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Name: Victoria Van Winkle

Hometown: Chattanooga, TN

Current Location: Los Angeles, CA

TrunkSpace: When did you know that you wanted to act for a living?
Van Winkle: Unconsciously, I think I always knew, but growing up, pursuing a career in the arts was about as realistic as saying you wanted to be the Little Mermaid when you grew up… which I did want to be the Little Mermaid, so there you go… but performing was just not accepted as a way of making one’s living. It wasn’t until I was in college, having tried on about every career option there was, I decided to take an acting class, and it scared me so bad, specifically how honest I got to be, and that’s when I knew, “I have to do this for the rest of my life.” I think so much of the time, it’s more acceptable to not tell the truth, or shy away from it, which was something I never understood, so for me, this new found truth telling, that was acceptable, and fun, just resonated so deep with who I already was and had always been… a story teller… and now it was a good thing, and provided me with a path I could journey down wholeheartedly. And so I did, I packed up my car and immediately moved to LA.

TrunkSpace: Was there a particular performance or actor/actress from your childhood that you remember being drawn to and inspired by?
Van Winkle: Oh so many! I watched a lot of movies as a kid, many of which were not age appropriate, but I had always been exposed to things before my time. (Laughing) My mom was a huge Patrick Swayze fan, and I remember finding Demi Moore mesmerizing in “Ghost,” but when I saw her in “G.I. Jane,” I was so drawn in. As a little girl I played with Barbies, but instead of a Ken doll, I had a G.I. Joe, and being raised by a single father, I have to admit to being a bit of a tomboy. Seeing someone take on both of those parts, equally feminine, equally tough, and wholly dedicated to the cause of justice while fighting for what one believed in… that every woman should be created equal… made me feel as if she was actually fighting for me. She affected me in my humanity and in my need to be seen as good enough, more than enough even, and though I didn’t have words to articulate such big discoveries then, my heart knew that this story was more than a “female” story or an “army” story, it was a human story, because we all feel insignificant sometimes, beat up, and bullied, and I wanted to be a part of telling such tales of vulnerabilities and heroism. You could say I joined the ranks that day of “wild things that don’t feel sorry for themselves.”

TrunkSpace: How did you decide to approach your career as an actor? Did you formulate a plan of how you wanted to attack what is known for being a hard industry to crack?
Van Winkle: I’m still formulating plans, and then immediately turning around and reminding myself that there aren’t any plans or tricks to this thing, none that I’ve discovered at least thus far, but I think that being a kind and generous person can go a long way. Along with hard work, doing it because you love it and because it brings you life as well as others, hopefully; and in approaching it this way, I think, you can create an attraction about yourself, and people will notice. Besides, it isn’t my job to be noticed, it’s my job to notice other people, to take interest in the words and stories of others. I believe that in doing that, I will and do stand out. I would also include the importance of having found and built for myself a team that has fought and continues to fight so hard for me to become the type of artist I desire to be. I rely on them everyday to push me and encourage me to keep going, keep pursuing, and fighting for what I believe in and want, because when that rejection hits hard and I feel like giving up, it’s my teachers, my agents, my friends and family I look to because they will not let me quit. They remind me we are doing this thing together, and that’s the secret of it all I think. I finally stopped believing I had to do it all myself.

TrunkSpace: When did you decide to move away from your home and pursue acting as a career? How old were you at the time?
Van Winkle: I believe it was my sophomore year in college, 2nd semester, after taking my first acting class as mentioned before, and upon realizing that’s what I wanted to do and had to do, I immediately started looking up schools on the west coast, applied to USC, and by the following semester I was in LA. I was 20 years old.

TrunkSpace: Was that move an easy transition for you initially? How long did it take you to feel at home and find a good support group of friends and peers?
Van Winkle: It was easy in the sense, that I knew I didn’t have any other options because I knew this was the only thing I could possibly be doing, and once my mind was made up, that was it. I remember not having an apartment or room lined up for myself when I got here, even though I had already accepted my admission at USC. It wasn’t until several days before I was set to make the cross-country drive, that a friend of a friend offered to let me bunk at their place while they were out of town for several months. Then of course, I was able to get into housing at USC a few months later, find a job (several actually in order to pay for my schooling and housing), and get on my feet. It was crazy how it worked out so perfectly, making the transition in that way was somewhat miraculous. My story is not what most people experience when looking for housing or living arrangements, it can sometimes be pretty difficult. But as far as finding friends and a place to belong, it was hard then, and unfortunately remains hard. I’ll just say that I’ve had seasons of friends that have been right for those periods of my life, and you know, I do have friends that I’ve had for a really long time and we have to work to remain and stay connected through the time and space over the years. I’ve learned that my home, sometimes, is myself, and my work, and for as lonely as that sounds, I’m an introvert so it works for me. But I also remind myself that I belong to a collective tribe of storytellers, who even if we’ve never met, I know have gone through the same things to get to where they are. And that’s really cool to think about sometimes… it sorta of bonds us together and the times of loneliness and sacrifice don’t seem so hard. Oh, and I also have a dog! He’s home to me for sure, as well as the group of friends I’m living with now, who I hope are “lifers” like myself. This city is so transitional sometimes, making it difficult to find your place and where you belong, but for as hard as it is, it’s that much greater when you do find it, either within yourself, or in others, or both. Hang in there.

TrunkSpace: What has been been your biggest break in terms of a particular role or project thus far?
Van Winkle: Well, I don’t know if I’d call it a break, but definitely a monumental moment for me was the writing, producing, directing, and acting in a short film I created to honor my childhood best friend who committed suicide back in 2014. It still remains the hardest thing I’ve ever had to take on, partly because of how personal the project was, but it has taught me so much about my voice, my beliefs about what my responsibility is as a storyteller… that of telling the truth no matter how difficult and painful. I think it taught me that just as personal as this story was for me, so every story after should be… because every story, every script, even if it’s mostly fictional or imagined, it’s most certainly someone else’s reality, and I have the honor and responsibility to make sure I do justice to that. In other words, it made my work that much more important and exciting, and was definitely a breakthrough if not a “break” in terms of recognition.

