Meet Kara Cantrell | Actor & Acting Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kara Cantrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It’s become clear to me (after 30-ish years of adulthood) that I do best in business for myself. I’ve certainly attempted to work in corporate contexts and in academia, but I think I have a kind of blindness to the politics and masking required in those environments. Add to that that I *am* a business as an actor and it makes the most sense to manage my life in that way. It can be tough because it requires a self-discipline that I have to really work at, but even that is a learnable, or at least manageable, set of skills. I think I also had to learn and know myself much more intimately to realize my strengths and weaknesses to be able to admit where I can thrive the best. And that is working for myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think I’m in the best position professionally and as a creative that I’ve ever been in. It’s been a long, slow slog to get here mainly because of a lack of belief in myself. That lack led to periods of personal and professional turmoil that certainly hindered my progress. One of the blessings of age, though, is figuring yourself out and building your own foundation. I’m now a person with goals and boundaries… and some patience. Those things give me clarity on how to continue forward in my career and creative life and allow me to weather the downturns.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The big things, certainly: the Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain, downtown Atlanta, the Zoo, the Battery. But, I’m living in Marietta now and I’d love to take them for an afternoon on the Marietta Square for shopping and dining. We love Willie Rae’s Social House for a NOLA-inspired meal and The Third Door for a great cocktail, and The Alley Stage for some comedy or music. Plus, the farmer’s market on the Square on Saturdays.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, my husband, Rocky Oliver, who is a high-level software architect, but also had some formative experiences on stage as a young man and is a passionate cinephile. He is my rock (pun intended) and encourages me in my acting work every single day, financially, emotionally, and practically (as my audition reader). I give credit to my parents, too, for supporting me through two theatre degrees and never trying to push me away from acting. My agency, Houghton Talent, have also been so great. They’ve not only been instrumental in getting me auditions, they have made big efforts to educate their stable in many aspects of the business. And, so many teachers! Special shout out to the late Dr. D. Whitney Combs, a professor in my undergrad program, who was perhaps the first person in my life who said, “You are good at this. You should do this.” I only wish I had believed in me as much as he did.

Website: https://karacantrell.com

Image Credits
Top photo: Casey Gardner Ford for Stage Door Theatre, THE MOUSETRAP by Agatha Christie, Fall 2024

All others: self