Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Solomon
Hi Stephen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am an actor and model living in Brooklyn, New York. I first started acting whenever I was very young doing youtube videos with my twin brother Jesse. The performer that I am today was always inside of me. I had a wonderful experience at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, which allowed me to grow immensely as an artist and performer. I then continued my education at Carnegie Mellon University for two years where I studied fine art and minored in drama. I finished my degree at Point Park University where I earned a BA in Performance and Practice. Throughout college I collaborated a lot with Pittsburgh artists, growing my modeling portfolio. This is what led me to getting signed with a modeling agency and moving to New York right after graduating in May of 2021
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say it’s been the smoothest road. There have definitely been bumps along the way. I’d say transferring was a huge bump in the road. I think that it was the right decision and it needed to be done, but it wasn’t an easy decision to make. Also there was the pandemic that happened the end of my junior year of college and lasted throughout the rest of my collegiate career. Studying theatre via zoom and/or in a classroom with masks is not ideal to say the least. Same with doing short films where I am performing with a mask on. The covid protocols were still pretty strict whenever I first got to New York. Then there was the strike. So I have been in New York for 3 years but it does feel as if there have been many roadblocks and barriers on the road thus far.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Any time I have to introduce myself to someone I say I’m an actor, model, figure model, barista and server. Sometimes I’ll tag on photographer as well. I’d say I’m known mostly for being a multi-faceted artist. I’d say that studying both theatre and visual arts really sets me apart from others. I think that having knowledge about more than one side of the industry really gives me a leg up.
I’d say I specialize in fashion modeling and dramatic acting. I’m really proud of the commercial shoot I got to do with Maybelline last year and of the shoot I did with Shopify last month. I’m also really proud of the few shows I’ve done for NYFW the past few seasons.
Acting wise I’m most proud of the theatrical work I have done since moving here. I was in an Off-Broadway production, “The Importance of Being Earnest(ly) LGTBQ+” where i played the lead John Worthing. I also did an off-off broadway production whenever I first moved here called Oh those eyes. Where I played the lead David. I’d say booking that so quickly after moving here really helped me gain the confidence one needs to live in this city.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Something that I am still continuing to tell myself that I think is an important lesson for everyone, whether they are in the arts or not, is that there is not one path to success. There is not one singular timeline one has to follow. ESPECIALLY in the arts. For a long time I thought that I HAD to book something big while I could still play a highschooler on tv. But realistically most of the roles that I am most interested in playing are the older roles anyhow.
I’d say also take care of yourself. Make mistakes. Surround yourself with loved ones who support you and your artistic endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sleepystevo
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sleepystevo
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11385205/
Image Credits
self portait
Wild Honey
Emili Weintraub
Ryan Mcginley
Robert Deluna
Adam Whittaker
Luke Norton