Katie Lyons Wants Aspiring Actors to Always Be Prepared and Be Kind

Photo courtesy of Katie Lyons and Fed Martinez.

I spoke with up-and-coming actress, Katie Lyons, about her career and what advice she has for aspiring actors and actresses out there. Hope you enjoy our interview!

 

Here is my interview with up-and-coming actress, Katie Lyons.

 

Q1: Tell me a little about yourself.

A: Hi! My name is Katie and I’ve been in the acting industry for a few years working in film, commercials, theater, improv, and sketch comedy. I would describe myself as a fun-loving person. I love to goof around with the people I work with. It’s tough for me to answer this question because I feel like the more I learn, the more I change, but I would say I’m a girl trying her best to live in the moment.

 

Q2: What made you want to become an actress?

A: When I was four or five years old, my older sister was in a production of Annie. I thought it was so unfair! Why couldn’t I be an orphan?! When we went to see the production, I remember imagining myself running up on the stage and joining all the performers. I think I always wanted to express myself and my emotions in a really grand way, and I feel like acting lets me do that. It’s not everyday you are given the opportunity to explore feelings for a job. Usually, we are taught to stifle them down and get through the day. I love that acting gives me space to dig deeper.

 

Q3: What do you love the most about being an actress?

A: The people I meet along the way. There is something really magical about a group of creatives coming together to accomplish a big goal. Being in the middle of that dynamic where everyone brings something to the table has been a great way for me to learn about what is possible. Watching another actor bring a scene to life and it being entirely different and better than what I had imagined while reading the script is the coolest thing ever. Working with an awesome director will have me expressing myself in ways I had never even considered.

 

Q4: How long have been in the industry for?

A: I have been a working actor for about five years now. I’m using the term “working” pretty lightly because at the beginning I did a lot of work for free. Student films or indie short films, things like that. That’s how I began to learn.

 

Q5: How do you balance work and having a social life?

A: This is the most impossible thing for me. Even the people I consider to be my best friends I really only see once every couple of months. I try to plan out my social time in advance because if I don’t make the time for it, there will be no time. As someone starting out in the industry, I work two other part time jobs to keep the cash flow coming in. Starting next month I’m going to be working Monday to Friday and filming Saturdays and Sundays so that really leaves no room for fun. Life comes in waves like that and when an opportunity comes knocking, you open the dang door!

 

Q6: Have their been any cool opportunities that have come your way?

A: My first lead role in a feature film, HIDEOUT, was definitely a stand out job. I was just so excited to be able to work on something for an extended amount of time. There have been a couple of times where I was called back for a role that if I booked would definitely change my life. It’s strange. One day I’ll be auditioning for a major series, fantasizing about how my life would change if I just booked it, and next day it’s back to wiping tables and answering phones (Which by the way I’m totally okay with!). You gotta pay your dues!

 

Q7: Any exciting projects coming your way in 2022 and beyond?

A: I will be working on a psychological thriller filming this spring where I will be playing a detective character. The film is called Spending Some Time Together by director Jace Elton. I am also in the talks about filming another horror feature this year so definitely keep an eye out for that! I recently signed with The Green Agency and I am excited to see how working with them will elevate my career.

 

Q8: Who or what inspires you on a daily basis?

A: Honestly EVERYTHING does. I’ll see something funny at the gym and think to myself, “That would make a great scene,” or I’ll meet someone at my job and use their traits to build a character. I try to be as aware as possible in real life because that is where my best material comes from. Being an actor is not something that begins and ends on set, I believe it is a constant mindset and discipline of noticing and questioning the things around you in everyday life.

 

Q9: Tell me your top 5 favorite films of all time and why they’re your favorites.

A: I feel like my favorite movies are always changing. I love movies too much to just pick five, but I’ll list for you a few that I adore. Lady Bird is one of my top five for sure. I’m a huge fan of Greta’s writing and a sucker for coming- of – age stories. I also love films that explore those true to life complex relationships like the one between ladybird and her mom.

I’m also a huge fan of Taika Waititi, which places Jojo Rabbit on this list, only he can explore the absolute darkest ideas and themes through humor. The Truman Show because I am convinced that I’m living it, and La La Land will always be one of my all time favorites. Love it or hate it, it’s just such a beautiful film. I love the attention to detail in the color and I’m also a big fan of musicals. Lastly, Forrest Gump. It was the first film to make me truly weep baby tears.

Also a couple of series to mention. Fleabag by Phoebe Waller-Bridge is one of my favorite pieces of art ever created and I’m very into Issa Rae’s Insecure at the moment. Props to those women for creating the content they wanted to see in the world.

 

Q10: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be an actor/actress?

A: Besides the basics of going to an acting class and getting some FIRE headshots, I would say to always be two things on set. Be prepared and be kind. If you’re not totally prepared, which has happened to me, the nerves kick in and you’ll be in big trouble. Also, people notice and remember who has their act together. You want your name passed around. Be kind always in life, but especially on set. At the end of the day connections are everything in this industry. Nobody wants to work with somebody rude or entitled. Plus you might make some really awesome friends!

 

 

A big thank you to Katie for letting me interview her!

Please check out Katie’s website here.