Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Catie Morris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Catie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
Recently, I held a position in the entertainment business that I thought was going to be mine forever. The position presented itself as a way to network with professionals in a way that would carry aspiring Hollywood artists to their next break. While I had an incredible time in this position, life ultimately had other plans for me. I was terrified to put it simply. I struggled with putting my financial, mental, and physical health first over stepping down. If I just hung in there and told myself, “Well, at least you’re in entertainment,” then surely it would get better right? It wasn’t until I found myself crying multiple times a day, even at work, that I realized this wasn’t where I was meant to be anymore. Did I still have a hard time saying goodbye to that part of my life? Absolutely – and that’s okay! It’s okay to be sad after making the right decision. What I’ve learned in the 3 months since is that I’m an actress no matter where I work. There are infinite ways to create and keep my passion burning. An artist is not defined by anything other than what the artist chooses to define themselves as. You will get where you’re meant to be at the time it is supposed to happen. In the meantime, enjoy the journey.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi! It’s lovely to have you here. My name’s Catie and I’m what most people in Los Angeles call themselves – an artist. I’ve particularly been creating in the acting world since I was 5, though from time to time I sway into music, writing, and painting. Most of my background comes from musical theatre. Before you begin – I know what you’re thinking. Yes, I was a theatre kid who performed late-night encores at the local IHOP with her castmates. You truly had to be there. The local newspapers called it the best rendition of IHOP musicals they’d ever seen! Eight years ago I moved to another theatre town called San Diego, California. While in San Diego, I was fortunate enough to study under Broadway and West End theatrical legends. Eventually, I moved to Los Angeles, where I now reside, and write this article response. My professional career journey began at the end of 2019 and really began to take off at the start of everyone’s least favorite year, 2020. Watching your career seemingly waste away had a life-changing effect on my attitude. If I was to survive the world of Hollywood in its post-pandemic renaissance, I needed to be at the top of my physical and mental health game.
Fortunately, the tides began to change and in late 2021 I signed with my first agent. I was beside myself with happiness. This was it! The beginning of the rest of forever. 2022 continued the now-tradition of sweeping me off my feet when I signed with my current manager and now agent. Since, it’s been hitting the ground running with classes, photo shoots, auditions, projects, and creating solo.
Currently, I have the honor of bringing the title character in an original movie musical to life. I’m working on a few scripts of my own. Some friends of mine and I just shot a short film about a month ago. There are a few music projects I’m working on with a friend on. I’ve been writing a book for two years that is in the final publication stages. Auditions have been bountiful this month. I feel on top of the world!
I’m constantly pinching myself as this beautiful life before me unfolds. Dreams are coming true after years of persistence. I am so grateful to be where I am, surrounded by all the best people and things in life! I feel the happiest and most authentic I have ever felt!
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
This question feels like deja vu because I was just discussing the artist’s identity plight with some of my friends who do not work in creative fields. To most people, they think that one is only an artist when that person is making millions of dollars from movies and tv shows. Yet, when a real estate agent is having a slow season selling, they’re still a real estate agent. If Meryl Streep is not working on a project is she unemployed or is she still an actress? I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had people roll their eyes or laugh when I tell them I’m an actress but I also work in children’s enrichment programming. A lot of times their response would be, “So you’re a teacher.” Technically, yes, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that I am still a working actress. When an actor or writer – or any creative for this matter – puts their identity in how many jobs they book or how many followers they have on social media, it can be dangerous and discouraging. An acting teacher of mine used to tell us that, “if you are auditioning, if you are training, if you are devoting time to yourself and your other creative outlets / skills, then you are a working actor.” You cannot let your current position define you. Nor can you let it determine how your future will be when everything could change tomorrow. You are still the professional in the career path that you have chosen regardless of what others have to say.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Keep your inner circle small. Few people need to know personal things about you. Be selfish with who you let in because not everyone who says they care for you actually does. I’ve had close friends and family turn on me the moment I no longer serve the hole they’re using me to fill it with. I wouldn’t want to reveal too much about my personal journey, so let’s just say fragile people come in all shapes and sizes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://catiemorris1.wixsite.com/website
- Instagram: @caaaaaatiee_
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mscatiemorris