We recently connected with MK Kopp and have shared our conversation below.
MK, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Dance was my introduction to performing, peewee dance to be specific. Little toddler MK enjoyed the classes but was obsessed with the recitals that came with them. My parents tell me that I’d confidently do the wrong moves with a big smile. I remember after one performance (where I bombed but felt I slayed) gushing to my family about how desperately I wanted to be onstage for the rest of my life. So it began. Community theater productions, musical summer camps, and even more dance classes led me to take my high school theater program very seriously. Major nerd stuff. Fortunately, I had a supportive teacher who encouraged me to stick with it.
When I was 15, my dad and I sat in on a rehearsal for a regional theater’s production of Cinderella. The cast was primarily local talent, but there were a few iconic Broadway performers playing the leads. I loved watching them work through their choreography and songs, messing up and doing it again. Breaking character and pushing through. They seemed so happy up there that it took everything in me not to rush the stage and join the chorus. After “10 Minutes Ago,” I started crying. My dad, very concerned and surprised, asked me what was wrong. “I need to be a part of this,” I whispered.
This was the moment that reinforced what 6 year old me had already decided. I was going to pursue the arts professionally. I had to.
MK, 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?
My background is primarily in acting, as theater was my first love. Since 2019, however, I’ve really pivoted into Film/TV and have shifted my focus to writing and producing. I still love acting and am actively auditioning and performing in my own work, but this other side of the industry is so fascinating to me.
I love collaborating with other artists and making projects that we want to make, rather than waiting around for someone to invite us onto their team. I spent so much time trying to break into other creative’s circles, and it’s refreshing to focus on building my own. My film company, La Loba Films, has now produced three short films, one of which sold to Sony Pictures. It’s all been possible because of the filmmakers early in their careers like me, hungry to tell stories.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
For as long as I can recall, I was forced to believe that there were thousands of creatives just like me, and I had to compete with them for every single opportunity. This is what many refer to as a “scarcity complex.” While it’s true that short blonde girls who love to act/dance/write are a dime a dozen, there is not a single one of them who is exactly like me. I’ve really learned this now that I’ve been on the production side of projects and have gone through the casting process. So much goes into deciding who to work with that it’s literally such nonsense to take it personally. I now try to operate under an abundance mindset. What is meant for me will not pass me by. Believing this makes it so fun to cheer on others and celebrate their successes.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron is one of the most important books I’ve read as a creative. It’s definitely ~ out there~. If you’re not into spirituality it may be hard to get through. But there are pieces of it that are just so true that I think anyone can take something from it. If you’re going to embark on a creative journey, you have to know exactly what it is you want. I decided when I was young what I wanted from the industry that it definitely limited me for several years. My goals have shifted as I’ve grown as a human. This process of self-discovery was prompted from Julia’s book.
Contact Info:
- Website: marykathrynkopp.com
- Instagram: @itsmkkopp
- Other: lalobafilms.com @lalobafilms