Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Will.
Sean, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in El Paso, Texas but I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be an actor. In particular, comedy. Once I graduated from the University of Houston, I saved up and moved to LA in December 2011. Quickly I knew I wanted to focus on branding myself as an African-American comedic performer, then branch out into drama and other genres. But that wasn’t going to happen unless I can thrive in one area, get noticed, and consistently work within brand. So I submitted to multiple open jams, open mics and group auditions at various comedy venues in LA. Eventually, you meet more and more people throughout the LA comedy community (big city, small circle) and build relationships with people who are more than likely, in the same boat as you. Through strengthening my comedy background, I’ve found representation that I’ve been with for years while booking various television shows, commercials, and music videos. I’ve been in LA for eight years. I can honestly say that now I finally feel like I’m hitting my stride as an actor and comedian.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all. And that’s the point. When I first got here, it was rough. I ran through my savings rather quickly because it took a bit to find a job and I had to pay for food, rent, etc. I didn’t know where to go to locate representation, plus I didn’t have much on my resume to make myself attractive to possible agencies. Not only were acting classes expensive, so was online acting websites, headshots, basic tools all actors need to function in this industry. I couldn’t afford to put up a basic profile on most online sites, so I would go on Craig’s List and other free sites, looking for work. Once I finally found a job, the commute itself was brutal since I was working in Santa Clarita 5 days every week and living in Downtown LA. The first few years were really a hard transition for me. My family and friends were in Texas, so I had no social life whatsoever for the first three years. I was working all of the time, yet barely able to put enough gas in the car due to the commute. And anytime you’re getting older, doubt starts to creep in. “What am I doing with my life? Acting is a pipe dream. You’re too old to make it.” Performing improv comedy helped keep me out of some really dark and depressing moments. Being on stage was my release valve, and I needed it badly. Even though I’m in a better place now, to an extent, I still do.
What should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a comedic actor who has appeared on shows on networks such as BET, NBC, and Tru TV; as well as various films, commercials, and music videos. Since relocating to LA, I’ve trained and performed at UCB, The Groundlings, M.i. Westside Comedy Theater, etc. I have also been on house teams, musical improv groups, and performed in festivals and one-off shows at theaters like iO West, The Second City, The Pack Theater, etc. Some of those comedy groups include Top Story Weekly, 808, Mixed Signals, Lil White Lies, Garden Party, Less Than Flattering, The Squirts, #Blessed, and Sketch-A-Phrenics. I’m currently managed by Dream Talent, represented theatrically by The Library Agency, and commercially and in print by BBA Models and Talent.
What sets me apart is that I love becoming characters that anyone from any background can watch, laugh, and relate to. It just happens that I’m a Black comedic actor, but the character and material is so strong, it’s universally relatable.
What I’m most proud of is being able to cultivate professional and personal friendships with other diverse comedians and strengthening those communities throughout LA. Every school and theater I’m a part of, I always try and work with the Diversity board in some capacity. I’ve been lucky to have people welcome me in and be a mentor, and if I can reciprocate that to others trying to find their way in the comedy and acting community, then I’m happy. Everyone’s voice is important and has a wonderful story to tell.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is simply happiness. Society tends to equate success by how much you’re making or how much you’re worth financially, and I’m definitely not saying it isn’t important. It’s not everything. If I’m a consistently working actor and I’m still performing sketch and improv onstage, I’m successful, personally speaking. I still have ways to go, but I’ve been on stage and on camera with entertainers that I’ve watched on TV and film and admired, with confidence and still held my own with them. It’s a high like no other, and I crave it. Success and Happiness is high but has to be applicable to you and only you and not compared to others.
Contact Info:
- For Inquiries and Booking Info, contact:
Dream Talent Management
Kat Gordon
kat@dreamtalentmanagement.com - Website: http://www.imseanwill.com
- Email: seanwillactor@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/imseanwill
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imseanwill
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/imseanwill
- Other: http://imdb.me/seanwill
Image Credit:
Tiffany Kyees, Nick Dee, Greggywawa
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
