Conversations with Caitlyn Gong

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlyn Gong.

Hi Caitlyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started performing in musicals when I was eight years old. My mom forced me to participate in my school’s production of Annie, as so many parents do. I had always been quiet and shy, and my mom wanted to find a way for me to come out of my shell. While I was irritated then, I learned to love performing, and continued to immerse myself in art as I grew.

Over the years, I became more and more committed to leading a life in performance. I took classes, and attended a performing arts high school, where I learned my focus passion and talent was in acting. It was scary to fully dive into a career path that can be judgmental, unstable, and lacking diversity. Throughout my life, I had always been told how difficult it would be to become successful in the career I yearned for. I saw how people doubted me for truly believing I could do this. As an Asian-American, it was daunting to see the lack of worthy representation in the media there was, and it made me fearful of whether or not I would be seen.

In my senior year of high school, I auditioned for a showcase at my school that provided an opportunity to be scouted by talent agencies. Through this program, I signed with my very first agency. Now, at eighteen years old, I am in my first year of college as a Theatre Arts Major with an emphasis in Acting. I am continuing with my education while auditioning for projects through my agency. While I know I have a long way to go in order to get where I want to be, I am proud of the accomplishments I’ve made and am eager to see what is in store for my future.

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?
Entering the entertainment industry with full intention of making it a lifestyle with no backup plan is always difficult. My parents were not always open to the idea of my choice to go to school for theatre without a plan B. While they eventually accepted me and supported me, braving a career pathway that is heavily dominated by white people, and oftentimes less than open to people of color is daunting. Asian-Americans are wildly underrepresented in Hollywood, and while the density of Asian-American media has increased, its quality is oftentimes lackluster. For me, it has been hard to try to find a place in which I belong. While I am proud of my identity, I was born and raised in the States, and do not speak my culture’s language. I’ve always felt alienated from both my culture and nationality. This is a topic that isn’t touched upon as often as it should be through film and television, and it is something I hope to reveal in my future work, as this experience is so incredibly common amongst so many people.
Additionally, it’s easy to feel like you’re always behind in this industry. I didn’t choose to fully pursue acting until I was seventeen, which may seem young, but attending a performing arts school made me realize how truly behind I was. I never had the financial means to take all the classes I felt I needed, or to afford the colleges I wanted to go to. I’m extremely grateful for the things resources I’ve had access to, but it never really feels like it’s enough.

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?
While I grew up in musical theatre, I am now an actor for film and television. I still participate in local theatre in Orange County, along with working towards my major in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Acting. As an artist, I am most proud of my dedication to my art, along with my mission as an artist. Everyone has their reasons for wanting to become an actor, and mine stems from community and belonging. I hope that as an actor, I am able to spark more change in the authenticity of Asian-American representation in Hollywood, and to inspire others who look like me to do something to take action or create art.

Any big plans?
In the near future, I am opening a show! On May 15-16, 21-23 at 7:30 PM, and May 23 at 1:30 PM, I will be playing Antipholus of Syracuse in Fullerton College’s production of The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare. Please come support local theatre if you are available and support this wonderful cast and crew!

In the less near future, I hope to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a BFA in Acting or Theatre. I am excited to continue working on my craft, auditioning for new projects, and performing!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @caitlyn.gong

Image Credits
Caydence Kuo