Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Wickline. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Katie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

My first paid acting gig in Atlanta was when I got cast in The Big Meal at OnStage Atlanta. I remember it vividly because the director, Jeffery Brown, called me on my way to the gym. I was so excited I ran on the treadmill for an hour straight because of all the adrenaline. I felt ecstatic and validated, like the negative voices in my head could shut up for 5 minutes. A few days prior, I didn’t get a callback for a show I really wanted, and was feeling incredibly discouraged. But had I gotten that show, I couldn’t have done The Big Meal. That show challenged me and affirmed my love for the craft, and got me a MAT award nomination. I have to remind myself how sometimes the universe closes doors so bigger opportunities can arrive.

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

I’m a professional actor, teaching artist, and voiceover talent. At this moment, I’m writing this response in Miami where I’m on tour with the National Theatre for Children! We’re touring their show Energy Endgame throughout Florida and Wisconsin, it’s been so cool to travel and bring this show to elementary schools around the country!
Most recently, I’m known for performing in Save the Video Store, directed by Erin Stegeman. A 90s-themed immersive show set in a Moviebuster, I played Garth from Wayne’s World and an Agent from Men in Black. I got to crowdsource cheesy pickup lines from the audience, improvise, and perform cool stunts with a phenomenal cast. It’s so rare to find an ensemble where everyone still gets along even after 4 months of performances. We kept turning to each other and asking, “how did we get so lucky to have SUCH a supportive, funny cast?” My favorite part of creating theatre is the people- and I’ve found some really good people here in Atlanta.
During the day, I work as a Standardized Patient at Emory University and Morehouse College, and as a Simulation Specialist for Branch Alliance for Education and Diversity. I roleplay as hospital patients and classroom students to help future healthcare providers and educators. I find it incredibly meaningful work. I’m also a teaching artist and performer at 7 Stages Theatre, and I am so grateful for the artistic home I have there.
I am also taking courses in intimacy choreography through Theatrical Intimacy Education. And I’m training to become an Artistic Mental Health Practitioner, taught by the incredible Bridget McCarthy. I love making theatre, but I also want to help create brave spaces where artists feel seen, safe, and respected. I was so inspired by the other theatremakers in my class and how they’re already changing how we work in theatre, and I can’t wait to continue my training.

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 wish non-creatives knew the amount of work that lives outside of the finished product. When my friends come to see me in a play, it can look so effortless. They don’t see the multiple auditions to get the gig, weeks of rehearsals, and days spent memorizing lines, all while working other jobs. And I’m just the actor- a tiny piece of a huge puzzle that many people contribute to both on and offstage. Creative work is STILL work; it takes time and trial and error to cultivate. That also means taking breaks because we can’t constantly contribute all the time. I’m still learning how to give myself creative breaks to avoid burnout. When a creative person isn’t actively working, it doesn’t mean they’re lazy, they’re still just as hardworking and valid in their craft.

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

It’s more of a relearning: That it’s okay to be bad at things! We are all bad at things! My whole life I’ve struggled with “if it won’t be perfect, then I shouldn’t bother trying.” I held myself back because I saw my friends who were already so good at their skills. The pandemic, surprisingly, really helped me unlearn this thought. I had more time to experiment with creative endeavors without the pressure of being talented. This summer, I took tap classes for the first time ever at Get Up and Dance (owned by the awesome and welcoming Leah Boresow Groover!) I was so scared of sucking and feeling embarrassed. And I was terrible, but I consider the act of showing up a huge win. It was so much fun, and the world hasn’t exploded yet! I also took a movement class at Vernal and Sere Theatre, and my goal was to rekindle the fun in movement. Spending my teen years in musical theatre made me very insecure about my body. This class focused on Laban and Suzuki- which really helped me find the balance of pushing myself while also allowing room for imperfection. This class, and yoga, have really helped me reconnect with my body and remember how powerful I am.
When I focus on the process of doing something over the result, there’s way more joy to be found. Giving myself that freedom to suck, cry in my car about it, take a deep breath and find a way forward- has made me a stronger actor and person.

Contact Info:

• Website: katiewickline.com
• Instagram: @ktmariewick

Image Credits
Robbie Glen Photography, Emily Diamond, Wesley Stanfield, Joe Funk