Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Cordero.
Kelsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m an aspiring actor and screenwriter born and raised in Redwood City, a smaller city just south of San Francisco. Growing up in the Bay Area exposed me to so much art and culture from such a young age. I have had a love for all types of entertainment since I was young.
When I was five, my grandma took me to see a production of Annie, which was my obsession at the time, and afterwards I got to go backstage and meet the cast. That is where my love for acting began. I performed in my first musical, Peter Pan, in the 4th grade at my tiny elementary school, St. Pius. I remember Linda Cardellini, who some might remember as Velma in the live action Scooby Doo and a fellow St. Pius alum, used to attend some of the productions.
My path into acting was actually a pretty unconventional one. I mean, I’ve dreamed of acting since I was five years old, but I didn’t start pursuing the career until a little over a year ago. I never abandoned my dream though, I took film production throughout high school, learning the ins and outs of everything film.
I started out college up at Chico State, flip-flopping through majors such as communications and political science, but from the start, I knew my heart wanted more. After taking theatre courses there, I knew what I had to do, and when I set my mind to something I do it.
So now, I am here in LA at LMU living out my dream. I’m studying theatre and screenwriting, doing everything I can to bring my stories to life and help bring other’s stories to life too. I am becoming to be the person I’ve always wanted to be; someone who inspires others like how some have inspired me, and I can’t wait to see who I grow into.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I definitely took one of the bumpier roads there are, but I don’t regret a second of it. I was a little intimidated coming into a school as a transfer student with such good programs, surrounded by people with so much talent and experience, but I realized this is exactly where I’m meant to be.
A struggle I have had to work on along the way is getting out of my comfort zone and staying confident in who I am. Within this line of work, it is easy to get caught up in what other people want you to be or what you think you should be. I’ve realized I don’t need to be anyone but myself, I don’t need to fit anyone’s mold or expectations.
Some “what ifs” have crossed my mind in the past too. Specifically, what if I had started my career sooner, where would I be? But I don’t wish to be anywhere except where I am now. If I hadn’t taken the path I did, I wouldn’t be who I am today, grown in the ways I’ve grown. I love who and where I am now, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an actor and screenwriter; I would also love to dabble with some stand-up comedy at some point too. Acting will always be my first love, and I never feel more at home than I do when I am acting, whether it is on stage, a student film, or one day on your TV. I am working on a script right now for a short film.
A huge inspiration in my work is my identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. One of my goals is to help bring more good, full, queer representation to the entertainment industry. Queer characters in film and TV were extremely important to me growing up and I want to help others find themselves in characters, whether I am playing them or writing them.
I am the most proud of passion, drive, and my will to never stop learning and growing as an actor, writer, or really any area of my life. I am able to bring a little bit of me to every project I am doing. I love bringing a good energy to any project and inspiring everyone around me to put their heart in what they do, live out their dreams like I am.
What makes you happy?
So many things make me happy. Starting with my mom, I owe a lot to my mom. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her (love you mom). Spending time with friends of course, I have a really great group of people surrounding me.
I mean of course doing what I love and building a career out of it, it’s an indescribable feeling really. Whenever I am on set or even just at an audition, I’m honestly just so happy to be there.
There are smaller things too of course; I love snowboarding, playing guitar, listening to music (whether it is in my room or at the top of a viewpoint). It’s the smaller things that help keep me grounded.
I could keep going on and on, but these are integral in my happiness and who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://demoreel.com/kelseycordero
- Instagram: kelseycordero
- Twitter: kelseymcordero
Image Credits:
Jeff Bartee Photography LMU SFTV
