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

Livi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I don’t think I did anything at the beginning other than be me, which I guess is in fact a big part of acting: making every audition your own and having faith in yourself. I love being on set or taping an audition with a coach as I always learn new things whether it be from a director, fellow actor or a crew member. I’ve taken quite a few acting classes and workshops now and I always learn something new in every single one. I enjoy changing things up whether it is getting different auditions or new classes because it’s fun to try something new. I think an obstacle I came across was when after taking a few classes I would sometimes overthink things. I think that took away from me connecting with my character at times. It’s good to do your research and understand the role but at the same time you have to let go and play the character as you feel they are. I’ve also learned that it’s ok to take a break and that sometimes doing less is more beneficial than having a crazy schedule. It’s very important for me to be a normal kid too!

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

I begged my parents to learn guitar at 5 but they only gave in a year later. From there I started writing my own songs and at age 9 I was playing at a gig and strangers came up to my parents to tell them I should have an agent. Shortly after that I signed with Privilege Talent in Atlanta. I didn’t even know what sides were, but they took a chance on me and I started taking some on camera lessons and I booked a role on The Resident but I was cut! That was a quick lesson in the industry. I then appeared in several movies, including Tulsa where I was lead, and I even got to film for a month in Cape Town, South Africa as Sarah Stafford in Redeeming Love. Whilst there I booked the role of Alice Creel in Stranger Things which was a dream come true! It was amazing to finally see my episodes! I’ve just finished filming the lead in a tv show called Shadrach. I play Anna Wilson whose family is forced to move to the country and the show focuses on how Anna’s relationship with a horse she saves, Shadrach, helps her through situations and also appreciate the smaller things in life.

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

I think people outside the industry may not appreciate how many times you hear nothing or a no. So many times people have assumed I didn’t have to audition for a role but I have auditioned for every role! I have auditioned for roles, during Covid, and the process has gone on for almost a year. I got to testing but in the end it wasn’t for me and that is ok but it hurts! I am grateful for each and every opportunity as every time I learn something new. Each audition takes time to prepare for, and one of the parts I love is researching the role and project. There are many hours spent behind the scenes which if you don’t work in the industry I think you would be surprised by.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The audition above which went on for almost a year and wasn’t for me in the end was a great life lesson. The day after I found out I didn’t get the role a producer reached out asking me to audition for a role in a project. I had to dig deep to get myself up and in the zone. I didn’t get that role either but a friend of mine did and she was perfect for it. I learned that if you want things to happen you have to dig deep and go the extra mile but I also learned that sometimes things just aren’t meant for you and that’s ok. I think at the end of all of that I truly could ‘do my best and forget the rest’ which is a win/win for sure! Being able to walk away from a taping having had fun and knowing you did your best is the best feeling and that way you can honestly enjoy your journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livibofficial
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livi.birch.35
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/f_zY2KWIx5A
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/livi-birch/1528097988

Image Credits
Max Eremine