Kirby Howell-Baptiste talks about her acting journey from London to Los Angeles, why she wrote children's books & her positive mindset that has kept her going throughout the years.
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Hey Stars! I had the pleasure of talking with Kirby during our first ever ‘Universe Panel’ in February 2023 here in Los Angeles, CA. She gave such wonderful insights on her acting journey and tips that actors can start applying to their lives today. Here are my favorite takeaways:
Getting An Agent
Some actors are always so concerned with getting signed with a big agent. Kirby said to focus on creating instead. Write, create, and act in whatever films and plays that you can. Then, the right agents will come across your work and they will come to you for representation.
Auditioning
Kirby used a great metaphor that I loved. Dancing in the club is not the same as choreography. She was comparing this to acting. Reminding us that auditioning is not the same thing as acting on set. So, when we get a self tape audition, remember that casting just wants to see a range of emotions. One scene angry, another crying, another happy, etc. They want to see that if they book you as a lead, you have all the emotional tools (aka bag of tricks) and can handle the role.
What’s Meant For You Is Meant For You
Kirby advises to forget your auditions as soon as you submit them. Recycle the script, release it to the universe, and move on. What’s meant for you is meant for you and the same goes for others. You can’t take a role from someone else and no one can take a role from you.
Kriby’s Definition Of A Star
Kriby believes that being a star is separate from fame. It’s all about your perspective. Being happy and grateful in every stage of your journey is what makes you a star. Who you are as a person is way more important than how many IMDb credits you have.
Trust Yourself
I love that she said, Don't let other people’s ideas of you be your own idea of you. Couldn’t agree more. Kirby says to trust yourself & that this is something that is not taught in schools but is vital in life. The more we focus on outside forces/people the farther away we get from that inner focus. Bring the focus back to you. You got this.
What were your favorite moments of this interview?
-Ashley Parchment