Meet Faith Stalzer | Performer and Actor

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

Hi Faith, how do you define success?
I define success by being able to do what I love with the people I love. I do not take for granted that I am in a position to inspire those around me as well as be inspired. I love that I get the opportunity to put a smile on people’s faces and can sometimes even brighten their day. I also love the community you can build through performing. All the people I have met through theatre I have kept in touch with in some way. Additionally, I love that I get to learn new things about the entertainment industry that interest and motivate me. I am learning every day and continue to do so as I perform with new people and in new places. As long as I am in a position where I can learn, perform and inspire, I am happy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Since the age of four, I was always singing and dancing. I would put shows together in my living room and sing with my sister. At nine, I decided I wanted to perform on stage, so I auditioned for my elementary school’s musical. I was cast as Cinderella in Happily Ever After and I had the time of my life. I remember feeling like I never wanted the show to end, and I wanted to stay on stage forever. After my first show, I decided to train and take performing more seriously.

I started auditioning around my hometown in Texas. I was enrolled in dance classes, started voice lessons, and joined my local theatre’s acting classes. Theatre was a way for me to express myself since I was an extremely shy kid who wouldn’t talk much. I found performing was my way to come out of my shell. I quickly fell in love with the art of performing and the community that surrounded it. I was known to other theatres I auditioned at as “the little girl with the big voice” since I had a strong belt and was fairly small. As I grew up, I started to perform professionally for my local theme park and professional theatres.

Growing up, I always had other interests in the many things the entertainment world had to offer. I was directing my stuffed animals in my bedroom, constantly making up dances, and singing to songs I had made up. As I grew older, I was getting involved creatively in high school productions when it was offered. I became interested in teaching classes and choreographing student productions. I also had the opportunity to be an acting coach and direct students in a middle school production. During that time, I discovered that I wanted to do so much more than just perform.

After high school, I moved to LA to pursue a degree in Music Industry Studies and a minor in Dance at CalState Northridge. I knew this would allow me to go more in-depth as a vocal performer and learn the business side of entertainment. This was a strong degree choice, but I knew it would not help me develop the skills I needed to be the performer I wanted to be. Regardless, I knew LA had all the avenues available whether through extra classes, work experience, or industry professionals I met along the way. I performed in theatres around the LA area, worked as a background extra, and took workshops and private acting, auditioning, and voice lessons. I also consistently took dance classes at the wide array of commercial dance studios in the area. I received professional training in hip hop, jazz, jazz funk, contemporary, and ballet. I never want to stop growing and I am always intrigued by the opportunities I have around me in LA.

Throughout my experience in LA, I entertained a lot of interests aside from performing and acting. I dived into learning how to be a talent agent by interning at a talent agency, fell in love with choreographing, and grew interested in making music. I started to spend time on these skills and I have found they have served me tremendously. For instance, I now know how to make casting agents’ lives easier and how to best present myself as an artist, considering I am now an actor who used to work at a talent agency. All the skills I have learned have helped me throughout my career.

I am incredibly proud I took this four-year journey, moved 1200 miles from home, and made long-lasting connections with amazing professionals, fellow students, and professors. I am also proud I managed to graduate college with honors and acceptance into the national honor society Phi Kappa Phi while pursuing performing and other interests.

The biggest lesson I have learned is that it is best to diversify yourself in your skills and your interests. If you are interested in multiple facets of the industry, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. It’s a people business and people want to help when they can. I’ve learned that many amazing professionals want to share their knowledge and are happy to guide you throughout your journey. Along with asking questions, don’t be afraid to entertain your other interests. I am very happy with all I have experienced in LA, and that I continue to grow as a person and artist. Be true to yourself and you will go in the direction you want to go. The skills you learn throughout your journey will only do wonders for you and your future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Without a doubt, I would first mention the improv and comedy shows. They truly are a good time and a great way to spend time with friends. I would suggest the Laugh Factory, The Largo (Ben Schwartz and Friends is the best!), and the Groundlings. They are a great time and will for sure make you laugh.

I then would want to attend a dance class or two. There are so many amazing studios to take from in LA. I love the variety. I would take my friend to a really fun class and just have a good time. Off the top of my head, I would take my friend to a Dexter Carr class at Playground since his choreo never fails to make you feel good.

Next, I would take my friend to H2O in Northridge for sushi. It is always so good and fresh! A definite must if my friend likes sushi.

Finally, I would walk my friend down Melrose in Hollywood. It is so much fun and there are so many cool shops to stop by. There are lots of great places to eat and hang out.

These are just some of the places I would go. But truly, the world is your oyster in LA.

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 would love to first off shout out Anjin Prasad. He nominated me for this article and I am very happy he did. He has such a bright future and I can’t wait to see what lies for him down the road.

I would like to thank my parents who have supported me throughout my career and continue to support me as I reach my dreams. I would not be where I am without them. I am truly grateful for them.

I’d also like to shout out my sister, Felicia Stalzer. She has been there for me throughout my journey no matter what and continues to support me. She is an actor in LA now and I’m excited to hear about all the experiences she gets to have.

I’d like to shout out my voice teacher, Michael Scott Harris. He has been an advocator for me even when I wasn’t for myself. He has taught me how to be my own artist and lead my career with grace. I am forever thankful for him and his encouragement. He is the best!

I also would like to shout out a group of people who have helped me along the way. My roommates who listen to me sing all the time, my friends in LA who make my time in LA memorable, the many dance teachers I take classes from, and my cast at the theme park I am currently working at who are the best and are like a family to me. These people have really helped me grow into the person I am and continue to inspire me every day. I would not be where I am without them.

Website: faithstalzer.com

Instagram: faith_aileen

Linkedin: Faith Stalzer

Image Credits
Headshot- Jeremy David Photography Pink Dress Show Pics- Francis Okeefe Photography Blue dress- Clery Lo’Mon Moss Photography