An Inspired Chat with Kelleia Sheerin of Studio City

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kelleia Sheerin. Check out our conversation below.

Kelleia, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Creativity. It’s not that I lose track of time, it’s more that I can split time wide open and step inside of it, be with it, play with it; time becomes malleable and nourishing. It slows down and becomes very expansive. It’s the riches of Be Here Now.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Yes! I’m a Wild West-born actor, dancer, director, choreographer & filmmaker. I’m the co-creator/director of the gonzo sex comedy film, Mother F*cker! My first short film (writer/director), The Feminine Mystaque, a dark comedic feminist horror flick, garnered awards from the Wildcat Spirit Film Festival and FirstTime FilmMaker Sessions.

From winning “Best Director” in the Hollywood Fringe Festival for I Want to Bury My Testimony to dancing as an absurd Scottish Tart in Eric Idle’s live radio-play What About Dick? from portraying the savvy Burlesque Star of her time, Tempest Storm, in the film Gangster Squad to camping-it-up as a 16-year-old camp counselor in Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp; from “wishing and hoping” in the iconic opening sequence of My Best Friend’s Wedding to originating the role of Billie Veruka Wynette (cuz Why Not?) on Broadway in Urban Cowboy (garnering Best Mullet on Broadway) to choreographing on a myriad of shows, plays & musicals, I’ve built my reputation on an inherent understanding of the work, a respect for the unpredictable, the 10,000+ hours of a professional and the ability to solve anything.

Currently I’m working on the Encore Run of STRIPPED ~ a new wave ballet set entirely to the music of an iconic legend of the 80s and 90s. Dec 10-12 @ The Hudson Backstage Theatre, Los Angeles.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I don’t know if it’s my earliest memory of feeling powerful, but it is a potent memory. I was nine years old, I just gotten off my bike from riding it around the neighborhood. As I was strutting into the house, I thought to myself, “I like being nine!” I believe little girls are some of the most powerful creatures on earth!

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
The show that I’m working on now, STRIPPED is a perfect example of actually using my pain and turning it into power in the form of healing. Power in the truest sense in that it’s become a story that I can share. It’s my love letter to Los Angeles, to Artists, and any creatures who are compelled to do what they do and share themselves, deeply. “Take this overcoat of shame. It never did belong to me.” -Annie Lennox

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
That #ArtMatters. I think creativity is one of the most potent things a human being will do in their lifetime. It’s what moves us forward and helps us evolve.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Text threads! 🙂

Contact Info:

• Website: https://strippedballet.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelleiasheerin/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleiasheerin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KELLEIA
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KelleiaBoomBoom

Image Credits
Brendan Elms