We were lucky to catch up with Kat Brower recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kat, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you signed with an agent or manager? Why or why not?

When people are making conversation with me for the first time and find out I am an actor, their first question is usually, “What would I know you from?” Unless that person happens to be another actor, in which case they eventually ask, “Who reps you?” Most performers follow their instincts to find what method of study appeals most to them, what story they are dying to tell, or how they should brand themselves, but I’ve found that actors are often mystified by the process of finding the right agent and signing with them.

It’s really a matter of doing your homework. What shows can you see yourself on? If you are starting out, can you find a standout performance from a guest star and find out who reps that person? Does that agent have a gap on their roster that you could fill? IMdB is a great resource in this respect! When I needed to find a new agent, I compiled a spreadsheet of all the agents I would like to work with and then I just started pitching myself. I ended up with three meetings and signed with someone that really understood my brand and type. I wish I could save actors the grief, time and expense of participating in paid showcases and workshops that aren’t necessarily targeting the right reps for them. You have to know who you want to work with, not just who wants to work with you! It makes for a much more symbiotic and mutually beneficial relationship.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been acting since I was thirteen, at which point I took my first acting class. It didn’t become clear that this was something I was good at and could do professionally until I graduated high school and auditioned for a very prestigious Shakespeare festival and was cast, to my utter amazement and shock! It was my first professional audition, so I took it as a sign that I was on the right track.

My journey eventually took me to New York, where I found success off-off Broadway, in voiceover work, in regional theatre, and on television. I wanted to work more in film and tv, so I came to L.A. where I found my creative family, and I have never looked back! It’s here that I’ve been able to explore my writing, and I’ve used those skills and the support and talents of my collaborators to create original works that have, thanks to the film festival circuit, been seen around the world.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Society is reflected in its art, but that does no one any good if the art isn’t seen. Be an art patron, go see a play, a band, a gallery show! It will enrich your life in ways you can’t expect. I recently took my husband to his first opera, and we were both marveling at the richness of new artistic experiences. Especially if it isn’t something you would normally seek out on your own. Art expands your horizons and helps you see yourself and others in a new light. It is the marriage of spirit and intellect and can’t be overrated.

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

I struggle with the word non-creative. I think creativity is like instinct and psychic ability – we all have it. It must be nourished and encouraged. I think that people that classify themselves as non-creative are closing themselves off from their inherent gifts. But I digress!

People that don’t pursue art for their own enrichment or for a living sometimes misunderstand the work involved. They think that if it is something you love and is “fun” that you therefore aren’t really doing any work. The effort it takes to portray another human being accurately and compassionately is immense. The stamina and concentration required to be on set and connect emotionally enough to deliver tears and a realistic performance take after take, or even just to perform the same physical task over and over with the same level of enthusiasm is tiring enough, but add the weeks of preparation, character and script analysis and research and you basically have time for nothing else. And I can say this as a person who has had demanding corporate jobs, gave birth and is the parent of a toddler – nothing is harder work than acting if you are giving it the attention it deserves.

May I make another bold statement? People often have the misconception of actors that you are either a professional making your living as an actor, or you are a non-professional. You are either doing it “full-time” or you are an unpaid hobbyist. This couldn’t be further from the truth! This past week I was paid for a professional voice over, started a new acting class, and was considered for a professional theatre production. I am a member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA and consider myself to be a working actor. One of my daughter’s teachers made an analogy this afternoon and said, “…harken back to your acting days” as if they had stopped! The work never stops for a true artist, it is in your blood.  

Contact Info:

• Website: katbrower.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mskatbrower/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katbroweracts/

Image Credits
Sean Kara