TrunkSpace: Is there a specific type of role you’d like to take on or a specific genre that you feel more at home in?
Van Winkle: I am a sucker for a good, gritty drama that is dripping with family dysfunction and all sorts of addictions and issues because let’s face it, we are our parents and family is messy (life is messy), but I love these darker accounts of our humanity because I think there’s more integrity in showing how difficult life can sometimes be whether it’s overcoming loss, or overcoming addictions, or getting your family back, and really showing what that’s like no matter how far we have to swing the pendulum into the darkness of those things, so that we can then swing the pendulum back into the light, and offer up a way out of the most hopeless and heartbreaking stories that are out there. You really can’t tell the truth with one and not the other—the dark and the light of life. One of my favorite movies, is an indie film called “Warrior” and that movie was so heartbreaking, yet so healing for me. It’s about two estranged brothers with an alcoholic father, both so broken in their own way, and it doesn’t ever look like they’ll find their way back to each other, but they do and it’s just… so beautiful. I seriously cry every time I even talk about that film! I really want to do that as a storyteller, step into those messy topics that are too taboo or too risky, or just so painful and difficult because they’re too close to reality, but to do so in order to show that healing is real and it is possible no matter how messy your own story is. Referring back to the short film I did about my friend’s suicide, because it’s such an important topic for me, and also super controversial at times, but it’s these things I want to shed light on… mental illnesses, addictions, loss, broken families, and all the deep, dark hurts we carry around as humans.

TrunkSpace: What would you say is the greatest strength an actor/actress can have outside of acting ability itself?
Van Winkle: Curiosity… to be curious about everything you’re exposed to and that’s around you. I am constantly drawn to things I know nothing about, and I love that because it allows me to explore these whole other parts of my humanity that would otherwise remain dormant unless I allow curiosity to wake them. It’s such a gift when I get a script, and I have no life experience in that area, nothing to compare it to in my own personal story, and so I am forced to go and imagine what the given set of circumstances would be like. Even if I get a story that is perhaps close to my own personal life, I will get curious about what differences there may be and then go explore that because that’s what’s fun for me… experiencing something different than what I already know. I already know what my life is like, I am curious as to what your life is like.

TrunkSpace: What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your acting career? Where would you like your path to lead?
Van Winkle: I feel like most people would answer this with some sort of accolade they hope to acquire, but all I think of are all the stories I hope I get asked to tell… one of the top ones being a sister story with Brie Larson, and yes of course, have it be a gritty drama, dripping with issues and dysfunctions! This is the thing most occupying my mind as of late, but I love writing, and am actually working on writing such a sister story that I’d hope to tell with Brie someday (soon), but yeah, I love all realms of storytelling, and because I sing and write as well, I have hopes for roles that involve my own writing that also allow me to sing. I want my path to lead to a place that is better than what I’ve imagined possible for myself, to find the tribe of storytellers that I already know I am a part of because I see their work and know that we are destined to cross paths one day, but to have that realized and be invited to join what they are already doing would be phenomenal. Ultimately, at the end of the day, I just want my journey to lead to happiness, which for me, is simply sitting on my balcony with a good story in my lap, the sunset and my dog. Ever always imagining and exploring. Wow, that’s so corny… but that’s my happiness.

TrunkSpace: What advice would you give another young aspiring actor/actress who is considering moving away from home to pursue their dream?
Van Winkle: If this is what you want of your life, you have already weighed the pros and cons and have considered the difficulties and hardships, the doubts and what-ifs, then you already have everything you need inside of you. You don’t need any pretty, delicate words from me. Everything you know now… trust it and hold fast to that thing that first moved you to chase this elusive thing, that most will refer to as a “dream,” but let it be for you an imagined reality, something more true for you than your actual life, and watch how that serves you. It will not forsake you. You are the story, friend. Now all you have to do is go be told.

TrunkSpace: Where can people (and casting directors) learn more about you?
Van Winkle: You can ask me to coffee if you like. I’m really into that ancient form of face to face communication, but of course I have all the social media outlets as well. My website is probably a great place to start though because I update it regularly with any performances or live shows I may be playing, so check it out!

www.victoriavanwinkle.com

Instagram: @victoriakvan

Twitter: @victoriakvan

Name: Michelle Halterman

Hometown: Ocean Twp, NJ

Current Location: Los Angeles, CA

TrunkSpace: When did you know that you wanted to act for a living?
Halterman: Growing up I was always drawn to the performing arts. I took dance classes from age seven all the way through being on the dance team in college. I was in the band, the chorus and school plays. I studied music industry in college, and thought about going into TV production for a while. But when I moved to NYC the job market was tough and I decided to finally pursue acting as a career.

TrunkSpace: Was there a particular performance or actor/actress from your childhood that you remember being drawn to and inspired by?
Halterman: I was definitely drawn to sketch comedy and characters. I loved “SNL,” “MADtv” and even shows like “All That” inspired me as a kid. I especially loved Julia Louis-Dreyfus on “Seinfeld.” I still think a little Elaine comes out of me here and there (both in real life and acting).

TrunkSpace: How did you decide to approach your career as an actor? Did you formulate a plan of how you wanted to attack what is known for being a hard industry to crack?
Halterman: Hopefully I’m not the only one who is still trying to figure out this path on a daily basis! (Laughter) But when I lived in New York I did some Off-Broadway shows and was involved in my first sketch troupe. I made the move to Los Angeles in 2010 to pursue more work in the TV and film industry. Since then I have taken classes at UCB, The Groundlings and Scott Sedita’s Acting Studio. I am still in love with comedy and have been trying to work and perform in whatever way I can. I even tried stand up for a while. My plan is to keep making contacts, keep making people laugh and keep having fun while being creative.

TrunkSpace: When did you decide to move away from your home and pursue acting as a career? How old were you at the time?
Halterman: I guess living in New York for two years I was still close enough to my hometown in New Jersey. So at the end of 2010 I moved to LA with a friend to give it a shot out here. I was 25.

TrunkSpace: Was that move an easy transition for you initially? How long did it take you to feel at home and find a good support group of friends and peers?|
Halterman: I was lucky enough to find an apartment, a car and a job in the first week of moving to Los Angeles. I only knew my roommate and two friends from college. But eventually between my part time jobs (and I’ve had a lot), acting projects and classes, I have met lots of other great people who have been really supportive. I still miss NYC and might move back someday (or be bi-coastal), but for now I am taking every opportunity I can in this market. There is so much work available out here, it’s just hard to find your path and keep it going.

TrunkSpace: What has been your biggest break in terms of a particular role or project thus far?
Halterman: I was in my first national commercial right before I moved to LA which was very exciting. Since living in Los Angeles, I was one of the leads in an indie feature film which was a wonderful learning experience. But mostly, my biggest role is yet to come!

TrunkSpace: Is there a specific type of role you’d like to take on or a specific genre that you feel more at home in?
Halterman: Well, of course I definitely feel more comfortable in a comedic role. I would love to be one of those actors who is always making guest appearances on shows like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Drunk History,” “Children’s Hospital,” or any sitcoms like that. But I would also love to stretch my muscles and comfort zone by acting in more dramatic roles. Hopefully characters that represent strong females and who help tell an amazing story.

