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

Hi Jacob, how do you think about risk?
I have two experiences that really shaped me, and led me to this moment time. Many years ago when I was still working professionally as a dancer, I made the decision to leave a performance contract that wasn’t the right fit for me. First, risky because I was leaving a steady paycheck. Second, in my experience, ensemble dancers don’t usually stand up for themselves. We stand where we’re told, and do the choreography that we’re taught, all with a smile. This decision ended a path for me that I thought would be my entire career, but at the same time opened up a path, and a mindset, and a voice that I never envisioned having.

Three and a half years ago I made the decision to move from NYC to LA. I knew very few people here, and had even fewer industry connections. I basically had to start my acting career over from scratch. But I think if I hadn’t taken that risk I might not being pursuing my artistic passion anymore. Having the opportunity to start over gave me a clean slate. The insecurities I had as an artist, the fears I had about succeeding, I didn’t have to choose those anymore. I could introduce myself however I wanted, and build off of that new beginning. Starting over allowed me to choose why I want to be an artist and a creator. Not just because “it’s what I’ve always done”, but why this? Why now? What do I bring to the table? What voice can I share? What makes me tick? 
Both of these life changing moments led me to meeting new people, having new experiences, and growing in ways I never could have imagined. So, how do I think about risk? I’ve learned to trust my instinct and take the risk, even when it’s scary.

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 and writer. The writer half started because I’m not patient enough to wait around for auditions to come my way! So I started creating material for myself. My first script was a (wine induced) short scene about an ex, I grabbed a few friends to help bring it to life, and quickly realized how amazing it was to take creative control over my career. As an actor you’re often waiting for someone to give you an opportunity. Once I stepped into writing and producing my own content, I had the ability to create whenever I wanted to, and that has been the most freeing and exciting journey these past few years.

My proudest moment so far as been creating my short film “Fall to Fame”. It’s an original story that I wrote and star in, opposite three other amazing actors. It was an incredible process and a huge learning curve to bring this film to life. It’s my baby and I’m so proud of it.

“Fall to Fame” will begin streaming on Dekkoo, a fully LGBTQIA+ streaming platform, on April 21st!

One of my other favorite projects was actually creating during the pandemic. My friend Julie Phillips and I created 22 episodes of a web series through zoom. (I don’t want to say we were the first….but our first episode dropped on 3/31/2020….so we might have been the first?!…) Julie and I found a way to keep creating during the pandemic, made some people laugh, and we’re able to bring on friends to celebrate the accomplishments they were still achieving while the world was shut down. Being able to adapt and stay creative made this past year a little less bleak. @searchingforjoshbrolin on Instagram!

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?
Oh my gosh watch me freak out this is my favorite topic! Welcome to the west side! I live in Santa Monica and it is literally my favorite neighborhood in LA. Main street has some of the best restaurants and bars, and right now everything is outdoors and amazing. Manchego for Spanish tapas and wine. Shoop’s deli for sandwiches during the day. Every restaurant on Rose avenue is Venice! Wallflower is THE hidden gem of the city. And of course Rose Cafe for breakfast! In between all of our eating we’d do some bike riding down the beach, I love riding from Santa Monica to Hermosa Beach and back. Strolling and shopping on Abbot Kinney is always a must. Definitely some beach time, volley ball at Will Rodgers and hanging in Ocean Park. It’s LA so we’d have to do Griffith Park for some hiking. Dancing in WeHo (once that’s allowed again). Outside of dining in SM, I’d plan us meals at Tesse in West Hollywood and Meals by Genet in Little Ethiopia!

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?
There are too many amazing people to name to answer this question! I will start by saying I am fully a product of community. I didn’t get here alone, I don’t create alone, and can’t do it all by myself. I am so fortunate to have had so many people in my life who have pushed me, directed me, and supported me. To name a few… First, my family. I am so grateful that I have an incredibly supportive family. I would not be where I am today, nor would I have accomplished anything without them, and their love and guidance. Second, my artistic family. My teachers, friends, collaborators, scene partners, my support system. I could not do life without them, I would not want to do life without them. These are the people who push me, inspire me, and make me want to be better every single day.

Website: www.jacobseidman.com

Instagram: @jhseidman

Twitter: @SeidmanJacob

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJu7ZHEoR7DLAEvuJDnXrkQ

Image Credits
Headshot David Chan Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.