We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Charlie T Thomas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Charlie T below.

Hi Charlie T, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I can say with certainty that right now, in this moment, I am very happy as an artist. And that always hasn’t been the answer, you know? Most of my career has been having fun in the moment and doubuting myself heavily in between projects. I really feel like I’ve hit a stride this year, though. I”m doing projects I feel passionate about, and I’m finding purpose in those projects–grow in my technique, find a new perspective, things like that. Because of these new goals, I find myself more fulfilled when the process is over, and that’s been so refreshing.

I do often think about having a regular job. Usually when there’s an influx of bills coming in, or when I’m stressed because there’s so much to do that’s reliant on just me. A steady check and a boss who deals with all of this would be great, right? But I have such an amazing support group, and they’re constanly reminding me that happiness and frustration is in every career. So, for now, I’ll get mine from this journey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Well I’m mostly an actor. That’s how I spend a majority of my career. I also direct as well. Last year, I directed Hamlet at my alma mater, Mercer University. I’m currently about to direct at the Shakespeare Tavern as well.

I currently am reviving a company I started, Remedy Theatre Project. The goal is to find outlets for artists to showcase themselves and also find some ways to help the community. In 2019 we raised money for mental health with a production of Twelfth Night. And we host cabarets to help give singers more chances to do what they love in a comfortable, low-pressure environment. It’s great for the soul.

I also do a good bit of writing, but I guess I have to rip off the band aid and show people before they know that part.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Personally, my goal has been the same for years–to find how much good I can do in this field while also making myself better. I want to leave the world better than I left it, and I find that theater has been a great way to achieve that. Telling stories that open perspectives. Connecting with other artists and making genuine relationships. Learning about the worldviews of so many groups and experiencing the world through other people’s lives. Honeslty, there are few things better.

The only way that continues to work is that I stay focused and work hard at becoming better. Each new level of art requires new skills, new viewpoints, and new challenges to overcome. If I stay stagnat, then I can’t rise to the newest occasions, and I lose the opportunites that make this career worthwhile.

It’s a balancing act, in a way. Staying ambitious and also staying grounded. Looking forward while staying present. It’s difficult, but it’s so fulfilling.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I think the hardest lesson I’ve been unlearning is being “pleasant” in order to get further in the career. So many artists believe that not being difficult is the only way to propel themselves in this world, and that’s just not true.

We are taught, often to our own detriment, that advocating for yourself and your needs is frowned upon. No one wants to stop the process of putting the show together. No one wants to look like a problem child. No one wants to shake the foundation. I’ve spent most of my career that way, and in doing so, caused so much personal harm to myself emotionally and mentally.

But since the town hall Atlanta held for artists, I’ve realized the faulty judgement in that decision. We suffer in silence, alone, and without support or outlets to help move past troubling moments. It’s unfair, it’s unhealthy. Now we live in a time where we are truly listening and trying to give artists more space to be themselves without fear. We have intimacy directors. We have longer equity breaks. We have mental wellness seminars and resources. It’s a beautiful shift in our career.

I personally struggle with these things, because I”m the type that doesn’t want to rock the boat. I thrive on the familial feelings of the work, and I don’t enjoy being “vocal” because I do take it as being “difficult”. However, speaking up has never been a bad thing. I’m learning that it makes space for others to feel they can speak up as well. Plus, you never know when your concern is EVERYONE’S concern. So I am learning the needs I have for myself and finding ways to critique unfair practices while also keeping the process moving forward. It’s a struggle, but a worthwhile one.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/charlietactor
• Facebook: facebook.com/vcharliethomas
• Other: Remedy Theatre Project: instagram.com/rtpatl facebook.com/rtpatl

Image Credits
Jeff Watkins, Casey Ford, Aaron Romero, Creativittea