Today we’d like to introduce you to Tasha Caufield.
Tasha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
One of my jokes on stage went something like this,” Most of my life, I’ve felt alienated from my parents… And I used to think it was because I’m a Gryffindor and they’re Slytherins, and that’s just, you know, the dynamic. But, no, it turns out that they’re just ‘crazy.’ I love ’em, but they’re crazy…”
I grew up in an INSANELY dysfunctional home in an area of LA known as “The Jungles” (see the movie “Training Day” for its reference, lol). Every type of abuse took place in the home, which led me and my siblings to have a very unstable upbringing. And when running away at 12 years old, I came across some homeless boys who had run away from a group home and robbed a man for his money. Thanks to that incident, I found myself locked up and stuck in the juvenile justice system, as it’s very hard to get out once you get in.
Depending on whether I ran away (and therefore violated probation) or got kicked out of the house (and became a ward of the court), I frequented different juvenile halls, boot camps, placement facilities, group homes, temporary foster homes, etc. for the next few years. And nothing changed until I was introduced to a sitcom writing workshop ran by The Create Now! Mentoring Organization while staying in one particular juvenile placement facility in The Valley. I ended up in a one-on-one mentorship with workshop instructor and television writer/producer Lisa Rosenthal (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Head of the Class, etc.); and the creative outlet that writing provided for a talent I didn’t even know I had, or needed to express, not only helped me to get on the straight and narrow but eventually got me into The University of Southern California’s School of Cinema-Television, along with a Warner Brothers Fellowship and work in Hollywood.
Curious about life outside of institutions – both juvenile and Hollywood – I ended up going to The Midwest where I later began performing standup comedy, as the training in sitcom writing sort of lent itself to it. With my production company, “Reel It In,” I also directed and produced the documentary, “The Makings of a Stand-Up Comedian,” which shows aspiring comics the importance of finding their voice.
In an effort to “pay it forward,” I wrote a book, “A.W.O.L.: How to Escape the Juvenile Justice System and Experience Inner Peace,” which has been praised as inspiring and influential among incarcerated youth. And then I moved on to literature, as I love story-telling. I’ve published several fiction novels, including my debut novel, “Rewriting Harry Potter,” a tale inspired by my life and stand up; followed by “The Care and Feeding of Sex Symbols” and “Serial Killer.” More recently, I started a YouTube channel to offer advice and further express my artistry in between writing projects; as well as put out a non-fiction book called “The Art of Laziness” for fellow creatives and entrepreneurs. Currently, I’m working on my autobiography, which I’m both excited and nervous as hell about.
It’s been a crazy ride, with lots of blood, sweat, and tears in the past; but the freedom I now have to honor myself and what brings me joy makes the journey of self-discovery a lot more enjoyable. That’s a bit part of the message I want my life and art to reflect: that who you are matters, so take advantage of the freedom you have to go out there and enjoy your life. That’s all I believe we are charged to do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth ride AT ALL, lol… In addition to all the childhood drama I experienced, I had to face the emotional issues born out of childhood abuse and neglect, like low self-worth, low self-esteem, insecurities, shame, etc… It has made me a more loving and compassionate person, though; and I feel I have a better understanding of people and the world around me, whose capacity for love far outweighs any of the pain I endured. So I’ve humbly accepted those challenges.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a writer and comedian who specializes in supporting people on their journey of self-love, self-acceptance, and following their bliss. I’m most proud of practicing what I preach by having the courage to follow my north star.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Outside of the beach, I most like the diversity of landscapes and people that LA offers; and I prefer not to think about the things I least like, lol.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tashacaufield.com
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TashaCaufield
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkAYDtkmlrkEBtbT7qzfD9g
