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

Morgan, appreciate you joining us today. 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’ve been working in LA for 15 years, but acting since I was very young. No doubt that my traditional education in theater formed my solid foundation but I’ve most valued the reps of going into spaces that scare me.

In my network tests and chemistry reads, my training didn’t mean anything if I didn’t know how to execute in a nerve-wracking space. Though, they did have me improv in the network test for Veep. Thankfully, I did Groundlings early in my career and now I’m at UCB. Don’t hate me Second City. I love you too.

Morgan, 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?

Acting is the work I love most. This beat is TOUGH. It’s so vulnerable and laden with unfulfilled hopes. But a day performing fills me with the most determination and joy.

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

Eradicate pay-for-play audition platforms. Artists are dolling out hundreds of dollars annually as a requirement to participate in the auditions process.

And create accessible health insurance and healthcare.

:)

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

When you actually pull it off, get in the show, make the movie…

Entertainment has been a companion, a mood-lifter and somewhere to escape for so many people and it’s the highest compliment when someone likes my performance and takes the time to let me know.

In turn, I always let my friends know when I see their work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unofficialmorgan/

Image Credits

Andrew Snavely