Conversations with Catie Hankins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Catie Hankins.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
SLAM! Hot off the press! An 8-year-old, toe-headed girl rams a stapled PDF with a large heading stating “FAMILY NEWS” followed by a photo of the family’s overweight, wiener dog into each of her sibling’s hands. The bulletin contains several misspelled stories about the dog’s latest surgery, the eldest brother’s new braces, and other updates that have occurred within the last week of the family’s activities. This was somewhat my beginning as a storyteller. I always put on plays, sang and danced, created animated videos, wrote scripts, drew pictures, and produced films growing up. Some people say they are born with a gift or a purpose – I am one of those people.

Acting, to me, is an incredible phenomenon where I as the Artist hold the opportunity to create an endless cascade of effects on the viewer and thus, on the world around me. If we zoom out over the ages, film, television, theatre, and media, in general, have formed numerous belief systems that shape our realities and guide individuals. Why does this happen? When you consume this kind of artwork – you are forced to look inward and make an opinion. It’s magic.

To continue fostering a life in this magic, I went to college at St. Edward’s University which is attached to an Equity Theatre, where I truly learned the craft of acting on stage. Since entering the “adult world” I’ve created my own short, my own web series, and am looking forward to producing and starring in more projects that feed my soul. My expression as an artist takes many forms, sometimes I’m inspired to write, to paint, or to sing – but always, I am inspired to act.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The artistic lifestyle comes with many obstacles, one being you feel out of control with your destiny – which does not vibe with me. As an actress, you audition constantly and are told no constantly, and it has nothing to do with your performance 80% of the time. To overcome this, I started creating my own material to submit to film festivals, giving myself footage and more practice. I’ve also educated myself on the business side of acting, learning how to pitch and network.

Another challenge that I’ve faced is feeling disconnected at times from other creatives, especially during COVID. Unfortunately, it can feel hard to find a community of positive, go-getter artists. I have to be very selective on the people I let into my circle, as one negative nancy can really affect your outlook.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an actress raised in the Theatre, I possess the discipline and strict technique that it takes to put on plays from Shakespeare to contemporary. Bringing my training to the screen has allowed me to morph my larger intentions and motivations into a nuanced performance fit for the camera.

Drama, specifically period drama is my specialty, My look and presence belong in antique costumes and old-fashioned settings. Add romance to the story and you have a piece that fuels my soul. With each character I embody, it is my duty to identify their complexities, their beauty, and the moral dilemmas they face so that my audience can, as a result, relate to my character and discover something new within themselves.

I’m most proud of my role as Nora in Ibsen’s “A Doll House.” Embodying Nora taught me a lot about myself. I thought- At what times was I playing a part? What times was I conforming to my gender role without questioning it? The audience, regardless of their gender identity, was left with similar questions. Who am I really? Where do I feel trapped?

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Always take the risk. In my experience, every time I’ve taken a risk I am always rewarded in one way or another. I believe this is how we learn how we grow. I’m a big believer in continuously improving myself and my craft. Without risks, I doubt I would improve at all.

I take risks all the time in my creative life, especially in auditions. There are a million ways to play a part, so why do only what’s on the page? I also pitch myself to CEOs at production companies, casting directors, and other people I am actually scared to talk to because if I didn’t shoot my shot, I would never know.

Risks are presented every day in life, I say take them.

Contact Info:

• Website: catieelaine-actress.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catieelaine_actress/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catieelainehankins/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CatieElaine
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@catieelaineactress
• IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm7663006/

Image Credits
Arthur Bryan Marroquin Stephen Robert Reynolds