We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Madison Crawford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Madison , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
When asked about taking a big risk in my acting career, I immediately think of my decision to move from Boston, MA, to Atlanta, GA. I grew up in New England and had never really left. I absolutely loved it there! Boston has such a special place in my heart, from the tight-knit film community to the amazing indie projects I was part of all helped me grow so much as an actor. It’s where I found my love for acting. But as much as I loved it ( and still do!) I started feeling like something was pulling me out, like it was time for a new opportunity. I knew I needed to step out of my comfort zone and see what else was out there.
Acting is a career you have to FULLY commit to, and I wanted to give it everything I had. So, after saving up by working 80-hour weeks between acting and my full-time job, I made the leap. I’d never even been to Atlanta before, but I’d heard great things about the market and loved the idea of living somewhere with great weather and a lower cost of living compared to NYC or LA. Plus, growing up, I spent summers in South Carolina, so the South felt like a natural fit.
The move turned out to be the best decision for me at the time. Within my first three months, I booked five gigs, including my first network TV credit! Taking big risks is scary, but when you pair that with hard work and consistency, the rewards are worth it. I’m so grateful for this journey and excited for what’s next!
Madison , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi!! I’m Madison Crawford, an actor with a passion for storytelling, connecting with others, and all things creative! Especially when it’s a little spooky and mysterious. I grew up in a small rural town in New Hampshire, graduating with a class of just 35 students. Growing up in New England taught me kindness, a love for community, and that’s it’s totally okay to use wicked as an adjective. Opportunities in the arts were unfortunately limited, but I found my way, attending film classes at another high school where I discovered my love for creativity. That’s when I realized: a “normal job” just wasn’t for me!
During my college career and after earning a degree in Nutrition (because I thought I had to be practical), I had pretty much every job other than nutrition while trying to pursue the arts; retail cashier, bartender, waitress, graphic designer, babysitter, branding intern, social media manager, purchasing department intern, liquor taste tester (not joking), and the list goes on. Then, I found myself ironically teaching the same class that inspired my love for the film industry- a high school film class! Which then gave me the flexibility to pursue acting while paying the bills. I only did this for a year but it amazing, I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.
My journey in acting started at 16, playing Disney Princesses at birthday parties. From there, with consistent training and an incredible network of filmmakers and actors who supported me, I started booking bigger roles, including my first lead in a Lifetime movie during my second year in the business.
When I’m not acting, you’ll find me immersed in DIY projects or selling my art at craft fairs through my small business. Whether it was turning my basement into a full DIY haunted house, to forcing my family to watch me perform a Christmas play I made with my cousins every year, or creating skits with friends growing up, I’ve always loved bringing creative ideas to life. You’ll also find me exploring outside, writing, or hanging out with my two kitties!
What I love most about acting is the collaboration and the magic that happens when you’re fully connected to your body, your scene partner, and the story. Those moments of vulnerability and freedom are why I keep pushing forward. I’m most proud of my commitment to this journey despite the challenges I have faced. I’ve stayed focused, determined, and true to myself.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
A lot of people outside the entertainment industry don’t realize that becoming an actor takes years of hard work that often goes unseen until you land a big role. It can be discouraging when people ask, “What have I seen you in?” or tell you to “work on the big stuff now,” not understanding that you can’t just jump into major movies or TV shows. It takes time, small roles that people don’t see, and building your craft to get to that point.
The journey is long and often overlooked, but I’m incredibly proud of the growth I’ve made and the projects I’ve been part of so far. To shed light on this process, I’m launching a podcast called Wait, You’re an Actor, where I share insights into the industry, behind-the-scenes stories, and tips for anyone pursuing acting. It’s all about educating people on what it really takes to make it in this business.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is definitely THE PEOPLE. I love the community in this industry, from the crew to the cast, everyone I work with is amazing. I’ve met so many friends on set who have become an essential part of my life. The community is unmatched, and having a support system that understands the ups and downs of this journey makes a huge difference. It’s those connections and shared experiences that keep me motivated to keep going. Plus, I love having fun and making jokes with new friends on set!
Contact Info:
- Website: Madison-crawford.com ( I am in the process of fixing it! – won’t be live for a little bit)
- Instagram: @Madimayy
- Other: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/MadisonCrawford
Image Credits
Garrett Mann, Mike Adrian, Kelly Knisel