We were lucky to catch up with Myia Treat recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Myia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your creative career?
When you’re starting out in the entertainment industry, particularly in acting, whether on stage or in film, you’re bound to receive a flood of advice from well-meaning individuals on how to fast-track your career. One of the most common pieces of wisdom I encountered early on was to “say yes to everything.” The idea was that the more opportunities you seize, the faster you’ll climb to the top. Eager to make my mark, I took this advice to heart—perhaps a little too literally.
In my first year of living in New York City, I said yes to every opportunity that came my way. I threw myself into over 100 short films, took on crew positions on various sets, performed in numerous stage productions, and even agreed to last-minute roles in plays giving myself little time to prepare. I was constantly moving, always juggling multiple projects at once. At the time, I thought that this relentless hustle would propel me forward and help me build a strong portfolio, but what I quickly learned is that, in the long run, it is okay to say no.
The reality is, throughout your career, you’ll be offered countless opportunities. Some will be exciting, some will be tempting, and others may not seem as glamorous at first glance. But it’s crucial to assess each one carefully. Ask yourself: Does this opportunity truly align with your creative vision? Will it fulfill you artistically? What kind of message do you want to communicate through your work? And most importantly, do you have the time and energy to give it your all?
Out of the 100+ short films I worked on, only about 10 of them ended up in my reels or on my website. The rest? They’re stored away in hard drives, unseen by anyone—like really, some of the footage I have never even seen myself because the filmmaker never shared it. Alongside the short films, I also participated in a number of stage plays—some of which were fulfilling and rewarding, but others weren’t and it led to quick burnouts. I took on roles in productions that didn’t resonate with me creatively, played characters I didn’t connect with, or found myself stuck in last-minute, rushed performances where I didn’t have the chance to fully explore the material. Some of these shows felt more like obligations than artistic expressions, and while I gained valuable experience in the process, I realized that not every stage appearance contributes meaningfully to your growth as an actor.
In hindsight, while I’m grateful for every experience, I recognize that not all of those projects were worth my time and energy. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to say yes to everything to prove your worth, but sometimes, the best thing you can do for your career is to be more selective and intentional with the opportunities you pursue. In this business, the quality of your work is far more respected and valued than the quantity of work you’ve done.
Myia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Myia Treat and I’m a young actress and model based in New York City, originally from a small town in Arkansas. For as long as I can remember I have always felt a strong pull toward creative expression; whether that expression be through pageants, theater, dance, or any form of performance. I knew from a young age that being on a stage or in front of a camera was where I was meant to be. My love for storytelling and performing is what truly led me to pursue a career in acting. After high school, I took a big leap and moved halfway across the country to New York City at just 18 years old to follow my dreams. I attended the New York Film Academy, where I pursued my BFA in Acting for Film. The city was everything I hoped for and more — it was a place where I could immerse myself fully in the world of entertainment, and I made it my mission to seize every opportunity that came my way.
As an actress and model, I work across a range of creative disciplines, from acting in short films and theater to participating in photoshoots and exploring modeling opportunities. My journey so far has involved everything from being in over 100 short films, gaining invaluable film experience, to building my portfolio and professional network. My most notable roles in film include: ‘Mia’ in the short film South Bridge, ‘Nora’ in the short film DUST, and ‘Alice’ in the short film Where Did Wonderland Go?. My most notable roles in theatre include: ‘Angela’ in the play TRAP, ‘Marianne’ in the play Constellations, ‘Maxima’ in the play The Hunchback of Seville, and ‘Also Jamie’ in the play The Bookstore. These roles pushed me to grow both emotionally and physically as an actress, while also allowing me to work with professional crews and actors, furthering my development in the industry.
Since graduating, I’ve been actively pursuing opportunities within the entertainment industry, continuing to audition, collaborate in photoshoots, and expand my portfolio. I’ve also taken on various crew roles for films, including Girl in a Glass Box, where I served as both an extra and the 2nd Assistant Director. In this role, I was involved in casting, working closely with talent, and helping with the costume department. I’m always seeking ways to grow my craft and broaden my experience by taking on diverse roles, both in front of and behind the camera. In addition to my work as an actress and model, I’ve recently ventured into talent recruitment, where I’ve had the opportunity to participate in castings, observe auditions, scout talent, and contribute to the interview process. This work has given me a deeper understanding of the industry from a different perspective, allowing me to further enrich my creative journey.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to growth and my proactive approach to networking and creating opportunities within the industry. I’ve made it a priority to build meaningful relationships not just with fellow actors, but with a diverse range of industry professionals. Even when I’m not actively performing, I find ways to stay engaged and involved. I’ve sought out opportunities to contribute in various crew roles, constantly reading plays and scripts, participating in casting sessions, and engaging in talent recruitment. I also continue to challenge myself through ongoing classes and by exploring new characters, always striving to expand my skill set and deepen my understanding of the craft. I take pride in my versatility as an actress and believe that it is a quality that helps me to stand out on sets. Whether I’m playing a lead role in a dramatic short film, working on physical performances in a stage production, or participating in a modeling photoshoot, I embrace each challenge as an opportunity to grow within the industry.
