We recently connected with Megan-Claire Chase and have shared our conversation below.

Megan-Claire, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have dreamt of being an actor since I was eight years old. My mother not only introduced me to cult favorites like The Wiz and The Wizard of Oz, but she also introduced me to classic films like Stagedoor, Bringing Up Baby, Easter Parade, and Dangerous. I became obsessed with Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn movies as I got older.

Aside from movies, I adore seeing musicals and dramas at the theatre. Since my mother knew I wanted to get into acting, she told me about a musical holding auditions for understudies one summer. I remember walking through the front doors of Macon Little Theatre in my hometown of Macon, GA, and frozen with stage fright. I was the youngest person auditioning and the only Black person there. I wanted to run away, but my mother was firm and pushed me to follow through with the audition.

I remember the first moment I stepped onto the stage to read a monologue. I stood there and felt tingles all over my body. My nerves were gone. The moment I opened my mouth, I knew this was where I belonged.

I ultimately got the part and many chances to perform over that summer. I was bit by the acting and intoxicated by all things theatre and movies.

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?

Due to many life challenges, including breast cancer, I’ve had to reframe my dreams of being a professional actor. There was a time I tried to bury my passion for performing due to having to be an adult and not having a flexible schedule to go on auditions. That gutted me for a long time.

It’s strange yet not strange how going through breast cancer revived my acting dreams. Once a person faces their mortality and survives, they are forever changed. That was the case for me. I became bolder and unapologetically me. It also sparked a new avenue of passion and purpose by becoming a patient advocate in the cancer space.
I vividly remember the moment I realized I could still be an actor and writer but not in a traditional way. I was at a cancer conference and was floored by the keynote speaker. This speaker commanded the stage. It was that moment when I realized this was what I wanted to do. I began to reframe what being an actor and writer could be. Though I work in a very serious cancer space, I can still be dramatic, zany, and creative.

Though I work full-time in the cancer space, I do a lot of freelance work, which helps fill my creative cup. I can still bring my entire personality to help humanize the cancer experience.

I was making weekly videos for a small company in the UK. They decided to move in a different direction, but I enjoyed making the videos so much that I decided to keep them going but added more flair to the content. I call them “Megsie’s Musings.” I’m currently in the developing stage of a digital talk show pilot for another cancer organization. I’m hoping an organization or even a casting director will see them on social media so it can become a paid gig.

I love sharing my breast cancer story and am honored when asked to be a guest speaker or write about a particular experience. My theatre background helps me stand out because I have the skill to tell and write compelling stories with seriousness mixed with humor and sprinkled with that Megan-Claire flair.

One of my dreams is to write, star, and produce a one-woman show about a certain period in my life. I was never meant to sit behind a desk. All I can do is keep networking, remain visible, and continue being unapologetically me.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I have been asked multiple times how I built my audience and presence on social media. I never started out wanting thousands or millions of followers. I just wanted a place to express myself and connect with other amazing and unique humans. The key is authenticity.

When I began blogging, that’s where I picked up a broader reach of followers. I started calling myself ‘Warrior Megsie’ and unintentionally became a brand. My trademark is always wearing fun hair accessories. More importantly, I am just myself. I don’t shy away from talking about complex topics. Of course, that does open me up to trolls and being targeted, especially when I make videos or write about racism.

I reached a personal landmark of over 5,000 followers on Twitter and was happily shocked. While that may seem small to some, it’s all about perspective. I feel it’s a huge accomplishment. More importantly, I love to engage with my followers and amplify their posts. I’ve been able to make some beautiful connections and genuine friendships with people I’ve never met because I consistently stay true to who I am.

My advice is to be yourself, let your personality shine and engage with your following. Don’t focus on the number of followers. Being consistent with your posting and engaging will naturally build your social media presence.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal that drives my creative journey is I don’t want to be forgotten. Cancer took away my fertility. I am also an only child. Since I don’t have a physical legacy, I can at least have a digital legacy that will show I existed. Each of us wants to matter and leave a mark in this world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.warriormegsie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriormegsie/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-claire-chase/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/warriormegsie
• Other: Voiceover Demo: https://megsiechase.icanvoice.com/