TrunkSpace: What would you say is the greatest strength an actor/actress can have outside of acting ability itself?
Halterman: Confidence and patience. It may take years to make people believe in you and see your talent. So be prepared for rejection and never stop trying.

TrunkSpace: What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your acting career? Where would you like your path to lead?
Halterman: I would love to be a series regular in a sitcom. And of course a movie career on the side wouldn’t be so bad either. I just want to play interesting characters and entertain people.

TrunkSpace: What advice would you give another young aspiring actor/actress who is considering moving away from home to pursue their dream?
Halterman: Having money saved up is very important to get started. Don’t be ashamed if you have some part-time jobs for many years. I still do. Take classes that interest you and make friends. Create your own work. This whole thing is a marathon, not a sprint.

TrunkSpace: Where can people (and casting directors) learn more about you?
Halterman: I’m on LA Casting, Actor’s Access, Casting Frontier and IMDB. My personal website is www.michellehalterman.com
My IG @michellehalterman
My Twitter @michelledeanne

Name: Lindsay Rathert

Hometown: Prior Lake, MN

Current Location: Los Angeles

TrunkSpace: When did you know that you wanted to act for a living?
Rathert: I grew up doing theater and local commercials as a kid, but always considered it a hobby. It wasn’t until I was applying to colleges (as an International Relations major!) that I realized I actually wanted to pursue acting as a career.

TrunkSpace: Was there a particular performance or actor/actress from your childhood that you remember being drawn to and inspired by?
Rathert: My mom really loves old classic movies, so growing up we watched a lot of Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Katharine Hepburn. Seeing how there could be nuanced, intelligent roles for women definitely made an impression then, and continues to inform how I try to choose my roles now as a professional.

TrunkSpace: How did you decide to approach your career as an actor? Did you formulate a plan of how you wanted to attack what is known for being a hard industry to crack?
Rathert: Education is a major value in my family, so getting great training was a no-brainer since I was a kid. I got a theater degree from Northwestern University, and have lucked out with some fantastic teachers and coaches since then. I also worked in Chicago for several years, and cutting my teeth in a smaller market really helped me feel ready to transition to Los Angeles.

TrunkSpace: When did you decide to move away from your home and pursue acting as a career? How old were you at the time?
Rathert: I left home at 18 for college, then, as I mentioned, worked in Chicago after that. I moved to Los Angeles two years ago this week!

TrunkSpace: Was that move an easy transition for you initially? How long did it take you to feel at home and find a good support group of friends and peers?
Rathert: All things considered, it was pretty seamless. There were definitely a couple of sleepless nights during the first few months (finding side jobs, managing existential dread), but I also already had a community of friends and artists here, so there was a support system in place when things got hard. LA started to feel like home much sooner than I expected it to.

TrunkSpace: What has been been your biggest break in terms of a particular role or project thus far?
Rathert: There have been some indie features and pilots that I really hope pop, but the role I’m proudest of is from a small film called “You or Your Memory.” We had an amazing writer/director who worked with us on the characters for months prior to shooting, and the end product is so heartbreaking and beautiful. The film is almost out of post-production now, and I think it is going to get a lot of traction.

TrunkSpace: Is there a specific type of role you’d like to take on or a specific genre that you feel more at home in?
Rathert: I’m so inspired by Gena Rowlands’ work with John Cassavetes, especially “A Woman Under the Influence.” Lately, I find myself gravitating towards roles that explore a tenuous relationship with reality, and I’d love to tackle something like that. More recently, Amy Adams’ performance in “Arrival” blew me away; the challenge of being emotionally present in such an intellectually complicated character fascinates me.

TrunkSpace: What would you say is the greatest strength an actor/actress can have outside of acting ability itself?
Rathert: Empathy. We deal with such a wide range of personalities in this job, and it’s such a uniquely collaborative art form, so the ability to foster meaningful connections… or even just see where someone else is coming from… is invaluable. And it helps with resilience (AKA dealing with rejection). When I let myself feel like a disappointing situation is all about me, it’s easy to get discouraged or upset. But a sense of empathy helps me keep the bigger picture in mind. For me, surviving as an actor is about playing chess, not checkers, and empathy helps me keep the perspective necessary to push forward.

TrunkSpace: What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your acting career? Where would you like your path to lead?
Rathert: I’d like to be at a place in my career where I have total freedom of choice. It may sound idealistic, but being able to choose projects solely based on quality sounds like a dream. I love both film and television, so I think there are a lot of different roads that could lead there.

Ultimately, I’d also like to have my own small production company, so that if I fall in love with a particular script, I can make sure it gets produced with integrity.

TrunkSpace: What advice would you give another young aspiring actor/actress who is considering moving away from home to pursue their dream?
Rathert: I mean, do it. But pursuing your dream can be brutally hard sometimes, so save a little room to do things that just make you happy. For example, things like taking my dog to the beach, gardening, visiting my nieces, or riding my horse all keep me sane and are 100 percent joy. It can feel hard to prioritize things that don’t seem directly connected to your dream, but ultimately staying grounded in yourself and in real life does make you a better artist.

TrunkSpace: Where can people (and casting directors) learn more about you?
Rathert: Definitely check out my website, it has my reel, gallery, and all my info, as well as links to IMDb and social media!
Website: lindsayrathert.com
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2418599/

Name: Vanessa Calderon

Hometown: Madrid, Spain

Current Location: NYC

TrunkSpace: When did you know that you wanted to act for a living?
Calderon: I knew I wanted to act when dancing wasn’t enough for me as an artist. I needed my mind to tell a story, to have a reason, full of emotions and lines to define a character.

TrunkSpace: Was there a particular performance or actor/actress from your childhood that you remember being drawn to and inspired by?
Calderon: I remember loving TV shows. I was so inspired by those actors, full of love and making the audience happy by watching them. My lunchtimes, after school, were full of “Roseanne,” “Full House,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Will Smith was and is now one of the most amazing actors in comedy and drama.

TrunkSpace: How did you decide to approach your career as an actor? Did you formulate a plan of how you wanted to attack what is known for being a hard industry to crack?
Calderon: I have followed a plan, especially since I moved here. There is no time to waste, and time is money. I have worked a lot in Spain, I guess it was kind of organic there and I always had jobs. But here I’m auditioning a lot, for great projects now thanks to my manager in LA, so I’m very happy. It’s happening.

TrunkSpace: When did you decide to move away from your home and pursue acting as a career? How old were you at the time?
Calderon: I moved away from home to study as a dancer and actress when I was 17. And since that moment I’ve been away working and training so I could be the best.

TrunkSpace: Was that move an easy transition for you initially? How long did it take you to feel at home and find a good support group of friends and peers?
Calderon: Moving away from home, it’s always been something related to my job. Artists start an early career and they never stop. That was my case… I’ve always been traveling and I love my life. I have friends everywhere I go, supportive and loving people who make my life easier. And a very supportive family.

