Daily Inspiration: Meet Chelsey Grant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsey Grant.

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? 
I started dancing and performing on stage at the age of 3. It’s quite funny because my mom put my sister and I in dance to be comfortable in crowds and doing presentations when we were older. She was fully prepared to take us out if we didn’t enjoy it. I was hooked. Being a kid from a family with absolutely no artistic roots, it was a hilarious and wild ride. I found so much joy in exploring characters through dance, and as I got older, I slowly stripped away parts of my dance focus to do stage plays. The raw, quiet emotion of characters living their intimate moments depicted on stage was beyond fascinating to me. I got my BFA in Acting and studied Shakespeare, Greek theatre, contemporary works and fell in love with slice-of-life drama. 

I moved back to Minneapolis after getting my degree with the full intent of doing stage work. I had some incredible performance opportunities, but quickly found out that many theatre cities have a heavy musical theatre need in order to keep theatre companies running. I loved doing musical work but was craving creating the depth of the character in other genres. 

I started studying and adapting my acting skills for on camera and, again, I was hooked. Psychological thrillers, drama, dark comedy, all these auditions in film unlocked a new world for me. I felt like I found my home in storytelling alongside incredibly passionate creators. I feel pretty lucky. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh gosh, no! Even while having amazing agents in my city, I knew I had to really hunt for auditions and opportunities and continue sharpening my craft in workshops along the way. Most actors need “survival jobs”. I never loved that term. I found that any work that I did that some may describe as not being involved with the arts…actually were in fact, helpful as an actor. I am fortunate that I work full-time as an actor now, but I know that those jobs made me a better person and performer. I had no idea I would be making teleprompted teaching videos, doing immersive character parties, and representing brands in promotional specialist sales. I can point to characters I have booked because of having those unique skills. I would say the struggle and juggling nature of this profession can truly make you stronger. 

Having said all of that, one of the main struggles I found was making my love for acting a full-time career. I have always wanted to do this profession more than anything. Understanding the business side of the arts to me was vital. I would not have had the experiences I hold dearest to me if I didn’t need to learn (many times the hard way) how to make a living. This is from negotiating contracts to having a healthy relationship with my agents and peers and understanding how to advocate for yourself as a professional artist. I have found the pride I take in my work has deepened, and I hope to encourage other actors to seek that same self-advocacy. Granted, this mindset took me years to feel comfortable with, and I understand I will always be developing it. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Hmmm…I don’t have a specific role, story, or project to pinpoint where I have been most proud. I think this is because I find myself finding pride the most in the challenges of being uncomfortable while working on a project. Pursing the truth through that feeling can be so invigorating. From learning a whole new physical skill for a character to expanding my acting world into producing and writing scripts to having that heartwarming and terrifying feeling of having a film screening. I am proud to be entrusted with depicting another human genuinely, with care, and most importantly, without judgment. The challenge of understanding and becoming another human is complex. 

I think what sets me apart from others… it may sound cliche to some, but I truly try to live by my glass being half full. Didn’t book the incredible job I worked so hard for? Wasn’t meant to happen. I can take some time to learn from it, but set a limit on how long I sit in that feeling. The longer I dwell on the “no’s” I can ruin the pursuit, fervor, and preparation for what may become the next “yes”. This mindset can be easier said than done, but I have found joy in it. Owning an always growing mentality is one of my superpowers, I think. 

Any big plans?
Exciting and new things are on the horizon! I am going to London this spring with a script I helped write, co-produce, and will be acting in with filmmakers that I admire greatly. What a wild dream that is! Of course, sticking with my typical roots, I am always auditioning and training. Always. I love it, actually. Lastly, it is exciting to have knowledge of my involvement in future films, potential sequels, and new works… as soon as those are ready to pull the trigger, I am ready to dive in. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chelseygrant.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseygrant_actor/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNBMQE80H_GIo-sLPedyz7w
• Other: https://www.imdb.me/chelseygrant