We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taurean Cavins-Flores a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Taurean, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The project I’m working on now, actually. This is the second time we’re self producing. It’s a play called ‘Independent’ written by John D. Babcock III about actor and filmmaker John Cassavetes. Cassavetes pioneered independent filmmaking in America starting in the 1950s. John and I were at the Marietta Diner back in the spring of 2024 and he was telling me about this play he wrote about Cassavetes. As he’s describing the story and the man, I saw that a lot of his ideals and principles lined up with my own. I almost began to cry as I looked John in the eyes and said, “We have to do this.” Right after that, we embarked on a year long journey of producing it and getting it on its feet. ‘Independent’ will be staged February 13th-15th at Windmill Arts. Tickets available on their website at windmillarts.org

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

So I’ve known I’ve wanted to act since I was 8 and have been doing it ever since. It’s my passion and my life blood and why I was put on this earth in the first place. My parents divorced when I was 5 and movies, theater and my imagination were my solace. I truly don’t know if I’d be here without it, and that is my purpose-to give anyone else that solace who may need it, whether they’re 5 or 105. As an actor, I’m counted upon to give people a glimpse into the human condition. It is my responsibility to help them explore personal things they feel they aren’t allowed to explore in this judgmental, often venomous world. It is my life’s purpose to bring this through in my work. I majored in theater in college and then attended The National Theater Conservatory. After that, I spent nearly a decade in L.A. where I studied The Meisner Technique at Playhouse West. I now teach Meisner at Drama Inc. here in Atlanta. I adore teaching and want my potential students to know that my teaching comes from a place of empathy and understanding. As actors and artists, we are cultural leaders. Our work is extremely hard but we’re in this together, so if I can help you grow on your journey, that’s an opportunity I’ll snag in a heartbeat.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A time I’ve had to pivot in my life and career is now. This play I’m dedicating my life to, ‘Independent’, has been a huge pivot point for me. The industry is so gate keeping, that it’s hard for people to break in. We see the same 5 actors in every movie that comes out and it’s very easy to get angry and say, “Why not me?” Acting isn’t like most other jobs where there’s at least a semblance of a single ladder to climb. Instead, there are thousands of ladders of different sizes scattered all over the place and you don’t find out that some are broken until you start to climb. I’ve dedicated my life to what I do and I’m still considered an “unknown”. ‘Independent’ is me taking my career into my own hands, stating loudly, “Instead of waiting to be discovered, I’m going to MAKE you see me.”

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

If I can provide any insight to non-creatives to help them better understand acting, it would be this: the best of us are here for you. To give you a safe space to contemplate the complexity of being human, to explore the gray areas of life or simply a safe space for an escape and a bucket of popcorn. See us for what we provide and appreciate us. Because we sure do appreciate you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: taureantheactor AND independenttheplay
• Youtube: Taurean The Actor
• Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/independent-john-cassavetes-the-birth-of-american-independent-filmmaking-tickets-1979365078232?aff=oddtdtcreatorThis is the link for our play, ‘Independent’.

  Also, my TikTok is taureantheactor as well.

Image Credits

Joe Funk Photography