We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Shaffer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think the most important factor is perseverance. One can have talent, but if they do not have the determination to push through the hardships that inevitably come along with navigating this tricky industry, one will be eaten alive. It is all too be easy to become complacent. It can be even easier to say “it’s too hard; I quit.” It is an unforgiving and brutal industry at times. So if I lose site of why I am here and why I *have* to do this, I will fail. Giving up is simply not an option for me at this point. And I have to do this. I have to push through.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The entertainment industry is ever-changing. While that can be exciting, it is also quite terrifying. I have realized very quickly that there is no “easy” button for this business because there is no *one* way to get your foot in the door. Since “the biz” is literally selling yourself, I have to be true to who I am and focus on what I uniquely bring to the table. It is important to remember that everyone’s journey to success looks different and comparing yourself to others can be harmful to your own progress. My decision to become an actress and voice over artist came about as an adult. So there have been times that I wonder if success would have been “easier” if I had started earlier or as a child, but that would have come with its share of challenges, too. So while it has been a wild (nearly) ten years full of twists and turns, I wouldn’t trade where I am currently or where I am going for anything.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am very new to Los Angeles county myself and the two-year COVID hiatus that put our lives on hold made my learning about this city a bit stunted. But I love exploring, fine dining, drinking, hiking, and thrifting. I also love seeing live theatre. Day time, I would probably take a friend to North Hollywood to my favorite thrift shop called Valley Value. It used to be a Circuit City so it is huge and I always find the best stuff there. We could also go hiking in Runyon Canyon or somewhere near Griffith Park so they could see the Hollywood sign. Touristy things for a visiting out-of-town friend is always a fun pastime. For evening, I would say venturing out to see a show (musical theatre or drag) and to a fancy dinner. Parking is always tricky, so I would suggest we ride share.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am blessed to have a fabulous team of people who are rooting for my success which is so very important for my psyche. I would not be anywhere near where I am at today without these lovely individuals’ unwavering support. I have found safe spaces to openly vent and bounce off ideas for auditions and callbacks and even performances themselves. I am constantly learning and growing as an artist and (more importantly) as a human being. I owe a huge “thank you” to friends, family members, and other folks in the acting industry who have all taken a chance on me.

Website: www.courtneyshaffer.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thecourtneyshaffer

Twitter: twitter.com/thecourtshaffer

Facebook: facebook.com/thecourtneyshaffer

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBtssuSITCle-VWO2r_Nt0A

Other: IMDb.me/CourtneyShaffer

Image Credits
Headshot 2022 (C) Kobe Levi

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