We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lia Corbitt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lia , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I had never heard of imposter syndrome until a few years ago. During the Covid lockdown, my mother enrolled me in a bunch of online classes to keep me from becoming totally bored. One of the classes was a one-hour session on auditions facilitated by a well-known actor. During the class he talked a little about imposter syndrome. I didn’t think much about it at the time. Then after the lockdown was over and as I began to audition for roles, I began to see it myself and recall what I learned that day.
I would go to an audition and feel like I didn’t belong there. I would look around the room and think that everyone else was better than me, better singers, better actors. I doubted my abilities, my talent, and my training. These feeling were worse after a rejection. I can’t say that I have fully overcome imposter syndrome. I still have to work at it.
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?
Right now, I’m mostly focusing on acting and preparing for college. I’m in my junior year. I will be finished with all except one of my course requirements for graduation at the end on my junior year. So, I’m trying to decide if I should take that last course during the summer and start college early or if I should remain in school so that I can have the senior year experience.
The writer’s and SAG.-AFTRA strike have shut down most productions so there isn’t much going on right now. I have been using this time to take some classes and work on my social media accounts. I love fashion. I think I have a unique style and would like to become an influencer.
Also, I have a new project that is just starting. I have a speaking role in an independent film. I’m scheduled to go on set this weekend. It has been a while since I have worked on a project, so I’m excited about this one.
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?
As far back as I can remember, I have had an ear for music, which helps me now when playing instruments and singing. I also have a good sense of humor and I know that I am naturally a little dramatic too. These qualities help, but I think knowledge and skills are what are what has helped me the most. The training that I have received has allowed me to get this far and I still have a lot of training ahead of me.
I would advise people who are early in their journey to start attending classes. You can find classes at your school, local community theatres, music stores, dance centers, and other places. You want to learn as much as you can. Then start performing and auditioning. Recitals, community theatre, church events, as well as school and local events are good places to start.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
There hasn’t been one person, but many people. If I had to name one person, I would say my mother. She has been my rock and support. She encourages me and guides me. he also helps me find opportunities by connecting me with the right people and programs to build and develop my skills,
I have to also give credit to Ms. Renee, the director of the youth gospel choir I sang with several years ago when I lived in Jacksonville, Florida. She was the first teacher that really focused on my vocal abilities and challenged me to in ways that stretched by abilities. She helped me find my voice and develop my vocal skills.
All of the drama, piano, voice, and music teachers and coaches I have worked with thus far have had an impact on my life and helped me to reach the point where I am now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lianoel_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087058054011
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lianoel_0
Image Credits
All Photos – David Silverthorn Photography
