Today we’d like to introduce you to Kent Burns.
Hi Kent, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Kent Burns is an all around artist. This young, non-binary entertainment professional is a producer, an actor, a model, and more! Their passion for entertainment and creation knows no bounds!
Being the child of a military captain and a dancer, Kent grew up all around the U.S. but always found a home in storytelling wherever they ended up. From Carmel Academy of Performing Arts to voice lessons with acclaimed vocal coach, Robert Edwards, to Royal Academy of Dance Training, entertaining and performing was forged in the foundations of who they are today.
By the time Kent graduated with their Bachelor’s Degree in Drama with Honors in Musical Theatre, they had originated roles in musicals both regionally and off broadway, performed at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and received the President’s Volunteer Service Award three times.
Although, similar to their own personal journey, they wanted to craft their own life for them. As they came to align with their true non-binary self, they realized the stories they saw around them in theatre, film, and television did not look like them. If it came somewhat close, it was in a minor moment or side gag. So, they took charge and started on their path to be the change they wanted to see in the world. Kent went back to school at UCLA Extension and was mentored by top industry professionals as they earned their Certificate of Business and Management of Entertainment with Distinction. Their goal was to have the skills to become a part of teams that foster inclusion, dive deep into captivating worlds, and bring that extra magic that pushes storytelling forward.
Kent has worked with independent television and film companies such as Alliance Cinema, Paulist Pictures, Rhymes With Pie Productions, and Public School Pictures to name a few. Most recently, Kent Burns has been an integral part of Mr Warburton Media, producing and writing the 1st annual Gurus Awards streaming on KNEKTTV in partnership with the SLS Beverly Hills; which, came right on the heels of the #30Voices30Days Pride initiative in partnership with GLAAD. Throughout the month of June 2024, Gurus Magazine launched a different cover of the magazine every day – with some issues been written, styled, and graphic designed, all by Kent. Cover stars included Patricia Arquette, Frankie Grande, Lisa Ann Walter, and Laverne Cox to name a few. Working alongside entrepreneur, Derek Warburton, Kent has been a part of fantastic fundraisers, such as The Alexis Project, red carpet premiere events, Dr. Pimple Popper’s new show on Lifetime, and even getting exclusive interview access to events like Chris Colfer’s latest book launch.
With media and marketing in one hand, Kent still produces and acts in their own original works. After executive producing, writing, and starring in their time-bending Japanese-American Supernatural Drama, YOKAI, with a cast and crew of over 75% underrepresented voices, Kent is currently in pre-production for two more original shorts set to shoot this year. One being a stately period piece where society, station, and untold queer love are all brought to a head over dinner – utilizing the talents of Emmy nominated Costume Designer, Krisitin Dangl, stitching it all together. The other project being a story of love persevering as a young girl navigates her grief, set against the backdrop of the infamous Surrealist Ball.
Additionally, Kent made their network television debut on BravoTV’s “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” helping fan-favorite, Sutton Stracke, bring her iconic fashion show to life.
As a producer, they have found true strength resides in the turn of phrase, “clear is kind”. In an industry where trust is the most prized currency and connection is the highest reward, Kent has a proven track record of building collaborative and well balanced teams with long lasting relationships that create impactful works and results in every arena they step into.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has the road been smooth? Simply put, “No.” But, I don’t think any road worth walking is. When you are the one carving your own path, you are actually making the road smoother for the people behind you. Every time you hit a bump in the road or need to pivot or sometimes even take the long way around, you have to be the one to deal with it. Many people in my generation feel this way. I worked my entire life thinking I would graduate college, move to New York, and start my life as a Broadway performer. Yet, I graduated in the fall of 2019 and moved to NY just in time to be a part of the first covid-19 containment zone in the United States. Though those times were extremely rough for all people, it gave me time to look inward and to dive into me. That time allowed me to figure out my gender identity, my sexuality, and most importantly, allowed me the space to define what I wanted my legacy to look like. This meant I had to pick up the shovel again and go back to school; which, is something I never thought I would do. Especially, not in Los Angeles. But now this is my home. There is no place I would rather live. No place I’d rather call home.
This spirit also came from being a military kid. Having had 13 different addresses by the time I was 26, meant I was walking into a different environment with different rules, different social cues, and different expectations at every turn. I became very good at identifying and assimilating. Though, that is no longer how I choose to live. No matter where I am in the world, no matter how far I go in my career, no matter the actions or inactions I take, the way I know I am home is by being fully and wholeheartedly me.
Being your unbridled self, of course, makes the road even harder; but, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Especially in the times we live in now, just existing is an act of radical self love and defiance. Going to the grocery store, seeing friends, showing up for yourself is how you make the road smoother. When you were never promised a smooth road, you can’t expect to never roll up your sleeves. So, I like to dig in and move forward towards my brightest destiny everyday – in big ways and small ones.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I like to call myself an all around artist. I bring artistry to everything I do. Whether it be the very creative side with producing, acting, modeling, writing or the more business side with marketing, media, coordinating, and managing – I find bringing a graceful professionalism and a can-do attitude is always a winning strategy.
I don’t ever want to do one thing. It may be the ADHD, but I like to have a hand in many things at once. After all, we are always marveling at men with diversified portfolios on Wall Street; so, why should it be any different with a non-biney finey in Hollywood trying to tackle it all?
My proudest achievements are found when both the “Show” and “Business” fully align. I feel my purpose is being the bridge between the two. For example, when a location fell through, I successfully negotiated with Huntington Gardens to allows us to film in a location they had not approved of in over 30 years. How? We walked through the story elements and found ways to tweak motifs and understandings of the plot to align with the needs of the cultural institution. We served the story, respected the business, and found a compromise that allowed for stunning visuals.
I strive to be the very best I can be. With goals and dreams guiding me, I try to stand tall in the present. I believe everyone should, to quote one of my favorite works of all time, Hadestown, “raise our cups…to the world we dream about and to the world we live in now.”
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I think something surprising about me is that I can be very naturally shy, solitary, and quiet. I like soft things. If time were infinite, I could spend decades playing in the petals of a flower garden or countless leisurely hours sewing glass beads onto a dress. Beautiful and delicate things, like crafting, brings me joy.
All throughout my childhood, I would play alone in my room perfectly content. Not out of fear of others, but more so because of my vivid imagination. I would want to let my stories play out as much as I could. I did not need others for my own fulfillment. I think this is why I can very easily get lost in development when I am creating new stories. I am delighted and overjoyed about figuring out a world’s magic system, what are the socio-policital histories involved, and what are people wearing in this story — that sometimes all takes place before I even know the name of the main character on this hero’s journey story.
So, despite the jewels, the hair, and the flare — I think something surprising about me is that I feel just as – if not more – fulfilled and seen in life’s quietest moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.redpearlprince.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redpearlprince/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kent-burns/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2939747/
Image Credits
Step & Repeat Photo – Photo Credit: Jesse Grant – Courtesy of Getty Images
Gold Pants Photo – Photo Credit: Matt Kallish
Black & White Photo – Jon Ducci for Dylanlex
Runway Photo from Equality Fashion Week 2024 – Photo Credit: Kelly Balch
Sitting on Counter Photo – Photo Credit: Matt Kallish
All Cream Look – Photo Credit: Josh Fogel
