Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Duval.
Travis, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am an actor. I am Originally from Oregon state as well as Washington state. Growing up, I struggled with who I was. I never seemed to fit in with the other kids at school. When I was 16, my mom and dad decided to move to Charlotte, North Carolina. I must admit at first I hated the idea but once I arrived to Charlotte from a small town in Washington, I knew the small town life was not for me. Living in the city is what I wanted. I have always wanted to act for as long as I can remember. Being a kid, I can remember playing zombies in my back yard.
I came out as Gay when I was 17. As I continued to struggle with my sexuality, I really wanted to break into acting. I researched the business for years but never knew exactly how to get started. When I turned 20, I knew acting was what I wanted to do. I decided that I would be moving to Los Angeles at the beginning of 2019. I began working two jobs to pay off all of my debt and save up for the move. Saving up took a few months and I got out of a serious relationship I was in and told my mom I would be moving to Los Angeles to chase my dream.
My mother was supportive but of course like any other mother did not want me to leave. Within 3 months of me making the decision to move, I packed up my 99 Toyota Camry with 218,000 miles and left for Los Angeles.
Upon my arrival to Los Angeles, I was in love with the city. I began working and rebuilding my life. There is something about this city that is so intoxicating and addictive in a good way! I began connecting with other actors, directors, and photographers.
So many people have asked me how I can be in front of a camera and multiple people and pretend to be another person while also pretending to have a certain emotion. My answer is always the same, and I tell them, the first time I flew to Los Angeles to film a scene was an unforgettable experience. Once the director said “rolling” followed by “action” the world disappeared. I could not see the camera or the boom being held over me or the director. I was invested in the scene.
So as an actor there is NO pretending. You are another person and you are angry or sad or happy. The Audience needs to believe you are the character.
Another thing I tell people is this is a business and a very expensive business to be in. Classes are ongoing because an actors training is never over.
I thought I was prepared for how competitive all the other actors in Los Angeles are. Boy was I wrong. Quickly I learned I did not have as much knowledge about the business as I thought.
I got an agent and I got my first professional Los Angeles headshots and Immediately starting going on tons of auditions. Auditioning is the greatest rush in the world. I always go in with the mindset that if I don’t book the job at least I got the chance to act even if it’s just in the audition room.
I am currently in classes while I continue to work on my craft. Acting is a part of who I am. People think it is odd that I have no “Back up plan” with a business with a 90% Unemployment rate. I know that sounds insane but the best way I can explain it is, there is a very bright fire burning inside of me. Nothing will stop me from accomplishing my dream.
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?
No. Being an Actor is never a smooth path. One thing I enjoy about the business is that everyone has a different path. I am a phase 1 or “Green” actor who is competing with actors who have been doing since they could walk. I have struggled financially as well as emotionally. Even with my struggles, I have never thought of giving up. I always talk to people who did not follow there dream and I always see the same thing. They always say “I wish I would have followed my dream”. I will ever want to be that person.
I struggled financially which was super stressful and made me question if I should have saved up more. So I had to suck it up and work harder and I recovered from the move.
I also care a lot about what people think about me as well as my image. People think if I am not a series regular that I am not successful. Something I have learned along the way is Success means something different to everyone.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Something people don’t know about being an actor is that you are a business. You are also the C.E.O of your business. As a business person, I enjoy watching the numbers and keeping track of all expenses. I am most proud of the people I get to work with such as my agent! I love making sure that they have everything they need to pitch me and if they need something I make sure they get it. Agents and Managers work very hard a lot of the time for free until actors book the job. Once actors books a job an agent gets 10% of what you make. Thats it! I have always respected all agents and managers for the hard work they put in putting us out there! I am proud of myself for pushing forward on the bad days.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very active! I was constantly all over the place and had a lot of energy. I got into the wrong crowd in school and got into a little trouble but my parents managed to get me under control! LOL! I loved to watch T.V and movies and just observe the actors and sometimes recreate scenes with my siblings or just myself. Something a lot of people don’t know about me is that I use to love working on computers. When I was ten years old, I replaced a hard drive in my mom’s computer. Call me a nerd if you want but I could have made a lot of money if I would have stuck to it!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Kristin Mcmasters of Krism Photography; Bellamy Saville of Bella Saville Photography
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