Meet CARLYLE KING of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to CARLYLE KING.

Hi CARLYLE, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
One’s start is always a interesting path. Came to LA from Pennsylvania to get my MFA at USC school of drama and never looked back. Studied, worked as an actor and somewhere along the way, realized that to make a living in my chosen field, I would have to do more. Do it all. I started directing, teaching, producing. Created an after school program for 1-6th grade called KID SHAKESPEARE which ran for 14 years. Produced and directed plays at the Road Theatre Company and the Beverly Hills Playhouse. Got to teach at my alma mater USC and South Coast Rep. Now writing and directing film and television with fellow creatives. Creating has never stopped!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing is smooth. But when you hit a bump, you need to pivot. Find a way over it, around it, through it. Many of us come here with stars in our eyes, looking for that piece of stardom. Lots leave. But those who stay, need to navigate and find a way to make it all work. Don’t get me started on wanting to have a career and a family. That’s when the juggling really starts. Making that work, will only feed the main goal. Finding life outside of yourself and still being able to create. Starting a family changed my life. The world got bigger. It wasn’t just me anymore.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Right now I am specifically a writer and a director. I would say my specialty is knowing how to work with actors. Having studied with two of the best acting coaches ever, Kim Stanley and Milton Katselas, I took what they taught and made it into my own. Finding ways to get the best out of your actors. When someone says, “they have never been better!” I know I have done my job. Being able to write has really open up the creative world for me. It has allowed me to create all on my own. I do collaborate but have found the act of writing to be another way to flex that creative muscle. Right now, I am in the process of developing a series based on a short award winning film that I wrote and directed called “Sunny’s Closet”. We are planning on shooting 2 episodes in Rome, 2 in Bulgaria and 2 in France after the first of the year. The challenge of working with an international crew and cast is something I look forward to. I never quit. I am all about staying in the positive. I live in the House of YES!

I also run a program for playwrights called UNDER CONSTRUCTION at the Road Theatre Company. We are in our 6th year and to date have created over 90 new plays. Some have gone on to win multiple awards and productions. The Road has produced 5. I am very proud of the work I have created and supported over the years, nurturing new work for the theatre. I directed all 8 episodes of Amazon Prime’s “Smothered” Season 2. It was a big challenge to orchestrate a whole season. Create an arc and a growth for all the characters.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Be kind. Treat others like you want to be treated. I know that is an old adage but there are reasons that it is. I don’t see it as a cliche’, I see it as a way of life. Be honest. It has served me more times than I can count. If you can’t fulfill something, say so, most people will understand. That way, you can deliver your best and not something that you have to cobble together. If you are challenged and feel like you are done. Breathe. We all get knocked down. I am so happy that I continued. I felt like quitting many a time and do something that is easier. Being an artist is not easy.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: carlyle6176
• Facebook: carlyle king
• LinkedIn: carlyleking
• Youtube: Sunny’sCloset
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Alin Velici