Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karen Ceesay. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Karen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents have always supported me pursuing the arts, my father’s nickname for me was “Hollywood” starting around age ten when I first started taking acting lessons and performing in plays. They never missed a production. When I got to college & decided I wanted to be an engineer, my mother couldn’t believe I gave up on acting.
But if I had to say, “what they did right,” it would be – encouraging me to pursue my passion(s), not giving up and not letting other people’s opinions determine what I thought about myself.
My father has passed but my mother still likes to brag on me – she just doesn’t know the shows I’m on – she refers to them as “That dead show” and “The Things…”

Karen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an actor/writer/producer/career & acting coach. I been an actor since I was ten – starting at Freedom Theater in Philadelphia, and teaching in the arts since college (Spelman College.) Not long after graduating, I began volunteering for Women in Film Atlanta (now Women in Film & Television Atlanta) which set off a long time connection with that organization and subsequent industry related organizations in town. I’ve witnessed the growth of the film industry from back when we had nothing but corporate jobs to today where I have booked many roles on major studio projects including The Walking Dead & Stranger Things.
As a career coach – I offer my clients a no-nonsense approach and a range of experiences that allow me to help people reach their goals by crafting a game plan based on their specific background, training and lifestyle.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

First and foremost – PAY people. Stop trying to get things for free/cheap and say it’s about “exposure.” Respect the craft and the sacrifices people make in order to pursue a career/life in the Arts. Artists get so little respect as an industry and yet, what got everyone through the pandemic – music, TV, books, etc… ARTS. We also need support from our local government – more grants, affordable housing programs like they have in other cities. Even though the film industry has experienced such growth throughout Georgia/SE, local filmmakers are getting the short end of the stick and it has made things more challenging for them.

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

Everyone unlearns this eventually – live your life. We get so caught up in always being available, that most of us put off things like – having a family, traveling, pursuing other passions, going back to school, etc. Live your life – this business will always be here.

Contact Info:

• Website: karenceesay.com
• Instagram: @karenceesay
• Facebook: @karenceesay
• Twitter: @karenceesay
• Youtube: Karen Ceesay

Image Credits
Publicity photo (black dress): Kevin Harry All on set photos are from my phone