July 1, 2020

Meet Kevin Mayberry

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Mayberry.

Kevin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been the type of person who is a “two in one”. On the one end, I am very analytical and love problem solving. On the other, I have a passion for the artistic creativity of performances and storytelling. However, my acting journey started later in life. When I was 30 years old and living in Washington, DC, one of my friends at the time was a commercial model. And I asked her how she got into the business – to which she provided me the contact information of her agent…who then became my agent. I then got my first comp card and I was off and running! From there, I moved into acting and discovered a world where all the “I wish I coulds” and “if I could do this” started to become a reality! Some call it catching the “acting bug” and that’s EXACTLY what happened to me! That was back in 2000, and for the next ten years, I was active in a community theater troupe, independent films and commercials.

Funnily enough, moving to LA in 2011 was not for acting purposes, but rather for a change in scenery and a new personal chapter in my life. And for the next seven years, I sparsely did anything on the acting front – just a couple of gigs here and there. However, there was always that gnawing feeling that I was missing something. So, about two years ago, I decided to dive headfirst back in and “level up”…I haven’t looked back ever since! It’s a hard business, but the ability to create stories and characters, continually learn, and having met so many extraordinary people has made this part of my life journey wildly rewarding. I guess one could say it is in my blood, and to some degree, in the family – my younger brother went to film school and worked behind the camera, and my late grandfather performed as part of an acrobatic act who participated in Vaudeville.

Has it been a smooth road?
The ratio of the number of submissions to the number of auditions to the number of bookings is low. This has always been the case. But in truth, to be an actor is to expect this and the old motto “enjoy the journey” holds very true. In this career, constant rejection is part of the game and if you learn not to take it personally – it creates a very freeing experience. I’ve actually heard it said like this, an actor is like a car salesperson – you’ll engage with a lot of prospects looking to buy (those are the auditions) and then you’ll have those lucky few who end up buying from you (that’s the booking). In short, the business of acting is to audition – just like the car salesperson. The other truth I take away is this – anytime I get an audition, I consider this a “success”.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Well, in terms of what I’m focused on now – I recently finished a Zoom reading of the play “The Open Hand” by Robert Caisley. It was so much fun and very cool because it was my first online reading. Other than that, my auditions are all self tapes right now – so I have a full self tape studio set up at home.

Normally I play the roles of the dad, business executive, blue collar worker/detective and teacher. One of my catchphrases is that I’m “The World’s Greatest Uncle”, which I think I am!!! I do not know if this sets me apart from others, but, in general, what and how I try to live my life is by the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If I’m able to make this come through in how I interact with others – with respect, diligence and integrity, then the rest will fall into place. And when you are on set, with a thousand things happening at once, I think this is of paramount importance.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
In LA I really enjoy the diversity and friendliness of the people. What I also love is the fact you can drive less than an hour to incredibly beautiful mountains and hiking trails or go to some of the best beaches in the world. As someone who went to school and lived in Manhattan for 7 years and then the Washington DC area for 16 years, I’ve always loved the city life. The added advantage of living here is that there is amazing weather throughout the entire year.

Probably the thing I like least about the city, which is more with respect to California in general, are the high housing prices; however, I still think there are some diamonds in the rough that can be found.

Contact Info:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actorkevinmayberry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinmayberryactor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KevinMayberry18

Image Credit:
The three headshots credit to Elaine Reid

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