The path to becoming a successful actor is often portrayed as glamorous and filled with excitement, but the reality of the journey can be vastly different. For many actors, it’s a mix of hard work, rejection, perseverance, and personal growth. In a candid conversation, rising stars Kayla and Jalen, two talented actors who have been making waves in the industry, reveal their unique experiences and the realities of their creative journeys in the world of acting.
Their stories are not just about breaking into the industry, but about what it takes to stay committed, face challenges head-on, and continue pursuing their craft despite the obstacles along the way.
1. The Starting Point: A Dream That Becomes a Reality
Both Kayla and Jalen knew from a young age that acting was their passion. For Kayla, it started when she was just a child, watching movies and imagining herself in the roles of the characters on screen. "I remember being so captivated by the stories being told and thinking, ‘I want to do that. I want to tell stories that make people feel something,’" she recalls.
Jalen, too, was drawn to acting early in life, but his journey was a little different. He grew up in a family that didn’t have much exposure to the entertainment industry, so he initially struggled to see a clear path to acting. "I didn’t have the ‘traditional’ route. I wasn’t in drama classes in high school, acting opportunities my family didn’t really understand what acting was as a career," Jalen shares. "But I found my way into community theater and started doing small projects on my own."
Both Kayla and Jalen’s early experiences in their craft were fueled by an internal desire to create and perform, but they quickly realized that the journey would be anything but easy.
2. Facing Rejection and Building Resilience
Kayla and Jalen both agree that rejection is a massive part of the acting journey. It’s something every actor faces, no matter how talented they are or how much they prepare. For Kayla, the constant rejection was one of the hardest parts of her career. "When you first start auditioning, you get a lot of ‘no’s.’ And it hurts. It’s hard not to take it personally because you pour your heart into each audition," she admits.
Jalen shares a similar sentiment, adding that rejection doesn’t stop as your career grows. "Even after landing roles, there are still auditions where you don't get the part, and you have to be okay with it. You can’t dwell on it. If you do, it can break you. The key is to keep going, no matter what."
For both of them, the most important lesson they’ve learned is resilience. Over the years, they’ve developed thicker skin and learned not to let rejection define their self-worth. "You have to remind yourself that it’s not about you personally. It’s about the fit for the role," Kayla explains. "That’s something I’ve had to constantly remind myself."
Jalen adds, "Resilience is key. Every ‘no’ brings you one step closer to a ‘yes,’ and every rejection teaches you something valuable about your craft."
3. The Struggle for Financial Stability and Work-Life Balance
One reality that most people don’t understand about acting is the financial instability that comes with it, especially in the early years. Many actors, even after booking roles, struggle to make ends meet between gigs. Kayla and Jalen have both experienced periods where they had to take on side jobs to support their passion.
"I’ve done everything from waiting tables to working at a retail store, just to pay bills," Kayla says. "It’s not glamorous, but it’s part of the hustle. You do whatever you can to survive while you’re chasing your dream." Jalen echoes this sentiment, noting that the uncertainty of when the next job will come can be stressful. "There are times when you feel like you’re doing all the right things, but nothing is happening. It’s frustrating and can be emotionally draining."
In addition to financial struggles, they’ve also had to work hard to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Long days on set, rehearsals, and auditions leave little time for personal relationships and self-care. "Being away from family and friends can be tough, especially when you’re shooting on location for weeks at a time," Kayla shares. "It’s something I’ve had to manage, and it’s a constant challenge to prioritize yourself and your relationships."
Jalen adds that balance is something they both strive for. "It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of your career, but you need to take care of yourself mentally and physically. For me, finding time to recharge is crucial. Sometimes you just need a day off to relax and reflect."
4. Finding Their Unique Voice in the Industry
As they’ve progressed in their careers, both Kayla and Jalen have realized the importance of finding their unique voice within the industry. Early on, they tried to fit into the molds of what they thought the industry expected of them. But over time, they’ve learned that success comes from embracing who they are and not trying to be someone they’re not.
"I used to try to fit into a certain type of character or role that I thought was expected of me," Kayla admits. "But as I’ve grown in my craft, I’ve realized that what makes me stand out is just being true to myself. I focus on roles that I connect with and that I can bring something personal to."
Jalen agrees, emphasizing the importance of authenticity. "I used to worry a lot about fitting in and getting approval, but as I’ve matured, I’ve realized that the most fulfilling roles are the ones where I can be myself. The more I tap into my own experiences, the better my performance becomes."
Both actors agree that being true to their authentic selves has allowed them to grow in ways they never imagined. "The industry can be tough, and there’s a lot of pressure to conform," Kayla explains. "But if you stay true to who you are and find roles that speak to your soul, you’ll always have something to offer."
5. The Importance of Collaboration and Building Relationships
Throughout their journey, Kayla and Jalen have learned that collaboration is a vital part of the acting process. Acting is not just about individual performance—it’s about working together with directors, producers, and fellow actors to create a cohesive and compelling story. Both Kayla and Jalen emphasize how important it is to build strong, supportive relationships within the industry.
"The collaboration on set is one of the things I love most about acting," Jalen says. "You get to work with talented people who bring their own unique skills to the table, and you all create something together. It’s a team effort. And the best projects are the ones where everyone is working towards the same goal."
Kayla agrees, noting that the relationships she’s built with other actors have helped her grow immensely as an artist. "The people I’ve worked with have pushed me to be better, to take risks, and to think differently about my craft. Acting is about connecting with others, both on and off screen."
6. Looking Ahead: The Future of Their Careers
Looking to the future, Kayla and Jalen both feel optimistic about what lies ahead. While they’ve faced their share of challenges, they are more committed than ever to their craft. "I’m always learning and evolving as an actor," Kayla says. "I want to keep challenging myself with new roles and new experiences."
Jalen, too, has big plans for the future. "I’m focused on doing work that matters, on roles that are meaningful, and on projects that push boundaries. It’s about growth, both as an actor and as a person."
For both Kayla and Jalen, the creative journey is about much more than fame or recognition. It’s about growth, authenticity, and the passion to continue telling stories that connect with audiences on a deep level. "Acting is a lifelong journey," Jalen says. "There’s always room to grow and new challenges to tackle. And that’s what makes it exciting."
7. Conclusion: The Realities of Acting
The journey of Kayla and Jalen is a testament to the realities of the acting world—one that’s filled with challenges, rejection, and hard work, but also with growth, creativity, and the joy of sharing stories that move and inspire others. Through their candid insights, they remind us that success in acting is not just about talent—it’s about resilience, collaboration, and a passion for storytelling that drives them to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles they face. Their story is one of determination, self-discovery, and the unwavering belief that, with the right mindset, anything is possible in the world of acting.
