We recently connected with Cherrie McRae and have shared our conversation below.

Cherrie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

To be completely transparent, once I made the decision to move forward in my acting career many, many years ago I had no idea, I had to learn HOW to become an actor. This is not to say, I did not take acting serious, but my very first movie role (news reporter for a horror film) was given to me through a relationship I’d nurtured in the industry. It wasn’t until sitting around set, oblivious to what was going on around me, that I’d begin networking with other seasoned actors who, steered me in the direction of formal training. I didn’t get into classes right away, due to budget setbacks at the time, but I did attend several industry networking functions here in Atlanta. Here is where I learned about weekend intensives with casting directors, acting coaches, industry mentors, etc. These workshops allowed me to meet more actors who provided more leads for acting studios. I enrolled immediately and soon after the process to become a skilled talent was quickly underway.

There is nothing I could have done to speed up the process, I guess because I wasn’t in a hurry to get anywhere. I am 99% certain acting was becoming a bit of an obsession. It was just something I was very comfortable taking my time with. I wanted to make certain the next film set I stepped foot on, I served both the role and the space in totality.

Skills MOST essential? Conceptualizing the overall story. Reading a script or sides and summing it up before rereading and asking myself, “What’s going on here?”…in other words stripping both story and character down to my most simplest interpretation.

Obstacles? I am a person who craves information. New or regurgitated. Sometimes this can be a hinderance to my personal style of learning because they means I’m taking bits and pieces of learning perspectives from everywhere. I’d consume so much learning material, everything wouldn’t stick (information overload). Since then, however, I bite off bits and pieces as I go and practice until it’s stored in my long-term bank prior to moving forward.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Cherrie McRae, I am originally from South Florida. My very first encounter in front of the camera was back in 1999/2000 when I accompanied a co-worker to set as a friendly invite; a ‘to-do’ after work one day. Little did I know, that evening I would be given a role and a few lines to memorize from production to enhance the storyline for that particular episode.

What I am most proud of? Even though I took an 11 year hiatus after that one appearance (which was only one episode, lol), I was brave enough to try it again. I am proud that until this day, acting isn’t just something fun to do or try! I’ve made it a career and it’s been VERY good to me. Despite the love/hate relationship (rejection, uncertainty and financial strain)…My commitment to the arts, the craft and to remain an ever-evolving performer is a resounding YES!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is people who are inspired by my career trajectory. To hear repeatedly, that my work or journey triggers someone else to pursue their personal or professional goals they’ve been sleeping on far too long. These people and their stories are God’s little nudges that builds my confidence that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be, doing what I am purposed to do!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

My auditioning preparation used to be wack in my earlier stages. I just didn’t apply anything I learning in training sessions because I was either that nervous or took shortcuts when it came to understanding the material. My understanding learning lines opposed to grasping story was hindering me big time. It showed in my delivery and didn’t promote me ‘standing out’ as an actor. I was average and unchiseled. It wasn’t until I saw all of my friends deep-diving in their audition process and booking work repeatedly, that I begin to tell myself, stop shortchanging yourself, Cherrie. Shift your mindset, stop making excuses and find the help you need to catapult you in the re-direction.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cherriemcrae.com
• Instagram: @cherriemcrae_ig
• Facebook: Cherrie McRae
• Linkedin: Cherrie McRae
• Twitter: @CherRae
• Youtube: @justcallmecher

Image Credits
Ira Carmichael Cameron Radice