Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Cashen.
Hi Kayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
If you had told 10-year-old Kayla that she’d be working her way up as an actress and screenwriter in Hollywood, she would’ve completely freaked out. I’ve been performing in some form since I was 6 years old. I started out as a competitive dancer, then switched to musical theatre. For the longest time, I thought my future was set—I was going to go to NYU, become a lawyer, and live out the dream that every parent has who wants their child to be successful. I’d be sitting in Law Studies classes, daydreaming about rehearsals, secretly listening to musicals in my AirPods, and imagining myself performing roles like Anita in West Side Story. That’s when I realized this “little hobby” was far more than that—it had been my whole life.
I’m lucky to have had family, friends, and teachers who encouraged me and helped me turn my dream into a reality. But just when I was finishing my senior year musical, I suffered severe vocal damage and was told I might never be able to sing professionally again. I refused to let that stop me. My dad told me, “If you’re serious about this, you need to go all in. If you’re meant to do this, you’ll find a way.” So, even though I couldn’t sing anymore, I thought, “Well, there’s still a whole world of other performance opportunities.”
I called my college, AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy), explained my situation, and switched my focus to earning a Bachelor’s in Acting for Camera. That’s when I discovered my love for screenwriting. I’ve had ideas for movies and shows since I was a kid, but I never knew how to bring them to life. Now, two years later, I’ve written multiple feature films and am currently working on a series.
Just because one door closes, does not mean all opportunities go out the window.
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?
This past decade of my life has definitely been a rollercoaster. The forced switch from a whole planned-out life to starting from scratch was definitely jarring at first. Jacksonville, FL isn’t a city known for its various performing opportunities, I knew I’d had to make the sacrifice to move away from family and friends but no amount of mental preparation would make it any easier.
I found myself in a city full of hungry, passionate individuals—great for collaboration, but also intimidating. Auditioning in a place where hundreds of people look like me and have more experience made standing out feel like an uphill battle.
It wasn’t just about finding my footing as an actress; I also had to carve a space for myself as a screenwriter. I began to ask myself, “Why do my stories matter?” My impatience to do more, to be more, took a toll on my mental health. I started pushing my ideas—and even people—away, simply because I didn’t know how to slow down and let things unfold at their own pace.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
About a month ago, I had the privilege of meeting Sir Ben Kingsley, and one thing he said really resonated with me both in terms of how I write and how I approach life: “As an actor; if there’s no cause and effect, if I can’t fully immerse myself in a character, I won’t touch the script.” As a writer, that idea sticks with me. Whenever I sit down to write, I ask myself, “Would Sir Ben touch this script?”
One of my favorite stories to write is based on my own experiences, like a feature I worked on called “Coconut.” It’s about a girl from an ethnic family, with one parent from another country, growing up in a predominantly white suburb. Her journey to Bolivia for a summer, just before college, helps her explore her identity—not only within her family but also within her culture and herself.
While I’m excited about the increasing representation in film and TV, I’ve noticed that when a character comes from a diverse background, it often becomes their defining trait, as if their whole personality revolves around their differences. I want to write stories that explore more than just the diversity factor. I want to create stories for young adults and offer a platform for those who have a story to tell but aren’t sure how to begin.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have a specific process when it comes to writing a script. I head to this cafe called Float in Hollywood and settle into my usual spot at the back, where I can people-watch. I put on my noise-canceling headphones and listen to a curated playlist that matches the vibe of whatever I’m working on. If I get interrupted, I usually start over when I return. It’s like picking up a symphony that’s still unfinished—each time I come back, I approach it with a fresh perspective. That’s why my roommates never see me during the day.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Siarra Wise Photography (first photo)
Photographs by Shirley Anne
Various photos taken by friends and family
