How Grace Swanson Turned an Unexpected Audition Into a Breakout Career

From theatre student to award-winning vertical drama actress, Grace Swanson's career has been defined by embracing opportunities she never saw coming. As her acting résumé grows, so do her ambitions as a writer and producer.

Grace Swanson didn't expect an unfamiliar audition to change the course of her career. But what began as a leap into the then-emerging world of vertical dramas quickly evolved into a string of leading roles, industry recognition, and opportunities that continue to shape her future as both an actress and filmmaker.

From Chicago Stages to Hollywood Sets

Born and raised in the Chicago suburb of Lake Forest, Illinois, Swanson discovered her love for performing long before audiences knew her from vertical dramas.

She participated in musicals and theater productions throughout grade school and high school, describing her theater community as a creative and welcoming space that inspired her to pursue a career in film.

Although acting became her profession, it wasn't initially her only goal. Swanson attended Northwestern University, where she studied theatre while also earning a degree in economics and completing business studies.

She has said she wanted to understand both the creative and business sides of the entertainment industry because she originally envisioned herself working in production as well.

Her training also included time at the prestigious British American Drama Academy in London, where she further developed her classical acting skills before moving to Los Angeles to pursue professional opportunities.

After graduating, Swanson briefly worked at a marketing company in Chicago before deciding to give Los Angeles a chance.

Once there, she worked as an assistant to a documentary producer, continued taking acting classes, appeared in commercials, and built experience on independent film sets while learning the industry from behind the scenes.

The Audition That Changed Everything

Ironically, the project that transformed Swanson's career was one she almost didn't understand.

She recalled receiving an audition for the ReelShort series "True Luna" in August 2023. At the time, she had never heard of vertical dramas.

"I was like, 'What is this?'" she remembered, admitting that the project initially seemed unfamiliar. Encouraged by her mother to give it a chance, she auditioned anyway and landed the lead role of Emma Parker.

Filming proved to be unlike anything she had experienced before.

Swanson has described shooting vertical dramas as "boot camp" for actors. With productions often requiring performers to memorize and film 10 to 15 pages a day, she quickly learned to adapt to the fast-paced environment.

Despite the demanding schedule, she remembers the set fondly, comparing the experience to "summer camp" because of the close friendships she formed with her castmates.

When "True Luna" gained widespread attention, Swanson's career took an unexpected turn.

"It kind of just started a ripple effect," she said, explaining that one successful project soon led to another.

As more of her performances found audiences, she transitioned from auditioning for roles to receiving direct offers, allowing her to become more selective about the productions and studios she worked with.

Becoming One of Vertical Drama's Leading Faces

Following the success of "True Luna," Swanson continued building an impressive résumé across the rapidly growing vertical drama industry.

One of her biggest milestones came with "Snatched a Billionaire to Be My Husband," where she played Cora Lane. Her performance earned ReelShort's Best Actress award, placing her alongside nominees Samantha Drews and Autumn Noel before ultimately taking home the honor.

Since then, Swanson has appeared in a growing collection of vertical dramas spanning romance, fantasy, mystery, and suspense.

Her credits include "Driven to Love," "Love the Way You Lie," "Love, Lies, and Alibis," "I Wish It Were You," "Married a Billionaire Behind the Mask," "30 Days to Love," "Game of Choice," “Dash of Fire,” “Caldwell Academy,” and several other productions across platforms.

For Swanson, vertical dramas have become more than a niche format.

Grace Swanson behind the scenes of a vertical drama shoot | Source: instagram/gracewswanson

She has said the relationships she built through these productions have opened doors to larger projects, including opportunities in traditional horizontal film and television.

One vertical series even led to her and a former co-star being considered together for another production because of the chemistry they had already established on screen.

Building a Career Behind the Camera

While audiences primarily know Swanson as an actress, she has long envisioned a career that extends beyond performing.

She continues working in production, particularly in the documentary world, while also developing her own original projects.

Rather than simply repeating familiar story formulas, Swanson said she hopes to help create projects that bring fresh ideas to the vertical drama space.

"I love to produce and write," she explained in January 2025, adding that she doesn't necessarily expect to star in every project she creates.

Grace Swanson behind the scenes of a vertial shoot | Source: instagram/gracewswanson

Life Beyond the Set

Away from filming, Swanson maintains an active lifestyle that reflects many of the interests listed on her professional resumes.

Her Instagram offers glimpses of hikes through Southern California, horseback riding, coffee outings with friends, travel adventures, and time spent with family, including her younger sister.

She also enjoys skiing, swimming, basketball, badminton, and other outdoor activities that help her recharge between productions.

Staying active is an important part of maintaining balance in an industry known for its unpredictability.

Measuring Success Beyond the Numbers

Although Swanson recognizes that success in vertical dramas is often measured by viewership and audience engagement, her own definition goes beyond statistics.

She has said the most fulfilling part of her career is simply being on set with a collaborative team.

"Being on set, there's just nothing like it," she said, explaining that finishing a production alongside talented cast and crew members feels like success in itself.

That people-first approach also shapes the advice she shares with aspiring actors.

"I think lead with kindness would probably be the biggest thing," Swanson said. She believes the most successful people she has worked with are also the kindest and most supportive, and that a single positive interaction can lead to future collaborations.

Another lesson has stayed with her throughout her career. Swanson often recalls advice from her grandfather: "Life's not a dress rehearsal." It's a reminder, she says, to embrace opportunities, keep learning, and make the most of every experience.

As her filmography continues to grow, Swanson is doing more than building a successful acting career. Whether she's leading a vertical drama, developing original scripts, or producing projects behind the camera, she continues to expand the ways she tells stories—one opportunity at a time.