, Anabelle’s roots are firmly planted in Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene. Her early work on the stages of theatres like Steep Theatre and Shattered Globe Theatre gave her opportunities to hone the craft of exploring a character’s depth and motivation. This theatrical foundation has been an important part of her evolution as an actor, helping her bring nuanced, dynamic performances to each role—both on screen and in front of live audiences. For Anabelle, it’s about more than just playing a part; it’s about connecting with the audience in a way that feels sincere.
From Chicago’s Stages to Hollywood’s Spotlight
Anabelle’s move to Hollywood didn’t happen overnight—it was the result of consistent effort and years of development in Chicago’s theatre community. There, she learned to connect with live audiences and bring stories to life through performance. It was in this environment that she began developing her ability to interpret and embody the emotional depth of a character. That experience has translated into her work on camera, where she continues to bring a thoughtful and grounded approach to each role.
Her transition into film has included roles in At Home With Kevin, Trending, and The Veil, where viewers have responded positively to her portrayals of layered, emotionally complex characters. Whether playing grounded, relatable roles or characters in more imaginative scenarios, Anabelle’s range has allowed her to explore different styles of storytelling. Her process involves an in-depth exploration of character motivation, which often results in performances that resonate with audiences and add emotional texture to the script.
Photo Courtesy: Matt Kallish
A Unique Perspective: A CODA
One personal experience that influences Anabelle’s creative work is her identity as a CODA—Child of Deaf Adults. Having grown up immersed in both Deaf and Hearing cultures, she brings a layered and empathetic viewpoint to her work. This background provides insight into the challenges and richness of communication, which informs her storytelling and character development.
Whether engaging with roles that involve American Sign Language or contributing to stories that touch on accessibility and understanding, Anabelle’s perspective adds depth to the roles she takes on and the projects she contributes to. Her lived experience offers a voice that is underrepresented in much of the industry.
The Passion to Create: From Acting to Producing
In addition to acting, Anabelle has been developing her voice behind the camera. Recently, she produced a horror-themed photo shoot—a creative departure that allowed her to explore a different visual and narrative tone. Projects like these demonstrate her desire to expand her artistic skill set and collaborate on stories that reflect a range of genres and perspectives.
She continues to seek out opportunities to create meaningful content that challenges norms and encourages conversation. By taking on both performance and production roles, Anabelle positions herself as an artist with a broader storytelling vision, open to experimenting with format and tone while still grounded in personal authenticity.
Photo Courtesy: Huebner Headshots
Thriving in Every Aspect of Life
Outside of acting and producing, Anabelle actively trains in physical disciplines that keep her both grounded and inspired. She has over 10 years of experience in Muay Thai and regularly practices aerial arts and acrobatics. These activities not only support her physical performance but also represent her commitment to personal growth and discipline.
For Anabelle, trying new things and pushing boundaries—whether artistic or physical—is a core part of her identity. As she puts it, “the world is your playground.” Whether flipping through the air or collaborating on a new script, she approaches challenges with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
The Road Ahead: A Creative Journey in Motion
As Anabelle Ciancuillo continues to expand her body of work in Los Angeles, her commitment to storytelling and artistic growth remains evident. Rather than focusing solely on building stardom, she emphasizes the importance of craft, connection, and representation in her work. Her dual role as actor and producer allows her to contribute to projects that reflect varied perspectives—both personal and universal.
Anabelle’s creative path is shaped by persistence, curiosity, and a genuine love for storytelling. From her early theatre days to her current film and production ventures, she continues to seek out roles and projects that feel meaningful. While it’s difficult to predict exactly what comes next, her continued involvement in diverse and thoughtful productions suggests a steady artistic future.
To stay up to date with Anabelle’s latest work, you can visit her website or follow her on Instagram at @anabellechinch. For creatives looking to break into the entertainment industry—or anyone who appreciates storytelling grounded in authenticity—Anabelle’s journey offers inspiration and insight.