TrunkSpace: What has been been your biggest break in terms of a particular role or project thus far?
Calderon: I starred in a film that took me to the Malaga Film Festival and its red carpet. It’s a very important film festival in Spain and I got interviews everywhere; magazines, newspapers, red carpet… it was a magical day. Here I have now a few projects that obviously I can’t talk about them, but I’m sure one of them will help me with the next big step.

TrunkSpace: Is there a specific type of role you’d like to take on or a specific genre that you feel more at home in?
Calderon: I feel at home in drama… deep, intense characters. I do love comedy and I have a great time when I also work in comedy, but drama is my biggest interest.

TrunkSpace: What would you say is the greatest strength an actor/actress can have outside of acting ability itself?
Calderon: The greatest strength in an actor/actress is their self esteem. A strong, loving personality. An actor who knows the industry and feels comfortable with the rejections, and keeps going to the next opportunity full of energy, confidence and having fun. That’s the one who gets the job.

TrunkSpace: What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your acting career? Where would you like your path to lead?
Calderon: My ultimate dream in my career path as an actress is to achieve a Golden Palm in Cannes because of my work in a great indie… a raw and intense movie. My future is to direct my own projects about women. And I know I will.

TrunkSpace: What advice would you give another young aspiring actor/actress who is considering moving away from home to pursue their dream?
Calderon: To pursue their dream, and always, follow your gut. And be prepared when the opportunity comes.

TrunkSpace: Where can people (and casting directors) learn more about you?
Calderon: At my website where I have all my work as an actress.
www.vanessa-calderon.com
And the production company that has produced some of the films I’ve worked on in the past, as well as those I will work on in the future. Follow their upcoming projects!
www.nomada-films.com

Name: Nate Scholz

Hometown: Vancouver, WA

Current Location: Marina Del Rey, CA

TrunkSpace: When did you know that you wanted to act for a living?
Scholz: That’s a good question. As a kid I had an incredible imagination. I wanted to be Luke Skywalker and save the galaxy. I spent the better part of my childhood acting out such fantasies with friends. I grew up in what some would consider the “country” so I was always outside, building forts, playing sports (that rhymed) camping under the stars, and getting into trouble. The idea of acting as an art form didn’t exist to me. It was just something I did to escape reality. In high school I was a jock and partied a lot… and probably would have kicked my own ass if I said I wanted to do theater. In college I won a national marketing/sales competition and had my pick of 50 job offers. I chose the job that paid me the most and relocated me to LA… the worst reasons to make such a decision. Consequently, I was very unfulfilled and unhappy. After a year of battling depression caused by a poor life decision, I decided to look for a new job. Without going into great detail (too late), I interviewed with a famous writer named Leslie Dixon to become her assistant. It was during that interview that she told me I should pursue a career in acting. Apparently she had never told anyone that before, but she saw something “special” in me that she couldn’t ignore. She laid out what I needed to do then wished me luck. That was the catalyst for everything. Within a week I was in acting classes three days a week, had an agent within a month, booked my first short film within two months, and did my first standup show within five months. It was exactly what I had been searching for my whole life. I walked away from all that I had achieved in business and I’ve never looked back. I’m still grateful for Leslie. Without her, I might never have admitted to myself that acting was what I wanted to do all along.

TrunkSpace: Was there a particular performance or actor/actress from your childhood that you remember being drawn to and inspired by?
Scholz: It’s a three-way tie: Mark Hamill, Jean Claude Van Damme, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. They all played the “hero” and did so with their own unique style and bravado. It was not their “acting” that inspired me, it was the characters they played and the fantastic worlds their characters got to play in…and inevitably save. Fun fact: I wanted to be Van Damme so bad that I took martial arts for 5 years and mastered the ability to do the splits using two chairs like he did in “Bloodsport.”

TrunkSpace: How did you decide to approach your career as an actor? Did you formulate a plan of how you wanted to attack what is known for being a hard industry to crack?
Scholz: Leslie Dixon helped set me on the path and told me what I needed to do to get started, but after that I was on my own. I truly had no idea what I was doing and had to start from scratch. I approached acting like you would a sales and marketing job, after all, that was my background. I believed that if I worked harder than everyone else, networked, and sold myself like a product then I would be a movie star in no time. I. WAS. MISTAKEN.

Don’t get me wrong, my tenacity, confidence, charisma, and drive did get me an above average amount of work in those early days, especially given the fact I had no prior experience in the field. The only problem was, I wasn’t that good of an actor… and I knew it. I had to find MY truth, MY art, and MY voice before I could ever find the truth of a character who is completely different from me. That process of self-exploration and discovery was painful, humbling, and empowering. It is the hardest thing I’ve ever done and it took more than five years to uncover and is still an ongoing process. That process consisted of many exercises: Questioning EVERYTHING I thought, said, and did to uncover the hidden motivation behind it; learning to embrace tragedy and pain because the more shitty things that happen to you in life the more you have to pull form as an actor… I’ve been blessed in that area (laughter)… documenting my reactions to things that happen to me in my day-to-day life, practicing love, empathy, and compassion for people who are different from me; and exploring the human condition. The other part of my plan of attack was to determine “my type,” AKA “my product,” and then perfect it. I would ask acting coaches, casting directors, agents, peers, etc. what roles they could see me playing and then compare that to the roles I was booking most frequently. Once I had a sense for how others saw me, I was able to work on those characters in a more targeted fashion. Trust me, being type-cast is a great thing… it means you’re actually working.

TrunkSpace: When did you decide to move away from your home and pursue acting as a career? How old were you at the time?
Scholz: I did not move to LA to be an actor. I moved for a marketing job. I came here two weeks after graduating college in June of 2007. I started my acting career in mid 2008 at the age of 24.

TrunkSpace: Was that move an easy transition for you initially? How long did it take you to feel at home and find a good support group of friends and peers?
Scholz: My transition was okay. I brought my Golden Retriever with me so I never really felt alone in those early days. This can be a cold self-absorbed city and industry. It takes a while to find the core group of friends that are worth their weight in skin. I was fortunate to find a few good ones early on but sadly they moved away within a few years. This is something you must be prepared for. The turnover in this town is very high… not many people are cut out for it. In my experience, most people last about one to two years. Very few people make it five years and even fewer will make it 10 years plus. If they do, they are usually in it for the long haul and are doing things right…or they are incredibly stubborn and delusional. (Laughter) I met my core group of friends six years ago, 80 percent of them are from my home state (just works out that way), and most of them have been here 10 years or more. I can’t imagine being here without them. LA will only feel like home if you make it home. It took me about two years to adapt fully and five years to make it my home. It is a tough and crazy city, but it is also flippin’ awesome! If you focus on the positive aspects of the city (not all the negative), find a core group of friends who love you, and hollow out your nook in a part of the city that you vibe with, then you will thrive.

