Meet Marcus Wynn | Actor, Singer, Dancer & Arts Administator

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

Hi Marcus, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
There are times in my life that I really have had a strong grasp on work life balance. I took time and showing up for myself and chose to be selective about projects/ experiences that I wanted to give my energy to. As artist, I think there is this fear of missing out. The constant “what if this is my big break”, “what if this is the thing that pushes me to the next level” and we end up burning ourselves out and becoming frustrated. Once I decided I was only going to invest in projects that spoke to me, my mindset changed. It was less about throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks and more about investing in what would make me grow as an artist and protect my peace. That shift allowed my to explore the things I was passionate about. I started dancing again, I tried my hand at painting and writing. I read more books, I started investing in my physical fitness. The decision to slow down and embrace an equitable work life balance took the pressure off and really allowed me to live more freely.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an Actor but also and Arts Administrator. I grew up in a small rural town in Kentucky and I knew at 12 years old I wanted to be an performer but had no clear path as to how to get there. After graduating from the University of Louisville, I started working at Idyllwild Arts Summer Program and that is when things really changed for me. To have that concentration of artist in one place fueled my passion to never stop learning. I worked with the youngest students 5-13 and a lot of them were discovering their love of art for the first time. The joy on a student’s face when they realized they were an actor, writer, dancer, singer etc.,was so inspiring. That spark of creativity would carry me through the year until I returned.

Artist are nomads and I have lived many lives. I’ve been an assistant choreographer, the box office manager for a few Off- Broadway Theaters, guest relations at a cabaret supper club, an admission’s counselor at a boarding arts high school, I’ve Asst. Company Managed 4 Broadway Shows. My Bachelor’s of Science in Theatre has really paid off with being a jack of all trades. There have been some highs and lows but my success comes from never wanting to stop learning. I think back to those summers at Idyllwild Arts and the passion those students had and it propels me forward. Even now I continue to take class and audition while work jobs that keep me immersed in the arts.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I typically make breakfast at home but wouldn’t pass up a trip to IHop. I have listed below some of my favorite food spots in the city as well as some of the touristy things I like to do. I still miss Big Wangs in Hollywood and their 25 cent wings and I miss the old Amoeba location.

Food
El Cholo
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Cosetta
Open Air
Slurpin’ Ramon
Baja Cantina
In n Out
Barneys Beanery

Griffith Park for Hiking
Bike riding in Venice
Cruising down the PCH
Point Dune

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am blessed to have a huge village of supporters. My partner, Derek, my parents, and Courtney Latrice have always been “yes and” supporters. Additionally, I worked for Idyllwild Arts Summer Program for many years and the community of teaching artist I worked with poured into me and elevated my talent.

Instagram: malanwynn