We were lucky to catch up with Kaitlin Becker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kaitlin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I told my 2nd grade teacher I wanted to replace Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show. So I guess in a way, I always saw myself as an actor, just never took it seriously. I didn’t know it was something you could study and go to school for, it was a dream and that was it. It wasn’t until my freshman year of high school I realized it was something I HAD to do.

My 8th grade year, I saw our HS musical and was blown away. I kept thinking “I want to be up there”. I grew up on movie musicals, and had seen a decent amount of professional theatre in and around my hometown. I knew I was a fan, but never thought it was something I would fall head over heels for. That changed after being cast in the musical my freshman year. After the first rehearsal I knew there was no turning back. I was “bit by the bug”, I wanted to do nothing but be on stage. I loved being around creative people, I loved how it was an all inclusive experience, and the familial feel throughout the entire rehearsal process. I loved building something together then showing it off to an audience. I LOVED making the audience laugh that was my absolute favorite.

I talked to the theatre teacher and asked how I could do more. She showed me how to look for auditions at local theatres, and recommended me to theatre camps. She really held hand my hand as I navigated this new world of theatre. I begged my parents for voice lessons and dance lessons, and they gave in once they realized I was dead serious about being an actor. My theatre teacher gave me info on theatre departments around the country. I had no idea you could study acting. This was the first time I got excited about going to college.

Kaitlin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an actor/singer/writer, mostly working in kids media. I am most known for originating the character, Meekah. Meekah is part of the popular Blippi franchise and is known worldwide. After a successful run on YT, Meekah got a spin off series on Netflix and Disney Plus. I have a big mom following, which I love because I’m a mom to a 7 year old and community is everything.

Before Meekah, I was a host on Sunny Side Up. A live preschool tv show on the Sprout Network owned by NBCUniversal. We filmed straight out of 30 Rock 7 days a week. I got the opportunity to work with First Lady Michelle Obama, Julie Andrews, Rita Moreno, and Oscar the Grouch. I worked as a writer/host/segment producer on that show and earned two Emmy nominations and a Kidscreen Award. When I’m not on camera, I try to fill my schedule with voiceover work. I have voiced characters on Sesame Street’s Mecha Builders, Camp Camp, Rescue Bots, Dee and Friends in Oz, American Girl and on several Wondery and Pinna podcasts.

Being a part of my high school’s theatre department really got the ball rolling. I did every show at my high school, and a handful of community theatre productions. I studied musical theatre in college and moved to NYC immediately after graduation to pursue acting. I still can’t believe I did it and it’s been 17 years.

I did musical theatre for 6 years performing in and out of NYC. I got to the point of wanting a break from musical theatre so I refocused my career to TV/Film. I worked multiple jobs to afford TV/Film classes and signed up to be a background actor so I could experience being on set. From that I got to be a stand in, and a featured background actor on some projects. It got to the point that I was working full time as a background actor, and eventually received my SAG card.

I am really proud of myself for going after my dreams. I was doing positive visualizations and manifesting without even realizing it and it wasn’t easy. NYC is hard and I’m proud of myself for always working hard and figuring it out. I had zero financial help and not once asked my parents for money. I was determined to do it all on my own, and I did.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

To be honest I didn’t set out with a mission to gain a ton of followers, and I thought social media was kind of silly. But things shifted when I landed the Meekah role. When I was younger, I might have catered my social media to be what I thought people wanted to see. But because I was in my upper 30’s and just generally more confident, I put it all on there. No filters, no edits. I started storytelling and sharing awkward moments, I also shared the hard stuff when it came to parenting, and the vulnerable moments too.

People appreciate authenticity. Especially when you’re playing a character a kid likes/watches. I was able to build this trust with the viewers because of social media. I realized the more relatable I am, the more followers stick around. I get a lot of comments like “I feel like you’re my friend!”, which to me is the best compliment. It can be lonely out there, especially for a parent, so if I can create an online community and start a conversation it’s worth it.

So I definitely look at social media differently now. I think the key is being yourself, and letting people in to your world. I think it’s also good to like and reply as as much as possible so people feel seen/heard. And lastly, posting regularly. This is my biggest challenge because life gets chaotic or sometimes I myself want a social media break so I might skip a few days.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I want to remind the non-creatives that no one is forced into the arts, we’re all creating because it’s our favorite thing, we are choosing to live a crazy life of ups and downs with very little money (unless you really make it big). This is not a “in it for the paycheck” kind of job. Because of this, I get a lot of comments like “why don’t you get a real job?”, which is the biggest insult because acting/writing IS a real job. Friendly reminder that if all creatives disappeared we wouldn’t have tv, movies, radio, sports announcers, books, newspapers, elevator music…none of it.

There is a lot of confusion as far as money is concerned. For example, a lot of people think I’m rich because I played a popular character on YT. They don’t understand that I was a contracted actor working for a company. I didn’t own the character. I saw zero of the YT money, but the internet will tell you otherwise. It is very rare to book an acting gig that will pay you enough to survive for the year so the hustle is real. Even some of the most popular actors out there, are stressing looking for the next job.

Having a creative outlet is everything, so the hustle for me is worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kaitlinbecker.com
• Instagram: @kaitlinbex
• Linkedin: Kaitlin Becker
• Other: TikTok: @kaitlin.becker

Image Credits