Meet Katee Shean

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katee Shean.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Four year old me would be so excited to know that I am still pursuing my dreams and doing it in sweet Los Angeles. I grew up in the Bay Area (GO SHARKS!), and I’ve always loved performing and entertaining people. I actually started out as a dancer. When I was four, my parents enrolled me in my first dance class (Atlas School of Dance) because I was always walking around the house on my tiptoes. Let me be honest and say, I was not good when I first started, but I loved making stuff up and putting on “shows” for all of my relatives. Apologies to my brother who I unsuccessfully tried to make my sidekick and to my family for the number of those shows they had to watch, haha. I grew up dancing and rehearsing every day, and attending dance competitions on the weekends. When I was 14, I auditioned and became a member of Teen Dance Company (T.D.C.) of the Bay Area, which really helped to shape my artistry and performance ability.

After high school, I decided to pursue my dream further and move to Southern California. I attended Chapman University as an Education major and was always driving up to L.A. on the weekends or after school for jobs and classes. In my sophomore year, I was fortunate enough to be a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance and finished as the final female on my season. From there, I got to travel the world dancing and performing…all while finishing my college degree. It was a real blessing to be able to dance in movies, television shows, and on many awards shows with wonderful artists like J.Lo, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus and more. Being on Taylor Swift’s World Tour was one of my favorite experiences because we got to travel to so many wonderful places. We traveled all across the states on a tour bus performing in arenas every day and then traveled abroad to perform as well. Seeing so many different cultures was priceless for me. I was getting to do something I loved and see the world at the same time. Visiting Japan was extra special for me because I was able to see where my family was from.

This career in performing led me to become a master class teacher for dance, and a judge and adjudicator for dance competitions. Helping young artists hone their craft and support their talent is something that gives me great joy. It’s so inspiring to see the talent and heart in the up-and-coming generations and to be able to encourage them to follow their passion.

Acting has always been a strong passion of mine. When I wasn’t dancing, I was in classes trying to create a strong foundation for myself. I’ve always felt that training is the most important thing with any skill. I know I will never stop trying to learn or better my craft, but I wanted to spend a few years without auditioning to just train and put in the work. Over the last five or so years, acting has become my primary focus and I fully embrace this new chapter. Each art form is its own entity, and although scary at times, I’ve loved being able to finally jump both feet into acting. I’ve been able to study with brilliantly talented coaches like Lesly Kahn and Co. and Alan Feinstein, who have given me invaluable lessons, guidance, and the freedom to be creative. Once I started auditioning, I was able to appreciate the differences in being on set as an actor versus as a dancer. Now working as an actor, I find it is such a fun experience and is something I hope to continue doing for a long time. I love being a part of a production that makes people feel something. Whether it’s a comedy to cheer someone up, a rom-com to cry to, or a drama to stimulate the mind, I love how television and film provide an escape for people from the stressors of everyday life. I will continue to try to be the best actor I can be, and I look forward to what’s to come.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have definitely been struggles along the way, but I think that’s the beauty of it. I have so much gratitude for everything I receive, and all the people around me, because I know it took hard work get here. In my dance career, I’ve had very serious injuries/surgeries that have certainly shaped who I am today. The ramifications – physical, mental, and emotional of always following the motto “the show must go on” creates an inner strength like no other – even when pushing through might not be the smartest choice. Although it may have been difficult at times, and I’m sure it will be in the future, I don’t think I’d want it any other way -having ups and downs is all part of the human experience. I think being able to have heartbreaks or disappointment gives you more life experience, and makes you more empathetic towards other people and what they’re going through.

Our industry is filled with so many “NO’s” before you ever get a YES!. I’ll be honest and say that I haven’t yet mastered having a thick skin and not feeling the hurt from rejection. I’m an Asian-American female (half Japanese & half Irish) and have naturally auburn hair. I’ve been told I’m not Asian enough or I’m not white enough, I’m too fat or too skinny, I should dye my hair or get glasses, etc.etc. I’ve learned that there will always be people that try to put you in a box. I hope to use any hardships as a jumping off point to start something great or fuel the fight in me to prove them wrong.

I also find that a big city like this can be lonely sometimes, and it can be difficult to make lasting relationships. I think it’s so important to have people that believe in you in your corner. Your belief and confidence in yourself needs to be echoed by the people you surround yourself with and those representing you. I’m beyond grateful for my manager (HI ABBY!) who is a constant supporter of my career.

I’ve also found it invaluable to have a peer support system. People who understand the struggles, that celebrate the good with you, and support you through the bad. I’ve been lucky enough to find a group of creative people to hold me accountable and whose talents I am constantly inspired by and learning from (Shout out to the 121 people!!!!)

Tell us about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I am an actor, model, and dancer. While I know there are so many of us in Los Angeles, I think hard work and my heart will hopefully set me apart from others. Success is important to me, but I take pride in the fact that being a good person first and foremost is always my goal. People will always have different opinions on if I should get the part, or who was the best, but I hope my character as a human being will be something everyone agrees on. Treating other people with respect is my core value and I think that shows on sets. I make it a point to get to know everyone because EVERYONE. IS. IMPORTANT. Showing up with a good work ethic and having gratitude for all individuals is something I pride myself on. I will always choose to lead with empathy and kindness.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Least is probably how catty and competitive people can get in this city, especially among females. I think a lot of times there’s pressure to be “better than” someone else…prettier, skinnier, funnier, etc. I fully believe that we should be lifting each other up and supporting one another.

I remember being at an audition where you had to show up in an “evening gown” for this particular role (don’t ask me why…but this was a must). A girl came in wearing jeans and a t-shirt and they told her she couldn’t audition. I could see the look of disappointment on her face because she had prepared, but she just hadn’t gotten the correct information from her agent. I asked her if she wanted to borrow my dress, and I hung out in the bathroom until she finished her audition. I want other people to succeed as well, and I want to get roles because of my talent, not because I was competitive or catty towards someone else.

The best part about the city is all the opportunities that await and all the creativity among the people here. I don’t know of any other town filled with so many individuals of various talents. Writers, directors, actors, musicians, singers, dancers…you name it…L.A. has it all! No matter where you go, you are surrounded by artistic and creative humans. Your barista is probably an amazing singer or actor just waiting for their moment. There is so much to learn from everyone around you, and it is an amazing place to fulfill your dreams.

Also, let’s be honest….THE FOOD IS AMAZING. So many restaurants and cute cafes, sooooo as a foodie, this is my heaven!!!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateeshean/?hl=en
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Katee_Shean
• Email: ajohnson@braveartistsmanagement.com

Image Credit:
Jonny Marlow, Still from “Batfished” directed by Reid Collums, Andrea Lwin

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