Today we’d like to introduce you to Seth Thielges
Hi Seth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a relatively small town in southern Minnesota, so being an artist wasn’t always the easiest and most accepted career or hobby. Thankfully my parents were very supportive of me, but I can’t say that for some of my more extended family. My choice to move away and become an actor was met with “you know so and so tried that, and it didn’t work out for him…You sure? All your family is right here.” It didn’t help that I was already a stand out in the family for being open and very vocal about my queerness and gay identity. I was one of only about three gay boys in my highschool and I always felt like I needed to defend myself for it.
I did a lot of musicals and theatre, mostly because it was the only thing available where I lived. It was there for me in my darkest moments growing up and I hope to give back what the artform gave to me, a safe space for those who feel different. Before college, I never really had formal acting or dance training but I learned enough through experience to become a regular dance captain in my Associates Theatre Performance degree at my university in Minnesota. From there, I was invited to LA to study at the Art of Acting Studio and that’s where I find myself today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve definitely needed to lace up my boots and get to work. I’m very thankful for my family’s belief and aid in my pursuit of this career and dream, but I’ve definitely needed to make it happen for myself. I was raised on that farm mentality that you work through the problem, not around it, so I worked all through Covid. Double masked, testing constantly and never spending any of my money. Partly because I wanted to save it, and partly because no stores were open. With that savings, and with working weekends serving tables, I was able to fund my Associates and my life here in LA.
And of course every artist can relate to some level of imposter syndrome and self worth struggles. I’d be lying if I said I needed to convince my family of this career more than I needed to convince myself. Throwing myself into this career path was really the only way I could have done it. I’m a person who likes to think through everything I do, and this career path has a lot of what ifs and that scares me to death. But that was all the more reason for me to do it. I knew that if I didn’t at least give it my all, I would have deeply, deeply regretted it. So that’s what I did and strive to do, give this industry and art my 100%.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I do a lot, but I specialize in acting. I got my start in musical theatre, but more recently I find myself attracted to straight plays and films. Not to say I dont pull out the tap shoes every once in a while, but they are a nice decoration for the time being. I love how acting and performing give people a window into a world in which they can feel things that they may not otherwise be able to feel in their day to day life. Whether that be joy, sadness, grief, or passion. I often find myself in the extremes, being cast as the comedic relief in Shakespeare or compared to Joe Goldberg in You.
I’m also a singer. Music has always been a part of my life, and my outlet. I was in marching band, choir, orchestra, concert band, and chamber choir all throughout middle and high school. And now I’ve narrowed my focus into vocal training. My favorite childhood story is one my great grandma told me after my first concert. I was throwing this massive tantrum, crying, screaming, throwing toys, the whole gambit. She tried everything, reading, holding me, feeding me, and finally just flipping through the TV. She was flipping, flipping, and then passed a live orchestra and I went silent and listened. She told me, ”At that moment, I knew you were an artist.”
I’ve also found a love for directing and writing independent small short films as well as SFX makeup. Visual storytelling tickles a part of my brain. Working with everyone to find that specific angle or shot is so so fun.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I always find that a good easy read to really help me in my process. I’m a real believer that you need your best rest to do your best work. I need that escape into a good book to relax, decompress, and free my brain clutter. I’m a huge fan of Ruth Ware, and Stephen King, and those random books you find at thrift stores or used book stores.
I also crochet and knit clothing, I find it very meditative. It’s like my memories are locked into the loops of the yarn. I have a t-shirt sweater that I made during a musical theater residency in New York, a vest made from yarn I bought in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The slow process keeps me grounded and connected to all the places I’ve been and memories I’ve made.
Other than those I love water skiing, hiking, exercising, camping, drawing. I’m always on the hunt for a new hobby.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Huebner Headshots
Miguel Perez
