Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Sargent.

Hi Katie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I grew up in Alexandria, Virginia – right outside of Washington, DC and have always been a history buff and avid sports fan. The eldest of four and an Aries, my energy and outspoken nature has been strong since day one! I attended Business School at Virginia Tech and worked in the DMV (DC, MD and VA) in various corporate roles before realizing that my passion was in the arts. Taking what felt at the time like a major risk, I decided to switch paths and focus on the creative arts. It was a slow journey, first switching from a corporate role to an hourly position that allowed me more free time outside of work. I took improv classes, participated in plays and starting getting into voiceover work. I then went on to work at the Kennedy Center, which was truly one of the most integral moments in my career as an artist thus far. Being constantly surrounded by the arts solidified my decision to pursue being a part of this industry. From there, I applied for various acting programs and moved to New York City to attend The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, a two year conservatory program with a foundation in theater training as well as having a film and television program. Since being in New York I have really been able to live and breathe being part of the creative industry. I am part of a sketch group, work as a background artist, shoot short films and music videos, collaborate with other artists and write and shoot my own material. I feel like I am only at the beginning of my creative journey and I am excited to continue to grow as an artist!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Certainly not! One of the hardest things about being an artist is you are your own business and a contractor. You are rarely paid up front for you work! There is a lot of unpaid work and it is difficult to make a living when you are starting out. Finding the balance between having a job that pays your bills while also making time for auditioning and being an artist can be a struggle. Some days you have to work more than you can focus on the creative aspect. It is a constant battle to remind yourself that you are an artist! Even on the days that you are not getting paid to be one, just reading a script, watching a film or running lines with friends is a reminder that this is truly who you are. Sometimes it feels like it would be easier to have a guaranteed income and a steady work-week, however I truly love the connections you make and the feeling you have as an artist so I am willing to go down a more difficult road to pursue my craft.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

Katie brings a wide range to every project, from character actor to femme fatale. Equally at home in family dramas, improv, and comedy, she often plays strong-willed women with sharp tongues and surprising empathy. Recent roles include young mothers, ambitious career women, and tough recruits. With stage combat skills and a reputation as the loudest screamer, Katie is a force on screen and stage.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?

What has worked best for me is being in proximity to the environments I want to be working in. For me, that is being on set. I love working as a background artist because the connections you can make with the crew as well as other actors is invaluable. I find people more than happy to share advice for pursuing more work, what they do as an artist and even discussing ways to collaborate in the future.
New York City is also a great place to be – you have access to so many networking groups, from large scale to niche. There are film groups galore! My favorite one where I have found the most guidance and knowledge is NYWIFT – New York Women in Film & Television, they have fabulous networking sessions and countless informational sessions that have been invaluable to my career growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.katelynsargent.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katelynsargent
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@katelynsargent