TrunkSpace: What has been been your biggest break in terms of a particular role or project thus far?
Scholz: I’d say it’s a short film I did last June called “Alibi.” I play ISSAC, a hardened bull rider who struggles to hold his marriage together while fighting to keep his bother out of jail for a crime he didn’t commit, only to learn that his brother’s alibi is far worse than he could ever imagine. It was the most challenging, complex, and fulfilling role I’ve played so far. It was executive produced by Mark Burnett and directed by his talented son Cameron Burnett. Though it may seem weird to choose a short film out of all the feature films, pilots, and TV shows I’ve done. its not. This was one of those rare projects that all actors pray for. Every person involved was incredibly talented, gave their all, did their homework, checked their egos, and came together to make something amazing. We left nothing on the table and you can’t ask for more. The project is already doing big things. It won ‘Best Short” at its first festival (Hollywood Reel Film Festival) and was recently accepted into Cannes!!! Needless to say we are all very excited for what is to come. Stay tuned…

TrunkSpace: Is there a specific type of role you’d like to take on or a specific genre that you feel more at home in?
Scholz: This may sound bad, but I really want to play a serial killer or a twisted psychopath of sorts. I know what it would take to go there and how challenging it would be, which is partially what draws me to it. I have played many different types of characters and am at a stage now where I’m drawn to things that challenge me and allow for a flexing of my creative muscle. In sharp contrast, it’s also a dream to be on SNL and showcase some of the over-the-top characters I’ve created over the years. As far as the genre I feel most at home in, I’d say its science fiction or action/drama. Weirdly enough, comedy has always come easy to me. (I’m funny as balls in real life.) However, I never get called in for it and have only done a handful of comedic roles in my career due to my “type” and how casting sees me. The majority of the work I do is dramatic, which is funny because that was the hardest thing for me to learn and my main weakness as an actor when I was starting out. It took many years for me to become respectable at it…and who knows, I may still be terrible but no one wants to break the news. (Laughter)

TrunkSpace: What would you say is the greatest strength an actor/actress can have outside of acting ability itself?
Scholz: Actors need to have many strengths outside of their main skill set: Drive, self-motivating, marketing and social media skills, business sense, networking ability, charisma, professionalism, etc. Yes, I’m aware I’m doing a terrible job of not giving concise or specific answer for this question, but there is not just one answer, especially in this industry. Everyone in this town (casting, agents, directors, networks, etc.) has their own opinion on how things should be done, what’s good and what’s not, and what it takes to succeed. Trust me, you WILL go crazy if you try to listen to them all. There are no right or wrong answers or paths to get to the top. It’s YOUR individual story and journey. That being said, there are certain things you need to know to make that journey as smooth as possible and to keep yourself from being taken advantage of. Basically, these are just my opinions based on my experience, which was unique to me so take from them what you can. I’d say the greatest strengths an actor can have outside of acting itself are: CONFIDENCE (you believe it, they will believe it), GIVING (help as many people as you can as often as you can), KINDNESS (treat everyone on set with dignity and respect), EMPATHY (the best actors I know are also the most empathetic), and PURPOSE (you better have a reason for doing this other than fame and fortune).

TrunkSpace: What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your acting career? Where would you like your path to lead?
Scholz: I dream big so don’t laugh. First, I want to play a Jedi badass in one of the future installments of “Star Wars.” (Laughter) Yes, that is for real. Those movies were everything to me as a kid. They were not just an escape from struggles in my adolescence, but they stimulated my imagination, taught me to think big, and made me want to be a hero. My dream is to play a role that inspires kids in the same way. Second, I want to star as Nate Drake in the adaptation of the video game franchise “Uncharted,” which has the potential to be a modern day Indiana Jones. Not only am I huge fan of the franchise, I also look very similar to Nate Drake while sharing the same name and sunny disposition. Third, since consistency in this industry is the elusive holy grail we all seek… I want to be a series regular on a show that makes syndication, preferably in the science fiction genre (think “Battlestar Galactica”). Lastly, I want to be nominated for (and hopefully win) an Oscar, SAG award, and Emmy. And yes, these goals are are written in my daily mantra. Go big or go home!

TrunkSpace: What advice would you give another young aspiring actor/actress who is considering moving away from home to pursue their dream?
Scholz: Start young and do not come here unless you have conquered the market in which you live. Meaning, hone your craft where you live until it’s good enough to consistently book projects in that area. Don’t come here without a resume. You need to be successful in a small market with little competition if you ever want to be successful here. Don’t just come out here because you want to be an actor. Be an actor first and if you are successful/talented enough where you live then try your luck out here. LA is too expensive and competitive to waste time dicking around. Plus, you usually only get one shot with casting so if you come in and you are garbage, you may never be called back again. Don’t burn that bridge because you are impatient. Also, MAKE YOU OWN CONTENT. The industry has changed. Opportunities are VERY few and far between. It is important that you can be a jack (or jill) of all trades: producing, directing, writing, etc. Not only will that make you a WAY better actor, it will allow you to bypass auditioning and write yourself lead roles that are perfect for you. I would also advise not falling into the Hollywood party scene. Whatever the other actors are doing, do the opposite. Keep your nose down, work harder and smarter than your peers, and network. Surround yourself with people who are where you want to be professionally. Never be the smartest or most talented person in the room. It’s NOT a race, it’s a marathon. Most overnight success stories took 10 to 20 years. Have a flexible, well-paying day job. I could keep going… but I won’t.

TrunkSpace: Where can people (and casting directors) learn more about you?
Scholz: You can learn more about me on my IMDb page (www.imdb.me/nas). There you will find my bio, picture, reels, clips of my work, and about half of my acting credits. Instagram is also a good place to learn more about me (SpooneyMcGavin). I always keep it updated with behind the scenes pictures, red carpet shenanigans, and personal exploits. Or you can just Google Nate Scholz and a bunch of stuff will pop up.

Name: Kayla Vera

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Current Location: Brooklyn, NY

TrunkSpace: When did you know that you wanted to act for a living?
Vera: Growing up, I had a very strict upbringing. I had to be home by 10 pm, I couldn’t wear any makeup or paint my nails in bright colors… and so I had always dreamt of escaping to some new place and being someone else, living someone else’s life even if only for an hour. And now as an actor, I have that opportunity. I can be a bad girl, a dangerous one or an evil one. I can be a lawyer, a mom or a femme fatale. I step into the souls of these new people and I can be them even if only for an hour. It’s fascinating. I’m a good girl deep down, so it is a lot of fun for me to be bad sometimes!

