We recently connected with Brenna Coates and have shared our conversation below.
Brenna, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I’ve never considered myself optimistic. It’s much easier for me to be cynical, and dry, and have an attitude. But eventually people get tired of it, or I get tired of it, and I find myself wanting something so badly and so desperately that the optimism and the hope and the promise wins over. Falling asleep and smiling thinking about it wins over. So when it actually happens and that good thing comes, whether it’s a role or a script or whatever it may be for whoever, it’s fun to wonder how much of it was destined and how much of it was within your control. Optimism is the one thing that’s within your control, that’s what makes it so badass.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m an actor, and I’ve worked in theatre and TV & Film for the past eight years. I really got my start on Off-Broadway in New York City, right after I graduated from NYU, doing a play called The Wolves that changed my life. We won an Obie and Drama Desk for Best Ensemble, and the word “wolf” will never be the same. I had a two season arc on the TV show Coroner, and I’ve been in a number of films. Most recently, I play a larger than life character who hopefully bears no resemblance to me in the R.L. Stine feature Zombie Town, which is now on Hulu. It’s a hilarious and spooky film that I am so, so proud to be a part of. I’ve wanted to be an actor since I was five years old, and I never take it for granted that I actually get to do this. It’s one of the luckiest, hardest, silliest, most special jobs in the world.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Be tough, be tough, be tough. Don’t let anyone ever take advantage of you. Don’t go up for something or commit to something or spend time on something that doesn’t feel right or that you don’t agree with. I remember an acting teacher of mine at NYU once told us that when you’re starting out in your career, the word “no” should never be in your vocabulary. I’m sorry, but that’s so wrong. Never be afraid to stand up for yourself, and who knows what opportunities may follow once you start sharpening your preferences. All this all comes from listening to your intuition, and maybe calling a friend or two when you need some help remembering who’s boss.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
Well rounded. Your strengths will shine through no matter what, but to dedicate some of your time towards reading, joining a sports team, jumping the gate of the La Canada stables to pet horses, taking up painting, protesting, being a good friend and a good sibling, and engaging with people who have nothing to do with your field may be the most valuable thing you could offer your future collaborator. Im an actor, I have to know what it is to be a person. And how lucky are we that a person is a lot of things.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @brennxcoates
Image Credits
Ben Cope
