Today we’d like to introduce you to Loren Kinsella.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. I was put into dance class from the time I could stand and was literally on stage by the age of two. Don’t get me wrong, my mom isn’t a ‘stage mom’ or anything like that, it’s just what you do in New Orleans when you’d like your kid to grow up with grace. That and the fact that my skin is so pale it’s almost transparent kept me from doing a lot of outdoor sports. I suppose you can say my love for performance began at the moment I was on that stage, and since then I have never looked back. My first speaking role on stage was in the First Grade production of Mikey Goes To Space where I booked the coveted one line role of Long Tail (the mouse) and I still know that line to the day. I was so into my character and wrapped up in the experience that I nearly forgot to say it! My first on-screen experience came at the tender age of six when I shot a physical fitness commercial. I was a shoe-in for that role because despite being in constant dance classes, I was a pudgy little kid. I was featured quite a bit in that commercial, rather embarrassing now that I think about it. Whatever the case, that was it, I was in hook, line and sinker. I had planned my entire career by the age of nine. No kidding. I even wrote an ‘adaptation’ of my favorite novel to send to Steven Spielberg at the same age. No, it didn’t get made, but I’m still convinced it would be a great kid’s movie.
Greatly disappointing my father who wanted me to be a pro golfer (but come on, there’s so much sun outside) and following my passion for dance, I trained with the famous Giacobbe Academy in New Orleans, eventually joining Delta Festival Ballet, where I rose to soloist level. My dance career kept me on my toes, performing in numerous ballets and two Broadway shows. Growing up in such a prestigious ballet company really took its toll. Because I was a pudgy kid, I had to struggle with ongoing eating disorders and constant injuries. One injury was so serious that I had to spend an entire year recovering. During that time, I also had to fight a battle with debilitating depression. Thankfully, all of that is behind me. And to be honest, the more recent belief system in the American dance community is more focus on the health and strength of the dancer and not just the thin, long lines that was the main stay for ballet for so long. We’ve come a long way, baby!
For high school, I continued in the performing vein, attending the prestigious New Orleans Center For The Creative Arts (NOCCA). I can still remember my audition and how nerve-wracking it had been. I couldn’t believe they accepted me. ME! I graduated from there, and then eventually found my way to the world renown Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Along the way, I picked up a BA, MFA and a DFA, all with Theater and TV/Film as the focus. It’s crazy what we do to keep our parents happy isn’t it?
One thing that crept into my life’s journey that my nine-year-old self was not expecting was my love for Martial Arts. While dancing professionally, I lived and trained at the Wah Lum Kung-Fu Academy under the tutelage of Living Legend Master Pui Chan. Talk about rigorous! A regular day would begin with a Kung-Fu class, a quick shower, off to dance for an eight-hour day, another shower, back to Kung-Fu class, back to dance class, then on to tumbling class- and that was just Tuesday! I trained my tail off, always striving to be the best I can, I was rewarded by being able to compete for the United States at the 2001 Zhengzhou International Martial Arts Festival in Zhengzhou, China. I didn’t win, but I was ranked 6th in the world for that year.
I relocated to Los Angeles in the early 2000’s. Since being here, I’ve performed in many feature films, television and theater shows, I’ve written and directed television shows and films, and worked for several years as a video game tester (yes, that’s a thing!). I won best actress awards at various film festivals, mostly for my role as Deloras (an aging dancer wondering how she got where she was) and I was even considered for a Prime Time Emmy Award®! (I’m still having a hard time believing that.)
I look forward to what the future holds. I’m open to all creative experiences, but I do hope to be continuing working in the performance arena for decades to come.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would have to say dealing with injuries and eating disorders when growing up, and of course the usual insecurities that actors constantly fight. We all have our ups and downs, but that’s part of what makes us who we are. As much as I hate going through such things, I try (accent on the TRY) to see them as invaluable experiences that help me grow.
I’ve had a lot of nay-sayers in my life, and I’ve always, always been underestimated. I’m not sure why that is. But I’ve learned to relish in the role of the underdog and enjoy the surprised look of said nay-sayers when I come out on top.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Of course being in Los Angeles, I’m focusing on Film and Television, but Theater will always be a major player in my life.
In fact, I’ll be performing in a terrific show called CHOICE by prolific and talented playwright Timothy Allen Smith in March, and then I’ll be in The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Nighttime in New Orleans in June. I couldn’t be more excited!
I’m mostly known for being an honest and truthful actress.
I’m most proud of my journey. I’m thrilled and grateful to be where I am in my career and I look forward to growing as an artist by leaps and bounds.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck is a hard one, isn’t it? It’s hard to distinguish what is luck, what is destiny and what is God or the Universe setting the way.
I do believe in luck, I suppose, and if it’s been luck that has lead me to where I am today, then luck has played a major role in all of my decisions and those outcomes (I say as I toss salt over my shoulder and knock on wood).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lorenkinsella.com
- Email: lorenkinsella@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lorenkinsella
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorenkinsella
- Twitter: @lorenkinsella
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