TrunkSpace: Was there a particular performance or actor/actress from your childhood that you remember being drawn to and inspired by?
Vera: I absolutely love and adore Nicole Kidman. I have been following her career for a while now and I get inspired by everything she does, especially the new HBO show she is in called “Big Little Lies.”

TrunkSpace: How did you decide to approach your career as an actor? Did you formulate a plan of how you wanted to attack what is known for being a hard industry to crack?
Vera: I’m not so much worried about “making it” in everyone’s eyes anymore as much I’m trying to enjoy my journey as an actor and constantly strive to become better. We all have a different concept of success and happiness and I feel that it’s more important to enjoy what you do, and be the best that you can be at it instead of trying to please everyone around you. Breathe, smile, keep learning and have fun!

TrunkSpace: When did you decide to move away from your home and pursue acting as a career? How old were you at the time?
Vera: I used to sing before. I traveled and performed live in front of large audiences, and had an amazing time exploring that passion of mine. A few years ago I decided to pursue acting. I joined SAG and have been studying at various acting schools in NY and LA. Sometimes when I take a break from school, I take on an indie project and it gives me an opportunity to test what I had learned in class, and master my own “style” of acting.

TrunkSpace: Was that move an easy transition for you initially? How long did it take you to feel at home and find a good support group of friends and peers?
Vera: For me transitioning from music into acting was relatively easy. I was already used to performing in front of live audiences, sometimes small and sometimes quite large ones. I was also used to the camera from filming a multitude of music videos where you have to create a character according to the song lyrics. It is just not as deep as the character work you would have to do for a film, but it is similar.

TrunkSpace: What has been been your biggest break in terms of a particular role or project thus far?
Vera: I haven’t had my “big break” just yet, but I’m working on it! 2017 is my year!

TrunkSpace: Is there a specific type of role you’d like to take on or a specific genre that you feel more at home in?
Vera: I’m very interested in modern drama. I would love to do theater… that is what I’m training for, but at the same time I’m open to other genres as well.

TrunkSpace: What would you say is the greatest strength an actor/actress can have outside of acting ability itself?
Vera: You have to really know yourself. Acting is so much more than technique. You have to feel every character you play on a very deep level so that you almost become a vessel of that energy, and then when it comes through in your performance, that’s when magic happens.

TrunkSpace: What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your acting career? Where would you like your path to lead?
Vera: I’m grateful having met some big people in the industry and also having had the opportunity to be mentored by a few of them. That alone to me is an accomplishment. I continue to grow as an actor and I feel that when the time is right, it will all fall into place for me. I’m in it to win it.

TrunkSpace: What advice would you give another young aspiring actor/actress who is considering moving away from home to pursue their dream?
Vera: My advice is… don’t let other people’s opinions dim the light that you have inside of you. That light is what makes you you! You have to protect it and develop it and let it shine bright, like a star in the night sky.

TrunkSpace: Where can people (and casting directors) learn more about you?
Vera:
My website www.kaylavera.com
My Instagram www.instagram.com/kaylavera.official

Name: Tim Drier

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Current Location: Los Angeles, California

TrunkSpace: When did you know that you wanted to act for a living?
Drier: I fought this question for a long time. I still do. I’ll say this, a friend of mine once told me, “Sometimes the hardest thing to do on this journey is accept that you ARE an artist.” I believe this to be true, especially today. Now, every day, I take steps to accept what I believe I was created to do. Work in progress!

TrunkSpace: Was there a particular performance or actor/actress from your childhood that you remember being drawn to and inspired by?
Drier: Jim Carrey and Robin Williams. Both are always so exciting to watch! I was always so entertained. I try to carry that same energy into my own performances whenever possible.

TrunkSpace: How did you decide to approach your career as an actor? Did you formulate a plan of how you wanted to attack what is known for being a hard industry to crack?
Drier: One step at a time! I just started doing something. Classes first, advice from other actors, online research. Being proactive. This industry is too unpredictable for a plan.

TrunkSpace: When did you decide to move away from your home and pursue acting as a career? How old were you at the time?
Drier: I was doing a play back in St. Louis, venting to the woman playing my mother in the show, Anita Lipman, about my dreams of acting, adventure and a possible move to a bigger city. I had been throwing the idea around for quite a while. She said one thing after my rant. “What are you waiting for?” I had no answer. I left for LA two weeks after the run of that show. I was 24.

TrunkSpace: Was that move an easy transition for you initially? How long did it take you to feel at home and find a good support group of friends and peers?
Drier: It was like a dream. I loved the adventure aspect. The drive from home, exploring a new city, meeting new people. Quite different from Missouri, but I loved it! Then money started running low and it all got very real, but, I stuck it out, by the grace of God, and three years in I had a steady income, good people around me and found a good church. All I need.

TrunkSpace: What has been been your biggest break in terms of a particular role or project thus far?
Drier: Becoming a union actor sticks out. I had booked a nice costar role on an independent SAG pilot project, “Medicinally Approved,” and that put me in a SAG “Must Join” situation. Time to play in the big leagues!

TrunkSpace: Is there a specific type of role you’d like to take on or a specific genre that you feel more at home in?
Drier: I’d Love to work on a Christian Faith-based project. I’m really a fan of all genres and characters though!

TrunkSpace: What would you say is the greatest strength an actor/actress can have outside of acting ability itself?
Drier: Self-motivation. You gotta figure out your journey alone most of the time. Do something every day.

TrunkSpace: What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your acting career? Where would you like your path to lead?
Drier: I want to inspire the world! I’d like to be in a position of major influence. Where I can share my experiences and beliefs and tell stories that support these values.

TrunkSpace: What advice would you give another young aspiring actor/actress who is considering moving away from home to pursue their dream?
Drier: Save money. You gotta pay to play this game. Work hard developing your craft and business, and take time to live life! Travel, meet people, explore, fall in love 1000 times and even let your heart break.

TrunkSpace: Where can people (and casting directors) learn more about you?
Drier:
IMDB: www.imdb.me/timdrier
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCntJqHQJJHtRrnG32mT8zlA
FACKBOOK: www.facebook.com/timmybuilt
ACTORS ACCESS: http://resumes.actorsaccess.com/timdrier
LA CASTING: http://www.lacasting.com/timdrier

Name: Chelsea Mee

Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio (Just outside of Columbus)

Current Location: Los Angeles, California

TrunkSpace: When did you know that you wanted to act for a living?
Mee: I did theater as a kid, took some courses in my teens, and absolutely loved it, but I think I truly knew about two years ago. I did a gig for my friend Cody Carson and his band, Set It Off. We shot that music video for two or three days straight, barely ate anything or got much sleep, but I was absolutely in love with the job.

