Meet Katie Gleason

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Gleason. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Katie, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

When I was in middle school, I started developing depression. And when I was in sophomore year of high school, I was severely bullied by people I thought were my best friends. These things forced me into a place where I felt hopeless, and despite the amazing people I DID have in my life, I was blinded to only focus on those who made me feel small. I was sent spiraling, forced to build myself back up again from my absolute lowest.

The thing that helped me get out of this state was realizing that if people in my life don’t value me, don’t care about my feelings, or don’t make me feel loved, they aren’t people I would want in my life in the first place. Once I started shifting my focus to those who not only cared, but made me FEEL cared about, I was able to learn that that’s the kind of love I deserve.

Once I realized this, things really started to change. Not overnight, I am still on a constant healing journey. But, the more I’ve learned to accept the idea that I am deserving of love and happiness, and only surrounded myself with people who believed the same, I started to become more confident in myself.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hi!! I’m Katie, and I am a performer, cosplayer, and content creator based in NYC!!

I grew up in a small town in Maryland, and have been on a stage for as long as I can remember. I started dancing at 3 years old, I did every school and community theater production I could get my hands on, and performed in my school’s chorus every year.

But, I finally made the (terrifying) leap to move to NYC a year after graduating high school! I am now following my dreams of becoming an actor by earning my BFA in Acting for Theatre, Film, & Television at LIU Brooklyn! I’m about to start my senior year, and I’ve had the most incredible time studying acting & experiencing life in the city.

This past year, I started exploring the behind-the-scenes side of Theater. I produced my first professional show (a cabaret style concert at 54 Below), and I’m about to direct my first full-length play for my senior project!

When I’m not on stage, though, I love anything I can to continue to be creative. I’ve been a cosplayer on TikTok for over 5 years now, and I’ve learned how to make costumes and props, edit videos, and even started doing photography. Posting my cosplays on social media has led to meeting the most incredible community. I’ve also built a following of over 97k on TikTok, which has opened up so many doors for me! Never did I expect what started as a small hobby to become such a huge part of my life, but I love having a space to get to be the nerd I am with so many wonderful people.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Someone once told me that I needed to be “less nice” if I ever wanted to have a career. They saw being kind as a weakness, that would hold me back in entertainment, which is such a competitive industry. While you do have to have a thick skin, what I’ve learned is that being a kind, genuine person, will get you more opportunities than anything else. People notice when you bring a positive energy into an audition room or a rehearsal space. People notice when you take the extra steps to make someone feel safe and appreciated. Obviously, don’t be kind because of what YOU can get out of it, but being kind is a strength in our industry (and in life), not a weakness.

I have also had to learn while being in college to really enjoy the artistry of what it is I do. I am a perfectionist, and someone who wants to always make the “right” choice when it comes to my acting. I tend to be very motivated by trying to get to a finished product, instead of recognizing that acting is a constant process. This can mean that a lot of times, I am so hard on myself that I forget to remember how much I love this. And, the process is what is fun about it. My professors are constantly reminding me to let myself enjoy it, and have fun, and not be afraid to be wrong. Same thing with my cosplays, I get so stressed about every detail being perfect that I forget how much I love making things. So often I have to remind myself that I’m here because I truly love the art, and not to take any of that for granted because I’m so focused on an unattainable perfection.

And third, I am trying to learn that while it’s important to work hard, you are not defined by your productivity. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your art is take a break and take care of yourself. Your self worth is not reliant on being productive.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

The most important thing for me when I’m overwhelmed is to make some time for myself. I’m a very social person & I love being busy, but I also need time to recharge. Putting aside some time just for myself, where I don’t do anything I consider “productive”, and just rest, is the absolute best way for me to refuel.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: starksnova
• Youtube: starksnova
• Other: TikTok: starksnova

Image Credits

(Personal photo & first two images):
Katie Gleason

(last photo):
Lauren Robinson