We were lucky to catch up with Leesa Kadirah recently and have shared our conversation below.
Leesa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only black person in a room happens way too often then anyone would want it
to. I have gotten used to the fact that that could happen. From elementary school to my
acting class last week, I’ve learned that I am already different so why not embrace it.
I’ve learned to speak up when I need to be a team player. For example, I was doing a
play in 2022 and I wasn’t too pleased with my wardrobe for the play. Not to sound like a
diva, but I did notice that my costume had looked like I was doing a different play than
everyone else. We had modernized a Shakespeare play so think, everyone looks like
they’re going to Coachella or auditioning for Euphoria season 3 and I’m dressed like I’m
about to go to the underground mines. I knew something was off whenever I walked out
in my first costume and everyone was cheery and happy, then all of a sudden went
silent when I walked out. I mean hey, I kept a smile on my face and then had a talk with
the director and wardrobe after rehearsal about what we could do because I just felt off.
I did have a bit of anxiety because this was a predominantly white space and I had
already heard too many horror stories of other POC’s having wardrobe issues. Luckily,
we were able to change some things around and layer pieces so they look different in
each scene. Was it a bit stressful? Of course, it’s tech week. But did I find a way through
and always will.
I feel like nowadays I am still expecting to be the only POC in the room, even though it’s
2025, which sucks but I always need to remind myself that I am always there for myself.
I’m not there to please anybody but me because I know what I expect of myself.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an actor who has a cute day job selling sunglasses and as a side hustle I use WeAudition to meet other actors and be a reader for others.
Acting and performing is mypassion. I have been doing it since I was four and it’s stuck with me ever since. That’s also how I knew I was different and would stand out. Not only am I black, but I love to
show up to black box and pass an invisible ball of energy with a sound. Who needs
coffee when you have that to look forward to. I love creating projects with my friends
from comedies to romance to horror. I think something that makes my art special is that
I make everything intentional and I try to send a message to anyone watching. Whether
it’s saving the animals or believing you are worthy of love even when you think all odds
are you. That’s what I’ve been focusing on for the past couple of years. I see how a lot
of people I look up to are making their own projects and I think that’s amazing and the
way to do it you have something to say. I feel like there are a lot of projects nowadays,
some that are becoming my favorites and I’ve added to my letterboxd top 4, that aren’t
afraid to break rules and say what some of us are really feeling or thinking.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
For starters, have resilience. I have a sweatshirt that says Resilience so that’s my daily
reminder but truthfully, you need to know how to go right when things go left. Oh no, one
of the stage lights is out and we can’t replace it. Okay, let’s just use a follow spot instead
and put a color gel in til after the show. You need to expect the unexpected. That can
honestly go so many ways. I’ve been in situations where I’ve lost sleep because I was
so anxious and then it all worked out and I freaked out for what. On the other hand,
there’s been times where I thought I could bite off more than I can chew and have
needed to take a step back. That’s the beauty of life though, we fail and can take a
minute to fine tune the smaller things. Last but not least, have some moxie. Moxie is
one of my favorite words because not only is it a drink but it means courage and
determination. You need that to succeed for yourself and it’s always nice to say to
yourself everyday “I have that moxie glow”.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents let me move to LA to achieve my goals and make all my dreams come true. I think it
was really hard for them, especially my mom and so I really thank them and I’m forever grateful
for them letting me do this. I know they miss me a lot and I miss them even more but it will all
pay off. They are also my biggest cheerleaders even when I feel like I’m not doing enough and I
don’t have any control. My dad actually filmed my first movie. He filmed me walking all over the
Bronx and at the beginning of every scene, I would say where I was and what I was about to do
and then would say “come on follow me”
. I was 5, the world was my playground and my dad
knew cinematography like he shot for America’s Funniest Home Videos. If I have to do this for
anyone, for sure my dad. My mom has just always been my rock and I want to make it big for
her and get her her dream house. She knows when I needs a pick me up and when my bank
account needs a pick me up too. But if anyone has really pushed, guided and protected me, its
my mom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/leesakadirah
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leesa.kadirah/?igsh=NzBmMjdhZWRiYQ%3D%3D
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
