Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Murray.
Hi Casey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was around ten years old, I had an immense fascination with the arts. I was specifically intrigued by theatre and musicals. I knew I wanted to learn how to sing, dance and act and that that would be my career. I started singing lessons with Christina Saffran and was taught by her for many years. I dabbled in all types of dances but mainly stuck to ballet and contemporary style. When I was around 11-12 years old, I played Ariel in my first theatre production, “The Little Mermaid.” I knew from then on that the stage was my happy place. I continued doing theatre in middle and high school, and after many shows and lead roles, I decided to pursue acting at California State University, Long Beach. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into their BFA theatre performance cohort, and am happily graduating from the program in May 2023. I am also currently a dance teacher for younger kids and a spin instructor at many gyms in the Long Beach area! I am excited to audition for plays, musicals, t.v. shows, films, and other performance pieces offered to me after graduation!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In terms of my love for the arts, there hasn’t been a question as to if I am on the right path or not. But, moving on to college, I was faced with the struggle of giving up musical theatre, as my university didn’t offer it. Another aspect, as I am sure many actors can agree with, is the struggle of working whilst being a student whilst also performing all at the same time. I am currently facing financial struggles as I attempt to find jobs that work with my schedule and still allow me to perform. But, with that, I am attempting to see the benefit these struggles are having on my life and my character.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am currently a full-time student in the BFA theatre performance group at CSULB, getting ready to graduate in May 2023! I am a performer with no specific specialty quite yet. In terms of what I hope to go into, I am hoping to explore theatrical movement, acting onstage, and musical theatre! I just performed in my universities production of The Rocky Horror Show as a member of the ensemble/narrator. I currently am working as a spin instructor at three gyms in Long Beach, and am a youth dance teacher at my local dance studio! I am most proud of how I have found jobs that I enjoy rather than found a part-time job that only satisfies me financially and not mentally or physically. I am hoping to become a yoga instructor as well and to just start auditioning for things as an actor!
We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking.
I think my whole life is a risk, but what is life without risk? Being an artist in such a financially rough industry is a big risk on its own. Even with the instructor jobs I have, I find they are major risks; if I miss a class, I am risking my rent and food money. LA County is a risky place to live financially as well. I find that I don’t seek out risk, but I know it’s a major part of the life I have chosen, and I can only ride it out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://murraycasey6.wixsite.com/website
- Instagram: @caseymurray__
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caseymurray6/?ref=bookmarks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX5xJN8PLvnElaWUGi6se2Q?view_as=subscriber
