Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Clare Umberger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Clare, thanks for joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?
I’m not going to lie, I had to ask my mom about this one! I started in the industry when I was 3 years old so I don’t even remember my first dollar earned. This question sparked a lot of fun stories from my mom. I guess I went to some diaper castings when I was little – did not get those. But my first paying gig was for children’s Halloween face paint! Unfortunately, no pictures of that to share. I was reminded that I auditioned for movies like The Polar Express, didn’t get that one either. I have very vivid memories of a shoot I did as a kid with Marshall Fields, though. The shoot was in an old warehouse in Minneapolis and me and two other girls got to dress up like ballerinas! So many fun memories. But at the time, I think I was more excited to just get out of school early. :)
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I signed with my first agent when I was a toddler and grew up doing commercial and print work and always loved it. This love and passion of mine has followed me throughout my life and that has brought me from Minneapolis to Atlanta. I did my first interview here about a year ago so it’s really fun to do another one and write about how things are going a year later. In just the last two months I booked a Wendy’s and a Love’s Travel and Country Store spot! I am so grateful for every project I get to work on and can only hope to continue to get opportunities. I have been staying really busy but am still looking for an agent in the Atlanta market. It’s tough, folks!
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.
I think everyone can be or is a “creative”, so I guess I don’t think of anyone else as “non-creative”. :) I’ve actually been really lucky. I think when I was really getting back into acting after college, there were some people I’m sure who didn’t take me seriously. But I kept my support system very close always so I could stay focused on my goals and not get side-tracked. I have a lot of great friends who have been nothing but encouraging over the years and I know not every actor can say that. My best advice is to build a support system of people who motivate you even if it’s just a few people and focus your energy on them.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I’ve read so many books on acting and actors. My best advice is just to fully submerge yourself in content that inspires you or fuels your passion. As many actors already know, Jenna Fisher’s book is AMAZING along with Anna Kendrick’s. “Fine on Acting” is a great, quick read, as well. My favorite actor is Heath Ledger so I love watching documentaries on him and his acting legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/clareumberger
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/wherezclare