Today we’d like to introduce you to Trace Talbot.
Hi Trace, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The world was spinning, time had stopped, and I was hanging two stories above the ground. This is the only way I know how to describe one of my favorite stories from my career.
At the beginning of winter 2022, I got a call that asked only, “Do you want to be A flyer in my upcoming TV show?” I of course said yes. I was early to the set, and upon entering the sound stage, I was met with a hulking matt black metal crane. Behind was draped a two-story tall blue screen. The stunt coordinator waddled over to me and pointed at the thin rope hanging from the rafters and through a grin told me, “You’re going to be attached to that with this.” Held in his hand was a limp harness with sharp holes for the legs and torso.
Cutting to the first take, I stood barefooted, dressed in a Kurta, in front of 20 crew members. To my left, 6 Large men holding the opposite end of the rope to which I was attached stood poised, ready to pull me up when action was called. To my right kneeled another crew member armed with an electric leaf blower. A clap from the slate vibrates through my ears as I am blasted backward by a jet of air and hoisted upside down off of the ground.
My enthusiasm for acting is fueled by the engaging individuals and hilarious situations that unfold on every set. My fervor for the entertainment industry frequently contends with the demands of my academic pursuits, as I am currently pursuing a major in aerospace engineering. In the midst of my academic week, when not engrossed in coursework, I dedicate my time to the memorization of scripts and engaging in discussions with directors.
I was fortunate to grow up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where my journey into acting began on theatrical stages in 2nd grade. Starting in ensembles, I gradually transitioned to supporting and leading roles, discovering strength in dialogue-heavy characters.
Seeking continuous growth, I dedicated four summers to intensive acting training, investing a minimum of 30 hours per week for six weeks under various coaches in both acting and musical theater. Eager for new challenges, I joined one of Northern California’s top kid’s agencies, securing several commercial gigs, including brands such as Volkswagen, Apple, Comcast/Xfinity, EERO, and United Healthcare.
My experience extended to print and fit modeling with The North Face clothing company for a year. I earned a spot as one of two models on the runway, unveiling their new teen line to a global audience. While grateful for these opportunities, my passion continued to grow for acting. My interests led me to explore short films, features, and TV projects. I’ve had the privilege of taking on lead roles in projects, including Two Little Boys with Asa Germann and Galapagos with Catherine Curtin. Additional note-worthy films include Talk to Your Fish, where I was honored with the Best Actor award in 2023 and Sauk City. Noteworthy feature films include Abigail (2023) as the character blending southern charm with an unexpected twist, Apparition (2019), White Terror (2018), Shutout (2017), and Unleashed (2016). I cherish the opportunities to collaborate with creative individuals, the joy of being on camera, and the fulfillment that comes from expressing myself authentically.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the greatest challenges I continue to face is when I audition through several levels of casting for a role to then be met with a “no”. Navigating the highs and lows of this industry has taught me resilience and the importance of embracing each rejection as a stepping stone toward growth. While the path may be challenging, I remain grateful for the opportunities to learn, improve, and appreciate the journey, understanding that each setback is a valuable part of the overall experience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I find immense satisfaction in immersing myself in diverse characters, allowing me to perceive the world from entirely different perspectives. Recently, I had the privilege of portraying Sam in the short film “Talk to Your Fish.” The story revolves around a young man with spectrum-related disabilities who overcomes his fears about social interaction when tasked with feeding the cat of a hospitalized neighbor.
The character of Sam was particularly rewarding for me as it presented a unique and distinctive role unlike any I had previously undertaken. The role demanded a significant investment of energy during the production process.
To ensure I portrayed him authentically, I dedicated a substantial amount of time before filming to research. I dedicated the majority of my time to understanding the behaviors and motivations of individuals on the autism spectrum. I also had multiple discussions with the writer to align our visions for the character and explore various interpretations of Sam. I finally spent several days interacting with others as he would to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to walk in the shoes of someone on the spectrum.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Acting takes tenacity, courage, and a bit of insanity. I’ve been told, “It’s a warrior art form.” From ten years of experience working professionally, I could not agree more. There have been many times when I have wanted to give up, but my passion for the art and the sheer joy that I get from performing has and will continue to keep me coming back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7698435/?ref_=tt_cl_i_2
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracetalbot/
