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

KRISTIN, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I have always loved performance. From a young age I have been drawn to stages, camera, and making people happy through humorous endeavors. Now that I am a mom, I get the pleasure of working alongside my own children, and honestly, nothing has been more fulfilling thus far in life. My children love being in front of a camera or on stage. They were born into this profession with me by their side and to watch them grow in just a few short years of life into such brilliant performers has been so incredibly rewarding. We work often, mostly in commercial work, and I can’t properly put into words how much I enjoy watching them do something I am so passionate about, but also seeing their passion for it too! It has allowed us to put money into multiple accounts to save, invest, and set aside education funds. My husband and I come from families that have always worked in education and/ or ministry, so we understand how hard it can be to turn 16 and have no money to put down on a car, or to turn 18 going off to college and immediately have to take out loans and get a job. All are lessons I would not change and opportunities I cherish from my young adulthood; so even though I intend on teaching these same life lessons to my own children, I feel very blessed we are starting their investments now at birth rather than waiting until they are teenagers. I am very grateful for every project that allows us to travel, have quality time, and do something we love so we can invest into their futures.

KRISTIN, 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?

I have worked in many realms throughout the subjects of theatre, education, Biblical studies, sports/ coaching, content creation, social media management, photography, running little leagues or directing theatre programs, etc. I have worked or performed in many states and done content creation in many countries. Post mom-hood the only thing that has changed is that I now do all these things, with a kid on each hip and a heart more full than words due justice!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey has always been one about making people feel safe and seen within their passions. As an actress who didn’t professionally get started until well into my 20’s, I have seen many ugly sides to the industry, especially towards that of females and children. I decided early on that I was not in this industry to “make it big” or “be famous” but rather to do something I love while ensuring that those around me felt like they had an ally. My goal is to meet people, know their names, shake their hands, and hopefully they leave set knowing my faith, my morals, and my passion- without me personally speaking on those subjects, but through my actions and demeanor. It is often a cut throat industry fully dependent on who you know and what favors you can offer. Being married in my 20’s and saying “no” in a casting office or putting my foot down when it comes to policies and my children- have all led to many trials that my faith has seen me through. Bottom line, I want my legacy in this industry to be within those relationships I have made, the people I have hopefully influenced, and safety for future generations of actors.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my opinion, one of the top things I would say you can do to support someone in the creative realm, would be to pay them for their time. Creatives are OFTEN asked to work for free, speak for free, help with events for free, etc. Creating is our livelihood, the world needs creatives, but it is not always through full time jobs. Sometimes it is through bringing someone on board to work an event, speak at a workshop, direct a community show, or even help out at a children’s church; regardless of the job, realize that this is what we do for a living and as such deserve a stipend or pay for our time. Support the arts and support your local creatives! Go to Community Shows, buy merchandise when you can, donate as if you are paying for a ticket to see that production, or drop a tip in a hat if you enjoy someone’s talents. The arts are such a necessary outlet for so many people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristinmckenzierice.com
• Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/kristinmckenzierice
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinmckenzierice
• Other: https://linktr.ee/kristinrice

Image Credits

Headshot taken by Photos by VT