Conversations with Cara Fay

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Fay.

Hi Cara, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Let’s see… I grew up in the Finger Lakes of Upstate NY. I was rather academic, graduating at the top of my class and pursuing a degree in Politics, Philosophy, Law (PPL) at SUNY Binghamton. I studied there for two years before hopping across the pond to attend University College London (UCL), one of the top universities in the world. 

By then, I already had 15 years of acting experience. I’d grown up doing stage work, anything I could get my hands on. But living in London was the opportunity I needed to really dig my heels into the entertainment industry. I got my first agent out there, working more and more in film, television, and commercial work. Next, I moved to Los Angeles, where I found the amazing Brogan Agency, who I’ve been represented by ever since. I lived in LA full-time for several years before returning to NY during Covid to help my 95-year-old grandfather. I was pleasantly surprised to find a myriad of acting opportunities out there as well, so now I’m blissfully bicoastal, traveling to wherever the work is! 

I am so grateful to be a working actor, and I continue to learn, build, and grow. I’ve also delved further into filmmaking; we are currently in the final stages of post on my second short film, which serves as a proof of concept for a full television series. I am always so excited to see what comes next in this crazy journey we call life! 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Funny, I was just meditating on this very subject. What challenges have I overcome, other than those drilled into aspiring actors everywhere? “It’s impossible, there’s too much competition, the odds are one in a million. Like winning the lottery.” It’s true, I have not yet won the lottery. I wasn’t born into a family with wealth, connections in Hollywood, or even experience in the arts. I wasn’t a child star; I haven’t been ‘discovered’. In this sense, my biggest obstacle thus far has been luck, because that is the only aspect of my career over which I have little to no control. Hard work? Determination? Passion? Talent? Experience? I’ve got ’em. What I lack in luck, I make up for in faith. Not in a higher power but in myself. Or rather, that is my higher power guiding me. It’s inside; it’s my heart, my instinct. It’s my drive to follow my purpose, to make art, to build connection, to inspire, and to make the world a better place. And I know that that faith in myself, my journey, and my growth will help me continue to overcome any obstacle life throws my way! 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I mentioned, I have plenty of experience in theatre and stage work, as well as in film, TV, and commercial work. My resume is long and varied, and each opportunity has been a blessing! I give my all to every job, so I’m continuously proud of the work that I do. I trust and know that I have an incomparable skillset: to access my emotions both real and imaginary, to truly listen, and to lean fully into a sense of empathy so profound that I truly believe I am someone else. This is when the magic happens: when I have completely transformed. With proper preparation beforehand and full surrender in the moment, I can actually live as another human while the audience or crew beside me seems to linger in another dimension. Cara Fay, the actress, works at her job, while the character I’m playing just… exists. It’s absolutely surreal, and yet it’s simultaneously the most real, authentic experience I’ve known. To connect that deeply with my own humanity- our common humanity- and to use it to tell stories that help other people consider their humanity as well… This is what I bring to the table. Deep, true artistry, collaboration, and connection. It’s absolutely magical, so let’s make some magic together! 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One thing I’ve learned from almost a decade of experience working in Hollywood is that you can’t force connection, but you must remain open to it. They say, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know,” but that’s only half the story. It’s not just who you know because you met them once at a networking event; it’s who you know truly, deeply, intimately. It’s about friendship- real connection- not phoniness and niceties. If I had a dollar for every semi-successful middle-aged man who took me to coffee on the premise that they could help my career, who then spent the next 3-4 hours talking at me and bragging about their own experiences… well, I could probably afford my own cafe by now! Many people throughout my journey have preferred feeling helpful to actually being helpful. 

Now, that said, I’ve also met a multitude of people who work with authenticity and generosity! They do what they say they’re going to do, and they actively show up for me with love and support (as I try to do for them)! These people are diamonds in the rough; treasure them. Make time for those relationships, not as means to the end goal of fame or success, but for the friendship and connection, which are ends in and of themselves, especially for artists. Authentic connection is the name of the game. And to find that, you might have to weed through the thicket, so try not to get too jaded out there. You’ll find your people, in due time, and in places you might not expect. So, every day is an opportunity to meet your new teacher, mentor, collaborator, or friend. Stay open, stay earnest, stay excited to be in the room. Then, remember to step back and appreciate your real ones! 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carafayactress.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carafayactress/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaraFayActress
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-fay-224aa3132/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carafayactress
• Other: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/carafay

Image Credits
J. Demetrie Photography