We recently connected with Kelsey Cooke and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kelsey, 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?
This is something I have been, am currently, and forever will be working on. This industry is tough on confidence and self-esteem, and I do believe it can be (at times) harder for females, since it has been such a male-dominated industry for so long, definitely on the behind-the-camera and business side of the biz.
When I was young (maybe 12) I remember sitting across from a manager who looked at me and my work and said “you’re pretty, you’re cute, but you don’t have that ‘star quality’ we are looking for right now”. There is SO MUCH REJECTION that comes with this business, and I’ve been in it since I was 4 years old. So I have dealt with a lot, and I have also overcome a lot. That is a small glimpse into the competition and self-image side of things.
Then you have the old-school industry men who still look down to women behind the camera or on the business size of “the biz”. As filmmakers my husband and I are partners, we started a production company together, and we started an Improv Comedy school together – as partners. When we meet with other producers, production companies, directors, really anyone on the business-side, we instantly know whether or not we want to work with them, based on how they treat ME.
Chris (my husband) would be the first to tell you that I’ve been in the industry longer than he has, I’ve played the game longer, and I have more experience with business. So if you’re looking to make a deal with us, I’m the one you should talk to. However time and time again I’m seen as just the “wife” or somehow less-than. Sometimes men don’t even look me in the eye, let alone ask me about what I do, or my opinion. It’s those people (men especially) who genuinely put me on an even plane as my husband, who ask me questions and take note of my opinion, that get our business.
So I have developed a tough-skin, but that doesn’t mean I’m not battling the battle of insecurity every day.
I combat that with my faith, reminding myself who my identity is in, and who I am and how powerful that is, that helps re-center me.
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?
My husband Chris Guerra and I just opened up an Improv and Sketch Comedy school called “Oddity Improv” in the greater Nashville-area in Franklin, TN! Our goal is to train-up the highest-level of talent in the Nashville area, to help funnel into and support the quickly-growing filmmaking community here. Check us out at www.oddityimprov.com
We are also filmmakers and own a production company called “thisishardtoread productions” and we produce “Comedy with Heart”. We just sold our latest feature comedy called “Re-Opening” (www.watchreopening.com) and it’s available to stream now.
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?
1. Exploring classes in your area of interest (acting, writing, directing, etc) to gain as many skills as you can, for what yo want to do. 2. Having a Growth Mindset is extremely important. Have the attitude that no matter how “little” the job, you can always learn something new, gain new insight or experience.
3. Smart Networking – learn who the most important person is for you to get to know, and figure out how to get their attention, or get to know them. This may take time, so don’t discount other important people along the ladder of getting there – BE NICE and ask the right questions. Be willing to go the extra mile to get noticed, and you WILL.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Oddity Improv is looking for Adults and Youth / Teens who want to learn the invaluable skill of improv at ANY level – we want to train at all levels, but we are also looking to perform with those who are ready to show their skills – we will be putting a performance company together within the next year, so take our classes, get to know us, and be a part of the company!
We are also looking for interns! We would love to partner with local actors, filmmakers, or anyone looking to be a part of the growing community here who is passionate about teamwork, collaboration, and making a positive impact on the community.
Please email us through our website! OddityImprov.com or thisishardtoreadprod.com, and let us know what you are interested in, what your availability is, and what your goals are!
We look forward to meeting you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.oddityimprov.com
- Instagram: @oddityimprov
- Facebook: Facebook.com/oddityimprov
Image Credits
Oddity Improv
