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

Hi Cara, what makes you happy? Why?
“I have the choice of being constantly active and happy or introspectively passive and sad. Or I can go mad by ricocheting in between.” ― Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath

The pursuit of happiness is a challenging concept for many artists. We feel deeply, we think intently, and we love with all our hearts. We dream big, with grand ideas of success, despite having, at times, so little hope in achieving that which we set out to. There are sacrifices to be made, and endless hours of unseen, thankless efforts. As our industry sits at the cusp of a new frontier, creatives across the country feel more pressure than ever to commodify our art, yet we are willing to stop at nothing to continue to do what we love.

Acting is my calling, and my love for acting brings me more joy than any other endeavor I’ve found in this life. That happiness, though ephemeral, is more valuable than gold. I am happy when I’m on stage, nothing to see but the glare of the spotlight shining down on me, as my heart wrenches with emotional catharsis for my character. I am happy when laughing with co-actors on set, bonding, connecting, and collaborating to make art more powerful than anything any of us could have created alone. I am happy learning a new lesson, achieving another small success, or taking another step in the direction of my goals. Happiness is remembering to revel in these moments that elevate me, mind, body, and soul.

To use storytelling to impact another person’s heart is an honor. To truly become someone else, temporarily and with no real-life consequences, is a privilege. To experience an entire range of emotions through someone else’s eyes is, to me, simply magic. Indeed, indulging my empathy and imagination to the fullest possible extent allows me to fully experience what it means to be human. And that makes me, as an actor, very happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started acting at age 4 and haven’t stopped since! I grew up doing stage work, performing in about 3 shows a year every year until college. I was fortunate to be accepted into the fabulous New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) School of Theatre in 2010, where I came to fully understand the depth of my passion and dedication to quality storytelling. I also grew as an artist during the summer of 2014, when I worked as a Washer Wench in the Sterling Renaissance Festival, performing in-character comedic improv for 12-hour days. Shortly thereafter, I moved to finish university in London, England, where I found my first professional representation and began to delve further into film, television, and commercial work. After two years, I made my way to Los Angeles, and I am now bicoastal between LA and NY.

Pursuing acting has always been my dream, so I am grateful for the many opportunities I’ve had to play unique, compelling, and dynamic characters throughout my journey. In recent years, I’ve discovered I also enjoy several other aspects of filmmaking, including directing, casting, production design, and costume design. My co-producer and I are currently in the final stages of post-production on our feminist, post-apocalyptic proof of concept, “Broken Sky”. I find it fulfilling and empowering to play a larger role in realizing the creative vision. I continue to look forward to learning more, doing more, and creating more, and I am always excited for new friends, collaborators, and opportunities!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Which city? As a bicoastal actress, I have a sincere affinity for both LA and NY… and as an avid traveler, I have recommendations for both! I adore finding hidden gems and niche opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

In the Big Apple, you just can’t go wrong with the Drama Book Shop. Any performer knows it’s the best place to buy that talked-about new play from the hottest up-and-coming playwright that your actor friend told you about.
I’m also a big fan of Abracadabra, the giant Halloween, costume, & magic shop recently featured in the horror film Terrifier 2. I’ve been going to this store since I was a kid, when I was still terrified of every animatronic. Now, I eat scary movies for breakfast!
Finally, you can’t miss Sleep No More, an incredible movement-based adaptation of Macbeth. Set in a 7-story warehouse with the most incredible production design, this show encourages you to wander ghost-like through an old hotel, an asylum, a cemetery, and much, much more. Follow the actors from one room to the next, or choose your own adventure. Just don’t be surprised at the wonders you find around every corner!

In the City of Angels, you might be harder pressed to indulge your spooky side. The Golden Coast is perhaps known more for its boujee yet laid-back attitude, presenting endlessly trendy opportunities. But in my opinion, no brunch spot captures the vibe quite as well as The Front Yard in Studio City. Get the homemade pop tarts and a mimosa, lounge in the sunshine on their beautiful patio, and just bliss out. Alternatively, pop to the nearby Aroma Coffee for a work meeting or some celeb-spotting.
Next, add a little whimsy to your day at the Museum of Jurassic Technology. Contrary to the implications of its title, this museum features neither dinosaurs nor iPhones. Instead, it exhibits a strange amalgam of oddities, both real and fake. Like an artsy Believe-It-Or-Not, this space both fascinates and unsettles the viewer, provoking questions about the nature of reality and of the self. Take it all in, then contemplate existence at their rooftop tea room and garden.
If you’re lucky enough to be in town on a Sunday, the early morning Dollar Sale at Jet Rag is the place to make all your vintage shopping dreams come true. Or, if you have more expensive tastes, spend the afternoon on Balboa Island, just a short ferry ride off the coast of Newport Beach. You’ll find boutiques filled with pretty, shiny things, to make you feel pretty and shiny inside and out.
End the day in a bamboo jungle, nestled cozily in a tropical treehouse. Bacari Silverlake is truly an oasis: paradise in paradise. This tapas-style restaurant will leave you with mouth-watering memories and a starry-eyed perspective. Twinkling lights and a final glass of bubbly will sweep you off your feet like you’re the star of La La Land. Because, in a way, we all are.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Not to spoil my future Oscars acceptance speech, but there are a few people I’d like to thank…
My family, for supporting my dreams all along the way, and in every way they can.
Mr. G, my high school drama teacher, who taught me how to be a professional and take the craft seriously.
My agency, the Brogan Agency, for supporting my growth and keeping the hustle alive.
And my cat, who has traveled with me from London to LA to NY and back again, as the best leash-trained travel companion a girl could ask for!

Website: CaraFayActress.com

Instagram: @CaraFayActress

Facebook: Cara Fay – Actress

Youtube: @CaraFayActress

Image Credits
See the images’ file names for photo descriptions and names of any other people in the shot

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