The entertainment industry is full of uncertainty, but what excites me most is the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic, ever-evolving field. I may not know exactly what the future holds, but I’m incredibly grateful to be doing what I love every day — telling stories and bringing characters to life. Whether you’re someone looking to collaborate, a fellow creator, or a potential fan, I want you to know that I’m committed to growing, learning, and embracing every opportunity that comes my way. If you’re passionate about creativity, storytelling, and the transformative power of performance, I would love to connect with you and see how we can create something meaningful together. If you’re an aspiring performer, I’d love to be a source of encouragement as you pursue your dreams. So if you take away anything from my article, please take away this: if it ever feels like there’s no space for you in the entertainment industry, remember: don’t wait for a seat at the table — pull up your chair, create your own space, and make it yours!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
There are many different parts of being a creative that sparks joy and is rewarding, but for me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to step into different worlds and embody different lives through the characters I play. Acting allows me to explore the full range of human emotions and experiences, and to connect with people on a deep, personal level. There’s something incredibly powerful about telling stories that reflect real-life struggles, joys, and dreams. If I can portray a character that resonates with someone and makes them feel truly represented in the media—especially as a young woman who understands what it feels like to be misrepresented—that is deeply meaningful to me.
I also love how acting gives me the opportunity to challenge stereotypes, break boundaries, and offer new perspectives—especially for women. The chance to give voice and life to complex, meaningful stories is what makes the long filming days, the memorizing of lines, and even the bright stage lights all worth it. When I’m able to portray a complex, multidimensional character that resonates with someone, or makes them feel seen or understood, that’s what can be so fulfilling. It’s about more than just performing—it’s about creating a space for empathy, growth, and change.
As I continue to grow in my craft, I’m inspired by the conversations happening around storytelling and the ways in which we can reshape the future of art—and the future of our world. At the end of the day, the most fulfilling part of creating art is knowing that what I do has the potential to inspire others, spark important dialogue, and challenge the norms that shape our lives. Art is about provoking thought and inspiring change, helping us all to see the world differently and, hopefully, a little more clearly, so being able to contribute to that change is incredibly rewarding.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Growing up in a small southern town, a career in a creative field like acting and the entertainment industry wasn’t quite understood—or even seen as a realistic path. In a community where more traditional careers like teaching, medicine, or business were the norm, pursuing something as unpredictable and unconventional as acting often felt out of reach or impractical. For a long time, I struggled with the idea that my dreams might not be possible, simply because they didn’t fit into the mold of what people around me expected or understood.
But despite those challenges, I remained drawn to storytelling, to embodying different lives, and to exploring the power of performance. I realized that, for me, the desire to create, express, and connect through art was too strong to ignore. Still, it wasn’t easy to find support or encouragement from those around me, which is why I feel so strongly about the need to broaden society’s view of creative careers—especially in communities where the arts are undervalued or misunderstood. It’s so important for young people, no matter where they’re from, to know that their creative dreams are valid and worth pursuing, no matter what path society expects them to follow.
So in my view, society can best support artists and creatives by fostering a culture that values and encourages artistic expression as much as it does traditional career paths. This starts with creating more opportunities within schools and performing arts programs that inspire students to pursue their creative dreams. Too often, the arts are seen as secondary or “unrealistic” careers, but creativity is at the heart of innovation and culture. If we want to cultivate a thriving creative ecosystem, we need to make sure that future generations have access to resources, mentorship, and training that empower them to explore their artistic potential without fear of judgment or financial insecurity.
I also think it’s crucial for society to provide more platforms for artists to showcase their work and build sustainable careers. Whether it’s through funding, partnerships with schools like more scholarships for students, or public support for the arts, we need to invest in the long-term success of creative fields. By encouraging young people to chase their dreams—whether it’s acting, writing, music, or any form of artistic expression—we can help break down the barriers and fears that keep so many from pursuing their passion full-time.
Ultimately, a society that supports creatives is one that recognizes the value of storytelling, the power of art to shape culture, and the importance of fostering creativity in all its forms. If we can do that, we’ll create a more inclusive, innovative, and vibrant world for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.myiatreat.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myiajtreat/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myia-treat-03b819341/
- Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13736771/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
