Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Sallee.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Originally, I’m from just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. I moved to LA for school and I am currently in my senior year of school at the University of Southern California in their School of Dramatic Arts. I started performing when I was about 14 –officially– I think. But before that, I guess I just have always loved telling stories. I became inspired by the movies my parents watched when I was growing up. I was constantly surrounded by Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin films. My mom was such a big fan of that pairing so that definitely played a big role in my love for acting. Anytime they think of coming at me for going to acting school, they should know that they only have themselves to blame for that one!
I am a first-generation college student, so USC wasn’t always in the plan for me. I didn’t really think that I would actually end up where I am today in my college career! But USC has been quite generous to me and has allowed me to grow as an artist, which I will be forever grateful for. It ended up being a program that was the right fit for me –even when I wasn’t super sure about it. All in all, I had a lot of faith that got me to where I am today.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has been a bumpy road, but what road that is completely smooth is completely worth it? I think there’s a ton of obstacles that will appear through life, in general. It’s a matter of your attitude about your situation, and your willingness to embrace the challenge, and conflict when it enters the room. Two things that I have not always been too stellar about personally —but I’m working at it!
I’ve kind of climbed my way to the top when it came to getting a good education. I didn’t come from an affluent family –in fact, I didn’t know how feasible college actually would’ve been for me. On top of that, I didn’t really know how a career in the arts would turn out for me. Opportunities tend to be different for you when you aren’t coming from the same backgrounds as everybody else. Sometimes things can be a little harder to reach. I think that there is a lot of strength in not having the same experiences as everyone else in the room that you’re in.
There are times when I still feel like I do not belong in the room where it happens. I think that this happens, in my opinion, too many young women! You absolutely belong in the room. If you can’t get in the room, then make another room –a better room. An inclusive room. The arts –or whatever field you’re venturing into– are large fields. Simply put, we live in a big world. There’s no reason for the exclusivity.
Here’s my biggest bit of advice: you will feel small in big rooms where you don’t think you belong. That’s fine. Invite yourself into the room and become as big as that room. That room was built to hold you, and you were built to outlive that room.
Sometimes, it’s a whole lot of ugly, honest work and smeared mascara to get to where you want to be. I think it’d be dishonest to neglect that.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others.
So, I act and I also enjoy playwriting. For the most part, I’ve been quite involved in the USC theatre community, For example, I was Gertrude in Hamlet last year with an independent student theatre company, and this year I spent my semester at British American Drama Academy. There, I performed in Sarah Ruhl’s Orlando, and focused on classical work, for the most part.
I’ve gotten pretty good at juggling over the past couple of years. I’ve balanced school work, with a couple of internships, rehearsals, clubs, etc. But I think that’s the life of most college students anymore, right? I don’t think I’m alone in that. I also have a minor in archaeology. I don’t really have a point to that —I just think it’s kind of a fun fact.
I like telling weird and unconventional stories. I think that there’s something honest and messy in that. I’ve always been attracted to things like that. Those are the stories that are important to me and those are the stories I want to tell and be apart of.
I think I have a pretty good sense of humor in the face of conflict. I do my best to incorporate that in my work. What I do my best at is telling stories about people just simply being people.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
The best advice that I’ve been given recently is: Find your artistic home. Who speaks to you? But most importantly, what speaks to you? Look for that in people you talk to. And really listen to people. You will find that your energy will gravitate, like-minded individuals, your way.
Along with that, talk to people you don’t necessarily agree with. There’s growth in that.
Go to shows! Support your friends in their art! That’s your network. I’m not kidding. To me, 50% of networking is being a good friend. Don’t just look for how many people to know. Find people who will inspire growth in you.
I’m quite loyal to just about everything. I’m like a swan. I’ve heard they mate for life, and I relate. It’s a catch 22 with that, but in return, I’ve built a trustworthy network.
Contact Info:
- Email: gcsallee@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceychanel/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/graceychanel
Image Credit:
Brooke Wright, Carrie Hiramatsu, Simon Annand
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