Meet Callie Haun | Actor

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

Hi Callie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

Yes! Balance in all parts of my life began to change once I started asking myself, “Is this getting me closer to what I want?” I ask this question daily and it helps me get out of my own way. I find it to be a helpful check in for how I prioritize where/with whom I invest my time and energy. I regard balance the same way I view boundaries; essential. When I first moved to Los Angeles after college I’d enthusiastically say, “Yes” to every event and project. Abashedly, I would also say “Yes” to every social invitation. The burn out feeling of sleepless nights and full workdays didn’t last long (thankfully). Whenever my mind tries to distract me from goals, I ask myself my question of ‘balance’ to become focused. Also, a trick in focusing that I use is to mentally place myself in the feeling of eye burning/body aches that used to result from sleepless nights followed by twelve+ hour workdays. This reminder helps me to not self sabotage or become a depleted pile of mush. My devotion to professionalism in my craft has happily been at my core’s epicenter for several years. As my strategies have evolved my humility seems to mirrors as well.

I try to remain humble in my approach to life. I take my work seriously, while I laugh at myself and my quirks often. I’m a believer that weird is wonderful. Whatever I’m creating and whoever I’m giving my time and energy to (professionally and personally) I want my approach to be just as it is to acting; to come from a truthful and authentic place. I try to foster relationships with people who have a similar love of life, consciousness and hunger for telling stories that need to be told. I find if I’m feeling “off” it’s because I’m neglecting one of the three pillars I live by: physical health, emotional health, and mental health. These parameter’s help me to be mindful of how I share space with others creatively and energetically. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’m a storyteller-acting is my bread and butter. I joined SAG mid, 2019. The last equity play I was in ended mid 2019. Telling stories on screen, stage, through my writing (and pre Covid in poetry slams) are the brightest hues that shine in my life. Auditioning shifted from in person to primarily self tapes since the shutdown. Since the pandemic there’ve been ebbs and flows in acting work available. I created a business in the beginning of 2021. It’s a day camp where I teach creative writing, acting, and sensitivity classes to kids and teens. The idea for camp originated after spending time with my best friend (Grandma Vernie) and volunteering with kids. Seeing both age groups (senior citizens and kids) isolated more than my peers or folks hyper connected to technology, living independently or in relationships I knew I needed to try and connect people and thought no better way than from storytelling. A fire ignited in me to build bridges in my community between the two groups and it’s been serendipity during much darkness. I’ve planned for guest artists to attend and read to kiddos, co-teach workshops with me and organically relationships of differing perspectives and different ages have blossomed beautifully. Last week I visited New York for a writing job and a film project (TBA). This trip profoundly inspired me and was a helpful re-set button as an artist. I encourage all to get outside their normal routines any chance they’ can (whether it’s a hike, barefoot walk-through grass, or taking a leap out of one’s city/state/country). 

I was raised by parents who are full feeling radical individual’s. Both have alternative lifestyles and creative jobs. I began acting in college and when imposture syndrome as a Theatre major (and Lit. double major) first hit hard I’d attempt to emulate my parents/their quirks as my foundation for creating dimensional characters. My Dad was the first person to share his passion of films with me. He’d put a movie on and say, “Cover your eyes…” once the opening credits rolled and the white lights bounced gleefully through my clasped hands he’d say, “now!” I’d instantly be transported to the minds of film makers like: Jean-Luc Godard, Claude Lelouch, Jean Renoir, Federico Fellini, Vittorio De Sica, and others. Watching humans in lives so different from my own and interacting unapologetically honesty and standing strong in their convictions are why I fell in love with movies. Everyone has a past and universally everyone wants love. How they go about it varies and the human condition continues to entice me. My admiration for foreign, classic Hollywood, Independent, and silent films is what sets me apart from most of my peers. Although, I believe there’s a place for every genre in art even though I’m personally drawn to escaping to lands where real people tell stories of honest, messy, personal, and authentic human experiences.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to not have plans. I set daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals but I got rid of the idea of “Where I need to be by…” instead I adopted balance and mindfulness in celebrating every size win equally. I’m grateful to be able to live in my favorite part of Los Angeles and do so independently of anyone’s help. I’m deeply thankful for my family and friends support and encouragement. To live and act in LA doesn’t feel like work, it’s like the richest dark chocolate ice cream I could always inhale more of. I take my craft seriously and draw inspiration from all cracks of life’s picture. Above all I would like people to know that I have integrity. I believe my positive outlook and how I treat others are the core of who I am.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love tacos! My favorite taco shops include: Guisados, Tacos Tu Madre, Tamales Alberto 2 and Playita Mariscos. My favorite restaurant in LA is, Figaro Bistrot. I love to start the day early either encouraging morning hikes above Griffith Observatory or walks around the Silverlake reservoir and Echo Park Lake. I also enjoy roof yoga or beach yoga with friends. I LOVE beach days surfing or basking in serenely sweet rays at Malibu or translucent blues at Laguna Beach. One of my favorite hidden gems that has expansive gardens, art and a picnic pleasing setting is in San Marino; The Huntington Library and Gardens. I prefer smaller intimate live Theater like Black Box theaters (however, all live theatre is precious and should be supported).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this Shoutout LA piece to my parents and grandparents. Their support and love means everything to me. I would also like to give thanks to; Hope Raymond, Joesph Soares, Tony Eng, Rafi Mauro, Miriam Birch, Steph Sullivan, Nick Stavrides, Grace Ritchey, Sarah Hail, Guillaume Serina, Chauncey K. Robinson and Ariel Irula. Also, the incredibly talented photographer for this shoot, Avery Wheless. There’s many I’ve not included *here* however my gratitude knows no bounds and I will continue to thank in person to all who’ve generously assisted in my journey of life + career. Thank you Shoutout LA for this opportunity and your time to share a little about myself and my love for the craft of, acting.

Website: https://www.calliehaun.com/

Instagram: @calliehaun

Facebook: Callie Haun

Image Credits
Avery Wheless (she’s incredible, so talented and the easiest photographer I’ve EVER worked with)!