Conversations with Annie Karstens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Karstens.

Hi Annie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I had the most magical start. I grew up in Valley Youth Theater, a children’s community theater in Phoenix, Ariz. I did dozens of shows at VYT, but it was really playing Anne in Anne of Green Gables at 13 that solidified for me that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I attended a performing arts high school and continued at the theater until I took a departure to get a degree in journalism and to work as a newspaper reporter for a few years before feeling that pull back to acting. I was fortunate enough to get plugged into the Phoenix Independent Filmmakers Group and make some great local films with incredible people. Then, the feature film Take Me Home Tonight (Anna Faris, Chris Pratt) came to film in Phoenix and I snagged a principal role (most likely thanks to my amazing 80s dancing skills). That role earned me my SAG eligibility and inspired me to give this career a real shot. I eventually moved to Los Angeles and did all the just-starting-out stuff. Lived in a scary apartment, got weird roommates, worked at charming restaurants (shout out to Off Vine restaurant – a legendary Hollywood spot that was a second home to me), and did a string of non-union commercials and TV shows before joining the Union. I went on to sign with Spotlight Management, Coast to Coast Talent Group (commercially) and Stone Talent Agency (theatrically). Some of my credits include guest star and co-star credits on shows like This is Us, You, Westworld, Superstore, S.W.A.T., and Kidding. Very proud to have been cast in the award-winning short film, The Goldfish. Most recently, I had a Recurring Role on The Shrink Next Door and a Guest Star on Puppy Place – both for AppleTV+. And was just cast in a huge new comedy feature! I love commercials so much, I love telling entire stories in under a minute, sometimes under 10 seconds! It’s an art form that I’m constantly working at. I’ve studied all over LA, including at Margie Haber Studio, where I was reunited with the joy of creating. Throughout all the madness of building this career, I somehow managed to also build a beautiful family with my dream man, and we just bought a house in the Foothills area of LA. We’re excited for this next chapter.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is it ever just smooth sailing? Maybe for some! But for me, no, there were definitely struggles, heartbreak and disappointment. Every time I’ve gotten a yes, it’s sandwiched between hundreds of no’s. I’ve had to crawl out of that rejection pity party because it can really suck you down and mess with your head. It took time for me and patient mentors to understand that it’s not a rejection per se, it just isn’t my role. And when it is, it won’t pass me by. I used to struggle with nerves as well. Like sides rattling in my hand during an audition kind of nerves. But after I got to know a few amazing casting directors, some of whom are dear friends now, I feel silly for having been so terrified in their presence. They truly are rooting for us – once I understood that, it all felt so much lighter and the nerves faded quite a bit. I still have them, but I’d like to think they’re more excitement than terror.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
This is a tough question to answer as an actor. I suppose, like all of us, I just specialize in being a human doing human things. I’m proud of my versatility and my willingness to be “un-pretty.” I have no competition because there is only one me. That’s good to know because if they’re looking for me that day, then great! If they’re not looking for me, nothing I can do about that and we all move along. I’ll just keep putting in the footwork and not get wrapped up in the results.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My best piece of advice, which I’m sure is not novel, is just to truly accept who you are and be that person 100% from the get go. I wasted some time trying to be something I wasn’t. I didn’t work much because people in this industry are smart and they are hiring authenticity. It’s easy to see through someone who is unfortunately, like I was, trying too hard to be what they’re clearly not. For me, it meant cutting my hair and letting my natural color come back, losing the tan and the lashes, ditching the heavy makeup – you get it. Reviving my natural state felt SO GOOD. I wish it for anyone hoping to see a jumpstart in their career. On the flip side, if you’ve got pink hair and piercings dying to come out — go for it!! Make the decision to let your outsides match your insides – and I’ll bet the work will come.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @anniekarstens
• Twitter: @anniekarstens

Image Credits
Primary photo: Stephanie Neslon Second pro headshot: Rob Flate Others by me:) The photo of me when I was younger was of the program from my favorite leading role ever in Anne of Green Gables at Valley Youth Theater.