We were lucky to catch up with Kurt Telzrow recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kurt, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I always admired actors since I was a kid. I loved how they brought a story to life. In the summer after 3rd grade I decided to try an acting camp at a small school in New England. I remember how magical it felt to be on that stage. I was telling story, being part of something larger than myself. I was so compelled to be part of the experience that I changed schools in the fall so I could continue on this journey. I was so excited to be part of the youth theater and community theater and I felt like I had a sense of purpose for the first time in my life. I remember being lectured about skipping art, music and sports so I could spend time working on the next production. Luckily the head of the drama department went to bat for me and eventually I was allowed to spend afternoons not only acting but on every aspect of the production from building sets to moving lights and setting up sound. This was an amazing time in my life that I thought would never end but then our family relocated to the Midwest and I remember feeling like my life had ended. Was this the end of the dream?

Kurt, 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?

After I moved to Ohio in High School I stopped acting. I felt like my life was uprooted and I didn’t see a path forward. Finally, as a Senior the school offered acting as an English credit. I really felt alive again when jumped back into acting. I was drafted to be the Tin Man in a French version of the Wizard of Oz that the school put on. I was so excited to be back in the game again but after that I wondered where could I ever go? I did what a lot of people do, I gave up the dream, I told myself I needed a real job, something to get ahead in life. After many years pursuing the material life I realized it just wasn’t making me happy. I left the dream on the table and I wanted it back. I started thinking about acting more and more, researching classes, debating if I had time to do it, and then I just did it. I signed up for in person acting classes and then added online classes so that I was constantly working on my craft. Through this journey I learned how difficult it can be to let go, be in the moment, be truthful, take risk. But the reward is immense. I feel purpose again. I feel so grateful to have had opportunities to work with local filmmakers and grow and be part of the community of creatives. I am proud that I work hard everyday at my craft. I enjoy every bit of the work from breaking down a scene, memorizing lines, working with fellow actors to being on set. I know I have made the right choice in life.

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

Many people out there feel like they are not creative. That’s ridiculous!! People that work with data everyday make inferences from the data as to how a business is thriving, what could be next, is this the beginning of a new trend? Those that work with customers have to constantly use creative problem solving to understand what drives their customer, what are their needs? I think the world sees actors, writers, musicians, painters and other creatives as something they are not. But the reality is some pursuits put the creative at the forefront, visible for the world to see where other occupations have the creative more in the background. I feel that everyone needs to embrace what they are and take a moment to reflect on all the things that make you what you are. There is a creative soul in all of us!!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe the best thing we can do as a society is embrace creative pursuits by viewing them as a pathway. People are always pressured to “get a real job”, make it like everyone else. No one ever asks how ‘s the accounting thing going. But people always mention creative pursuits as a thing. Let’s embrace the fact that everyone is different and has unique ways to express themselves. If you allow a person to be authentic then you will learn a lot from them. If you have someone working for you that is also a creative, allow them the flexibility to pursue their dream and you may find that person will add more value due to their distinctive point of view. Remember, every job has creativity embedded in it, so use those who are the most creative to your advantage.