We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Caleb Mathura. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Caleb below.

Caleb, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

In all honesty, my ability to wholeheartedly say “I am happy” is often tied to the state of my career as an Actor. Through investing more of my time into my own artwork, volunteering and spending quality time with those I love, I’m working towards finding purposefulness outside of my line of work, because I know that everyone deserves to feel genuine happiness regardless of their ‘success’ in any given profession. Pursuing a career in the arts is not for the faint of heart. The frequency of rejection far outweighs those moments of alignment where everything seems to fall into place, and you get that ‘Yes’ that you so tirelessly fought for. As sporadic as those moments of contentment may be, they are well worth the wait, because when they do occur… It feels nothing short of magical. That ‘magic’ comes from the culmination of being surrounded by the right people, at the right time, with the right material. It’s only happened a few times in my career, and I wouldn’t trade those moments for the world. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs— there’s no doubt in my mind that some form of divinity is attached to these rare occurrences. When I fall down the rabbit hole of beginning to compare my life to those with more financially stable jobs, I have to remind myself that the compensation for artistic work is not always monetary, but rather spiritual. The feeling of creating something that will outlive you and investing in your legacy is invaluable. All this is to say, feelings of ‘happiness’ in my life come and go… but the fulfillment I feel in knowing that I’m living in my purpose is unwavering.

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?

My name is Caleb Mathura, and I am a performing/visual artist based in New York City. My father was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, and my mother is from the United States. Since childhood, I have found joy in exploring every art form that was accessible to me. Over time, I’ve gravitated the most toward the worlds of inkwork, fashion design, singing, dancing and acting. In 2022, I graduated from the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA with my B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and Minor in Dance. During my last semester of college, I participated in the LINK program, which led to me signing with my agents at DGRW. Since graduation, I’ve traveled North America as Kevin G. in the 1st National Tour of Broadway’s Mean Girls, worked Off-Broadway, regionally, and in film.

As an artist, I primarily focus on pen and ink work, creating designs that are printed on cards and distributed to buyers across America. I also run a small out of home macaron bakery (@out_of_the_bento_box on Instagram), where I strive to create singular dessert experiences for different events by incorporating bold and exciting flavors into my macarons.

There was a time in my life where I was made to feel that my creativity was more of a hindrance than a strength. Learning to combat that ideology and pursue a life that allows me to embrace my artistry is what I’d say I am proudest of today.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Last spring, I was in the running for two shows that had the potential to really change my life. I did everything in my power to best prepare myself for the audition process that was ahead. After multiple rounds of auditions/callbacks over the course of a few months, I was in final consideration for both productions. I felt in my heart of hearts that at least one of these jobs was meant for me. I just had this deep trust that it was going to happen. After about 6 weeks of waiting, I got the news back-to-back that I didn’t get either job. I was crushed. I entered this industry knowing that it would be full of rejection— but getting close to a dream and not having it happen over and over was a new pain I hadn’t prepared myself for. However, I quickly realized that this wouldn’t be the last time in my career that this happened. I told myself to use my heartache as an opportunity to develop the strength I need to pull myself back up again and keep going. I knew that if I couldn’t do this, I simply would never reach the goals I’ve had since childhood. So, I told myself that every time I get a “no,” I’d take a dance class, go to the gym, or do something that bettered myself in some small way. It’s not easy, and sometimes I struggle to follow through with this… but making the effort to use my rejection as fuel to further my training has been a gamechanger that has undoubtedly built my resilience.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

A huge goal of mine is to one day establish a scholarship foundation for extraordinary young artists of color looking to further their training (collegiately and beyond.) Financial hardship can be incredibly limiting when you are working on building your craft, especially for individuals who may face certain disparities that their peers do not. Helping the next generation of artists delve into their skillset without the looming burdens of debt/student loans would be incredibly meaningful for me. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for individuals who supported me throughout my education, and I hope to pay it forward when I have the means to.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://calebmathura.com
• Instagram: @caleb.mathura
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.mathura
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdOvd3wDt_oYrHUt4kOnWA

Image Credits

Drew Elhamalawy
Eric Mann
Madelyn Vilker
Darnell Bennett
Emily Matthews
Caleb Mathura
Hollywood Pantages Theatre
Out of the Bento Box