We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kellie Carlton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kellie below.

Kellie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I remember when I was 5 years old I started singing Linda Ronstadt songs. I enjoyed singing and a couple of years later was in honor choir where I grew up in Seattle, WA. I also started piano and flute lessons. The flute became my passion. I loved to play and had great opportunities growing up playing in all-state band, flute contests, wind ensembles, and the Seattle Youth Symphony.. I moved to Phoenix in my early 20’s and transitioned my craft into modeling and acting years later. I always loved watching old movies and the greats of the 50’s Hollywood. I started training at the Megaw Actor’s Studio and learned so much about the craft, not only stage but in film too. Knowing what I know now I would have started acting when I was younger because there is so much to learn, and we need actors of all ages. I think having a mentor and very good training are essential . I wouldn’t say that there haven’t been obstacles to learning more because acting is a very competitive business and you hear a lot more no’s then yes, You may also have friends or family that don’t believe that you can pursue it but when you strive to be good at something even if you have struggles, and you stick with it, don’t give up and believe in yourself, that’s where the success comes from.  I started training at the Megaw Actor’s Studio under Sydney May Morrison and learned so much about the craft. Not only stage, but film too.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have always loved the arts and have been drawn to that line of work.. I started playing the flute when I was 11 years old and acting 15 years ago. I am also a Personal Trainer . Being a trainer gives me the flexibility in my schedule to pursue my creative outlets and help people, and training is artistic into itself. I appreciate VoyagePhoenix for giving me the opportunity to talk about my training business in a past article and being an artist.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is honest self expression and having an outlet. Not only do I get to play different characters, but I learn more about myself through that process. I get to work with people like minded also, We share ideas, they help me and I help them. It creates community. One of my fondest memories was being Allison Janney’s Stand In for a Sam Mendes film called “Away We Go”. It was so fun and I learned so much being on a professional set. It was a great experience and opportunity!.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I am currently reading The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. Abraham Hicks videos on YouTube are great for positive meditation and relaxation. A favorite book is the power of the Actor by Ivana Chubbuck. Great actor resources are Dajuan Johnson’s Think Bigger podcast and Heidi Dean has helpful social media marketing and branding ideas.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelliecarlton/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellie.carlton1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-carlton-b16b2334/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cinema06

Image Credits
Sylvia Hardt Mark Morgan Megaw Actor’s Studio