TrunkSpace: Was there a particular performance or actor/actress from your childhood that you remember being drawn to and inspired by?
Mee: I was always drawn to Leonardo DiCaprio, Heath Ledger, and Johnny Depp. Not only is their acting craft immaculate, but the fact that they can completely go into a third dimension and truly create their characters, it is a dream. Creating is the dream.

TrunkSpace: How did you decide to approach your career as an actor? Did you formulate a plan of how you wanted to attack what is known for being a hard industry to crack?
Mee: So, it’s tricky, because I’ve always known that I wanted to be an actor. I’ve been a musician my entire life, but acting was always a focus of mine. Unfortunately, acting and music had to take a back seat while I dealt with some personal life problems, that I now find important to talk about. In September, I’ll have five years sober, and I truly believe that it has taken a big part of where I am in my career today. After I shot that music video, I decided that acting was definitely what I wanted to do full time, forever. Then things, and people, started to just, kinda, show up in my life. Jessica Cameron showed up in my life, introducing me to my first agent, Ali Ferda with PCG Talent. From there, I started auditioning, doing the suggestions I was told to do, and then, boom. “Dog Eat Dog” happened. Then BOOM. I shot “Bring Me a Dream” down in Atlanta. Then BOOM, I shot “First Kill” in Columbus. I still honestly have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m taking suggestions as they come and just putting the work in every day.

TrunkSpace: When did you decide to move away from your home and pursue acting as a career? How old were you at the time?
Mee: I made the decision when filming “Bring Me a Dream” down in Atlanta. My friend Jesse Kove suggested it to me, and I think that’s when it truly became real in my mind that I needed to. It wasn’t so much of a want anymore. I was actually supposed to move here, to LA, last September, but I ended up getting a role in “First Kill,” so I held off for one more month, gladly. So I’ve been officially living here in LA for about seven months now! Flew right by.

TrunkSpace: Was that move an easy transition for you initially? How long did it take you to feel at home and find a good support group of friends and peers?
Mee: The move was scary, yes, but I’ve made a big move like this before. I lived in South Florida for a couple years while I was getting sober, so the move wasn’t as terrifying as the fear of failure. The transition was interesting. Traffic here is no joke, but I had some friends out here already, luckily, who helped me feel right at home.

TrunkSpace: What has been been your biggest break in terms of a particular role or project thus far?
Mee: I feel like they all been some sort of break for me. I mean, my first role in my first movie ever was with Nicolas Cage and Willem Dafoe! What?! Working for Paul Schrader?! Then another movie with Martin Kove?! Then another movie with Bruce Willis?! It still honestly doesn’t feel real to me, but I hope to continue on working and feeling more of this gratitude.

TrunkSpace: Is there a specific type of role you’d like to take on or a specific genre that you feel more at home in?
Mee: I find comfort in comedy, it feels more natural to me; but then again, I love being able to lose myself in a character, such as a drama. Tapping into those feelings, that in real life may make me feel uncomfortable at times. I think being able to show vulnerability is strength, acting or not.

TrunkSpace: What would you say is the greatest strength an actor/actress can have outside of acting ability itself?
Mee: Self-worth, absolutely. Without knowing your worth or loving yourself, this industry can make you quite miserable. Patience is another good thing to practice, because there tends to be a lot of waiting as well. Just keep your head in the game and do not give up. Hard work pays off.

I’m talking to myself as well. (Laughter)

TrunkSpace: What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your acting career? Where would you like your path to lead?
Mee: Obviously it would be nice to make this my only source of income, but that’s not the dream. The dream is to not only grow as an actor, but as a human. Each role, I’ve learned more about myself, and have been able to take a piece of each role with me.

TrunkSpace: What advice would you give another young aspiring actor/actress who is considering moving away from home to pursue their dream?
Mee: Man, that’s a tough one. This industry is SO full of many talented people, especially in Los Angeles. I’m in a HUGE pond, and I’m still a tiny minnow. There are a lot of No’s, an abundance of rejection, and even some heartbreak. Be able to be vulnerable, but have a smart mind, a good entrepreneur work-ethic, THICK skin, and low expectations. Makes it easier for me, that is. It’s a business. Learn the business. Be your own CEO and find good people to have in your corner. Don’t let the No’s turn you away from that Yes that’s waiting for you.

TrunkSpace: Where can people (and casting directors) learn more about you?
Mee: I’m pretty much everywhere, except for Tumblr, because I have no idea what it is.

Facebook- ChelseaMeeOfficial
Instagram- ChelseaMeeOfficial
Twitter- Chelsmeezy
Vimeo, Youtube, Soundcloud, Musical.ly, Snapchat, IMDb, Actors Access, LA Casting, Backstage

And I want to make it known, if you are out there struggling with drugs and alcohol, you don’t have to. Reach out to me, I will do my best to help you.
Email: [email protected]

Name: Juliette Audrey

Hometown: Hmm. Well, technically I was raised in Santa Monica, but my family moved up to Thousand Oaks when I was about seven… then I was in Malibu and LA every day working, so let’s just say the whole LA region.

Current Location: Los Angeles, CA

TrunkSpace: When did you know that you wanted to act for a living?
Audrey: I always love this question because I genuinely don’t have an answer. I’ve always known that this is what I was gonna do. Kinda weird maybe, but there has never been a moment in my life where I thought “Hmm, what other career choices do I have?”

TrunkSpace: Was there a particular performance or actor/actress from your childhood that you remember being drawn to and inspired by?
Audrey: Well, what’s interesting is my family has always been in this industry, so I’m not sure if it was seeing my aunt in one of her movies that first inspired me or just watching TV as a kid and knowing that would be me one day. Cliche, I know.

TrunkSpace: How did you decide to approach your career as an actor? Did you formulate a plan of how you wanted to attack what is known for being a hard industry to crack?
Audrey: As I mentioned before, I come from a family of actresses. With that being said, my mom was always hesitant to help me succeed in this industry at a young age because she knew how hard it was on kids. Because of this, I had to, for lack of better words, do all of the work by myself since the age of 11. I always knew how cutthroat this world is, even from a young age, but I had so much determination to land myself auditions and representation, I didn’t really care what it took. There was no plan, just kinda going with the flow and making sure something happened.

TrunkSpace: When did you decide to move away from your home and pursue acting as a career? How old were you at the time?
Audrey: (Laughter) When I was 15 I promised I was going to run away from home and go live in LA if my parents didn’t support me. Fortunately that didn’t happen, even though I think that would have been a crazy story to share. Thankfully I live so close to LA that moving out immediately was never a top concern. However, I do end up staying in Hollywood for weeks at a time depending on how many auditions or meetings I have! Pursuing acting seriously as a career I guess started when I was 16 and got my GED so I could be considered an adult in the industry. I did continue school until I graduated at 18, but started going on serious auditions my sophomore year of high school.

