We recently connected with Trevor Perry and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Trevor, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
So as far as risk go, I think the biggest risk I took was when I decided not try to fit into a stereotypical socitial mold. By refusing the status quo and not allowing the world’s perception of me to control what roles I audition for I’ve grown so much as an artist. WhenI first started auditioning for shows, I was always forced to do small ensemble parts because lets face it this theatre business is not made for people of size or people of color, let alone someone who identifies and nonbinary or trans. I wanted to do more because I knew that I was capable of more. I stopped accepting those limitations and my career has now taken on a curious and exciting upswing. I’m not one of those people that get to be catapulted into stardom. My rise has been dictated by not accepting no and learning to be resilient. I am constantly enrolled in acting classes, voice lessons, I’m reading new works, and auditioning against type. Along the way I believe that I have challenged everyone’s perceptions of who I am. As a non binary performer getting people to cast me as women as well as men has been a long fought battle that has started to pay off for me, exposing me to a work of possibilities that few actos get to venture into.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I got into this industry a little later than most, not really starting until college when i fell in love with the craft. I Have a B.F.A. in theatre performance from Western Carolina University. There I was fortunate enough to work with Opera coaches and Broadway legends such as Terrence Mann. I was inspired to use my instrument and to audition at a professional level. I had a few Broadway close calls most recently getting to final callbacks of the original broadway cast of A Strange Loop. It was a thrilling opportunity to meet the director, writer, and productive team. I also have a business where I assist and help other actors build their audition repertoire and audition coach. Those services are available on my website www.giggedandfavored.com. I think what sets me a part from others is that I blatantly defy expectations in pursuit of living and performing authentically. I’m always striving to embody my characters and live in the moment.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I would say a lesson that I had to unlearn in this business is that there is a misconception that the Actor/Performer has to change themselves to be more digestible or marketable. I used to tear myself apart instead of just radically accepting myself as I am. I had to learn that I am enough as I am, and own that. Unlearning that harmful mindset has been so liberating and although I may struggle from time to time I understand that there is still growth in that.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?
The most rewarding aspect for me is getting to impact someone’s life. I have been so moved when I meet other non binary, or of size actors that I have inspired by my work. Since I am so visible, other performers feel safe talking to me about such things and always reach out either after the show or via social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://giggedandfavored.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MusicklyGifted/
Image Credits
Russell Scott, Casey Ford, Ed Lee