We were lucky to catch up with Jackie Mccarthy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jackie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I had always been acting purely based on instinct (as that’s how any actor initially starts out), but it wasn’t until I went to a performing high school that I learned real technique. I learned you can’t always rely on just “instinct”- you have to have a tool box of things to draw upon based on the specific role or project you are undertaking, I then went to study at an amazing BFA program (shoutout Montclair State), where I dove head first into movement, voice, and various acting techniques (Viewpoints, Stanislavski, Practical Aesthetics, Suzuki, to list a few). I do think there has to be a fundamental love for the craft of acting, or you’ll find a lot of the “homework” to be quite boring. I always loved creating characters and creating story, so when I started learning techniques, it’s like I had a filter, or channel, where I could put all this creative energy into. It’s like being a naturally talented painter. You have to then learn different mediums of painting, or how to use different brush strokes to get the effect you want.
I don’t think I could’ve sped up this learning process, as I am still learning! As I change and evolve as a human, so will my craft, so will the tools I draw upon. I also don’t think I would want to speed it up! The process of one’s craft is in the discovery of what works and what doesn’t, but it also becomes a deep discovery of getting to know yourself at your deepest, core self. You can’t rush that. The more honest you show up in your work, the quicker you get to the core of it.
There are a few skills I deem as “essential”, but I can only speak for myself as everyone has their own unique approach to acting. For me, I find keeping an open heart key. And that’s in your work, and in your day to day life. If my heart is not open to being surprised by my scene partner, or if I’m trying to control every aspect of a scene, there is no magic happening. There’s just control- and where’s the fun in that? So I would also say flexibility, and generosity. The best actors I have worked with are ones who recognize that it’s a collaboration. We are trying to tell a story, together. We are bringing our full selves into the space, feeding off of each other’s energy, and working in real time to make this story as real as possible. It is beautiful and challenging, and can be a place where proper technique can help you navigate whatever is thrown your way.
Again, speaking for myself, obstacles came in my way when I was afraid of being perceived a certain way, or was in general concerned by how my peers would view my work. Worrying on other people’s perception instantly cuts off creativity. But you can’t ignore that perception either- we are perceiving each other all the time. You can either run from that perception or give into it, give into the vulnerability of the moment and see what happens. Secondly, not being in your body is a huge obstacle many actors face. You can’t think your way through a scene or monologue. Yes, you can do all the logistical homework beforehand, but once you’re in the scene, you’re there. And if you can’t be present and alive in your body, your overthinking brain will take over. It is a fine balance of logically knowing the ins and outs of the scene, to then being able to let it all go. It seems paradoxical, but once an actor finds that sweet spot, I feel that’s where their best work comes through.

Jackie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I first got into the business of acting when I started at my performing arts high school, but one could say I had been practicing the craft my entire life. I loved to tell stories, I loved to do funny voices and act as though as I was someone else, and I adored movies, even from a very young age. I didn’t grow up with any actors in my family, it was just something I was always magnetically drawn to. After studying at school, I am now in the business: auditioning, getting to work incredible projects, and meeting actors from all walks of life.
At this moment, I am most proud of my determination and willingness to show up. I have dreams and goals for my career that take weekly, monthly check-ins, and I am always trying to see how I can grow artistically. I try to surround myself with as much art as possible. I take my work quite seriously, and see every opportunity as a chance to grow, to meet amazing people, and to make genuine connections with my other artists. There is so much we can learn from each other, and that is one of my favorite parts of the job.
I believe following your joy is the best recipe for success, and I try to do that every day. I try to surround myself with kind, generous people, who are also all artists in various ways. I try to seek out new experiences, and find creative inspiration in everything around me. I love poetry, I love collaging with my friends, I love being in nature, I love going to live shows and seeing artists in their element. I bring all of this into my work as an actor. I’m also currently developing my voice as a writer, which has been incredible journey. Similar to acting, I have always written, but have never called myself a writer. I am now allowing that part of me to come through, and I truly can’t wait to see where it takes me.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Simply put, my goal is to bring more light into the world. It may sound basic, but I believe my mission in whatever art I create is to heal people, to spread light to people, and to reflect the beauty that is being human. My mission in creating art has changed quite a bit over the years. I started out acting because I loved it and everyone told me I was good at it. I also had finally found a medium where my deepest emotions and sensitivities were not only embraced, but celebrated. However, as I’ve gotten older and thought more about purpose, I had a moment last year where I was like “Okay, I can’t do this for validation anymore. That’s not sustainable. What is my why? If my why is only validation, I have to quit.” So as my relationship to myself and the world shifted, so did my relationship to acting. I no longer see it as a means to an end, and now know that whether that be acting, writing, or whatever creative pursuit I take it, I am doing it for something so much bigger than me. When I started thinking about acting as a means of service for greater human consciousness, my purpose completely shifted. Right now, for me, I believe acting and writing is one of the purest forms of service I can bring into the world. It feels me with so much joy, and I know that joy will inevitably bleed into everything I make.

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.

It is a practice, being an artist. There is a certain level of discipline it takes to be a working, thriving. artist that many non-creatives don’t see. There is behind the scenes work where artists are constantly striving to be better: taking classes, writing, or building up their platform- that all happens behind closed doors. I think many people believe it just comes naturally, which for many at first, it does. However, when that initial inspiration runs out, it is on us to keep going, keep discovering, even when no one is watching. When no one is rooting you on or seeing your work, you have to be your biggest fan. As an actor, I’ve been part of projects that take upwards of 2 years to be completed and shown to the public eye (I’m talking film/TV). In that interim, no one sees my work. There isn’t instant gratification. I feel I’ve completed something amazing, but people won’t likely see it for a while. These are the moments I have to trust, stay focused on the mission, and keep at my art knowing it will serve a greater purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jackiemccarthyactor.com/
• Instagram: Instagram handle: @jackiemccarthyy
• Other: IMDb: Jackie McCarthy (II)