TrunkSpace: Was that move an easy transition for you initially? How long did it take you to feel at home and find a good support group of friends and peers?
Audrey: Growing up in Los Angeles someway or another, and being homeschooled towards the end of my high school life, I was able to meet friends in this industry and grow relationships while others were stuck in school. This kind of gave me a leg up when I became an “adult” and had to start seriously focusing on my career and transitioning my life into being more independent. The friends that I made and the friends I already had, are the best support system in the world.

TrunkSpace: What has been been your biggest break in terms of a particular role or project thus far?
Audrey: I’m actually currently filming a movie right now with an amazingly talented cast and I’m so excited! This is probably what I’m most proud of thus far. The feedback I had received from one of the producers and the director of the film when I first booked it, was some of the best I had ever gotten. Best part is, I booked the role I hadn’t initially gone in for and the character I play isn’t generally someone I’d be typecasted as. It’s been a lot of hard work and I am so, so, excited to see the finished product.

TrunkSpace: Is there a specific type of role you’d like to take on or a specific genre that you feel more at home in?
Audrey: I love a challenge. I love when I get sent in on an audition for a role that’s completely opposite of who I am as a person. Of course I’m grateful for any role I’d be considered for, but when it’s a character you know you would have to look deeply into, it makes your work even more of an adventure. As for genre, I love action. I would love to film as many projects that have a badass female lead. Generally with action as well you learn a lot about what your body can physically take on… stunts, etc.

TrunkSpace: What would you say is the greatest strength an actor/actress can have outside of acting ability itself?
Audrey: 100 percent I think every actor and actress needs to be self-reliant and have a strong back. If not, there’s no way you can survive in this industry. Hollywood is hard and many people don’t realize that until they step into this world where everyone is trying to make it. Everyone is an actor when you come to LA. But what makes you different than the waiter serving you at the restaurant who’s waiting for their big break? The amount of times you hear ‘No’ is ridiculous. If you aren’t able to take every “No” as inclination for you to keep pushing for the “Yes” it’ll be hard to get where you want to go.

TrunkSpace: What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your acting career? Where would you like your path to lead?
Audrey: Ahhh, so many things. My absolute dream would be knowing I had become an actress that younger girls say they want to be like. I want to be able to change people’s lives for the better through film. I want to be able to put messages out about love and kindness through doing what I love most in the world. Again, cliché, but truly that would be incredible.

TrunkSpace: What advice would you give another young aspiring actor/actress who is considering moving away from home to pursue their dream?
Audrey: DO IT. Don’t take no for an answer… but be respectful to authority. (Laughter) If this is what you love more than anything in the world, you deserve to make it happen. Everyone should be doing what they love for the rest of their life. The first step in making that happen is taking the initiative to make it happen. Just stay as strong as possible and never doubt yourself. If you think as positive as you can about yourself and your life, I promise you will get there! The universe doesn’t conspire against you.

TrunkSpace: Where can people (and casting directors) learn more about you?
Audrey:
[email protected]
IMBD–imdb.me/julietteaudrey
OR even better, talk to me!

Name: Dean Sharpe

Hometown: Lanett, Alabama

Current Location: Los Angeles, CA

TrunkSpace: When did you know that you wanted to act for a living?
Sharpe: As a kid I dreamed of being an actor, but it was a distant reality. When I moved to California and began to pursue acting is when I caught the “bug” and decided that acting is what I want to do.

TrunkSpace: Was there a particular performance or actor/actress from your childhood that you remember being drawn to and inspired by?
Sharpe: Not a particular performance, but I would get sucked into the world of any movie and get so close to the characters. I remember not being able to watch dramas as a kid because I would cry my eyeballs out and mourn over characters. That’s when I was only allowed to watch comedy.

TrunkSpace: How did you decide to approach your career as an actor? Did you formulate a plan of how you wanted to attack what is known for being a hard industry to crack?
Sharpe: At the beginning, I knew that gathering information was important. I would gather information then check it out online. Even though some people would tell me negative things about a certain agency, company, or class, I would still check them out to make my own assessment. Performing as much as possible on any platform not only to get better, but to get comfortable in front of people as well.

TrunkSpace: When did you decide to move away from your home and pursue acting as a career? How old were you at the time?
Sharpe: At the age of 25 I decided to pack up my car and move to California. I had recently gave up football and dreams of playing for the NFL and began working an office job. That’s when I started to make my five year plan and was not happy with where my life was going.

TrunkSpace: Was that move an easy transition for you initially? How long did it take you to feel at home and find a good support group of friends and peers?
Sharpe: Moving to LA five years ago was an easy transition because I was happy and excited about the unknown, I also knew I had things somewhat sorted for when I moved there thanks to my thorough research into the various Manhattan Beach real estate agent options I could choose from. It was easier knowing I could settle right into my own property as soon as I entered the city. Before getting there, the only thing I knew about going to California is that I would meet people. I’ve met a lot of people, but not all productive to my career path. Within the last two years through improv I’ve found a good support group. It takes time, but well worth the wait.

TrunkSpace: What has been been your biggest break in terms of a particular role or project thus far?
Sharpe: Last year I was cast in a very popular national Samsung commercial that had over 20 million views on YouTube. Personally I’m looking forward to a role that I played in a few episodes of the highly anticipated return of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

TrunkSpace: Is there a specific type of role you’d like to take on or a specific genre that you feel more at home in?
Sharpe: I’m still young in the industry but I’m always looking for new challenges so I can actually learn what I do like or don’t like. Naturally I joke around and like to make people laugh, so it seems that the timing of comedy comes more naturally.

TrunkSpace: What would you say is the greatest strength an actor/actress can have outside of acting ability itself?
Sharpe: Being a great person. Sometimes it boils down to who would you like to spend three to six months or a few seasons of a series with.

TrunkSpace: What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your acting career? Where would you like your path to lead?
Sharpe: I would like to work on a successful TV series for four to five years, establishing experience and a fanbase and then convert to films and establish my place in that industry while creating content that can be displayed on both platforms.

TrunkSpace: What advice would you give another young aspiring actor/actress who is considering moving away from home to pursue their dream?
Sharpe: Don’t be afraid to make sacrifices, moving away from your family is a big one but there will be many more to come and we have to decide what sacrifices we are willing to make.

TrunkSpace: Where can people (and casting directors) learn more about you?
Sharpe: You can find my work and bio on:
about.me/deansharpe
backstage.com/deansharpe
imdb.com/name/nm6032530/