We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kayla Booth a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kayla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The love for this craft began at an early age. Like many actors, I discovered my passion for performing through participating in community theatre. It was in this environment that I learned not only the love for the craft, but what it meant to be a part of such a creative and inspiring community. As time passed and I grew older, I learned more about the art form and the business of being an actor. However, it’s in the moments of being in class, working on the no-budget short films, helping your best friends with auditions, that I’m reminded how much I love this and how much fun it truly is.

Kayla, 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?

Who I am?

Hi! I’m Kayla Booth. I’m actor located in Atlanta, GA. I’m a crossfitting, surfing stroke survivor who is dedicated to growing everyday as both a human and an artist.

I received my BFA from the University of Oklahoma Helmerich School of Drama, where I spent much of my time studying Shakespeare’s works. However, it wasn’t until I interned with Oklahoma casting director Chris Freihofer that I truly fell in love with the world of Film & TV. From that moment on, I was determined to excel.

I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of stage and screen productions across different markets. My most recent work includes leading the spirited drama Down to the Last Touch, where I play an anxious high schooler on the day of her big swim final.

I am consistently working towards and dedicated to the pursuit of this exciting, challenging, and rewarding career.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One thing I didn’t fully realize in my younger years is that, in addition to pursuing this career with your whole heart, you’re also a human navigating the crazy journey called life. And sometimes, life throws some massive hurdles your way.

Shortly after graduating college and moving to pursue my dream of becoming an actor, I faced my biggest obstacle to date. At 23, I had an ischemic stroke in the left cerebellum of my brain. My world was turned upside down as I spent months recouping. I was extremely lucky in that my body bounced back fast with some PT and time. And now, I only experience mild symptoms from time to time.

I share this story because it’s become a large part of who I am as both a human and an artist. At any time, life can change your course. I had this vision that I would move to Atlanta and hustle. And then, just like that, everything was on hold. But what’s so beautiful about this craft and about this business, is that it will always be there for you. This is a lifelong pursuit. If you need to take time away, that is okay! You can always find your way back when you are ready, and your path is uniquely yours.

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

This is such a great question. It can be really hard for family and friends who aren’t in the industry to fully understand the pursuit of a career in this field. I think it’s a common challenge for all creatives.

While I can’t speak for all actors, I think the most challenging concept for those outside the profession to grasp is what “success” truly means and looks like. Of course, that definition varies for everyone.

For me, “success” means feeling happy and fulfilled in this pursuit. Right now, I’m auditioning, taking classes, networking, and participating in projects. To my younger self, I’m out here doing the thing—and it feels great! I believe you can build a really beautiful working actor life that doesn’t necessarily look like “fame.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylaboothh/
• Other: tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kaylaboothh

Image Credits

Feature Photo / Headshot: Chase Anderson