Meet Kara Duncan | Actress & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Kara, how do you think about risk?
Without risks there will never be any rewards. My motto is no risk no story. The best advice someone has given to me about acting is a quote by Winston Churchill: “Success consist of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm”. I have also been told as a child to color outside of the box and let your imagination take flight, because whatever you believe you can achieve. With acting you are told a lot of No’s. But it takes just that one YES to propel you further in your career. So to stay the course, keep training and stay dedicated to the craft. I remember taking a Megabus for 12 hours from Toronto to NYC just to audition for a Broadway show and then return home that same day. I did this because I had a goal in mind: book a Broadway musical! After several bus rides and support from my loving family, I finally decided to pack my bags and move to NYC. Not knowing anyone, I knew it was a risk and it would of been a difficult journey. But I knew in order to get the most opportunity I would have to live in the city. I lived out in Staten Island and commuted daily to auditions for musicals. I would take the train, ferry and then the train again into the city. Since I was non union at the time I had to be one of the first ones there in order to be seen. That means, I had to leave my house at 5am. I was persistent until I booked my first tour of West Side Story. It was the international production that toured all over Europe. Once the production completed, I knew my next stop was Los Angeles. So I flew to LA for the first time, booked myself a hotel to see if I wanted to make the move. Again not knowing anyone, I knew this would be like starting over in a new city. But I fell in love with Los Angeles, and knew I could do it. Like the song says about NYC “if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere”. So, I took a risk, moved all my stuff from storage in NYC and moved to Los Angeles and haven’t left since. I am grateful to be a working actress in Los Angeles and have met many amazing colleagues, directors, producers and friends along the way. Without all these risks I took, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Yes, the unknown could be scary, but once you overcome what scares you, true magic lives on the other side.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a originally from Toronto, Canada. I have been acting since 8-years-old. I grew up with an amazing support system: mom, dad, sister and brother. I actually started dancing competitively at age four after watching my sister at the dance studio. I trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, Hip-Hop and Acrobatics. I was also into Musical Theatre. I always had a knack for theatrics and had good comedic timing. Because of this, my parents put me in the Musical Theatre program at my dance studio when I was 8-years-old. I soon became known for my stage presence. At 10-years old, I got signed with an agent that saw me performing. I did commercials and guest-starred in TV sitcoms all while still dancing competitively throughout high school. Between acting, dancing and singing, Let’s just say my social life was close to non-existent. But my passion for performing never felt like work and always felt rewarding. In high school I started to branch into TV and Film. I moved to NYC after I graduated from University and shortly after went onto tour with West Side Story the International production. After tour I moved out to LA to continue to work in TV and Film where I live with my adorable puppy Sir Louie. Recently, I recurred on the comedy show “Pivoting” on FOX and later this year you can catch me on Apple TV/Amazon as a recurring on a new Vampire show called Ezra. I had to learn that life is not a race but a journey. To be in the moment and to trust the process and the timing of everything that life will unfold. I feel like we as humans set such a high expectation for ourselves where we expect our careers and/or life to be a certain way at a specific time or age. However, that is not realistic. While we are focusing on where we “think” we should be, we are missing out on where we currently are. And relishing in all the progress, we have made thus far. We are not being in the moment but rather focused on the thought of what we perceive to be a “failure” if you have not reached your goal YET. I say yet because it will always happen with perseverance, hard work, passion and dedication. We just have to trust the timing. So while you’re aiming for whatever goals and ambition you have set, remember to enjoy the in between moments because that’s where the magic happens. Stay in the present, stay humble and stay grounded. You can learn more about me on my website: karaduncan.com or see all my projects on IMDB. Also follow me on IG to see what I am up too! @karaanneduncan

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love going to Malibu beach. For me that is my down time to reset and recharge. There are some great shops and restaurants there too after you’re done sunbathing! My favorite restaurant there is Havana! They have amazing drinks and great food. I also really enjoy Disneyland. Call me a kid at heart but it truly is the happiest place in the world!

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 like to dedicate this shoutout to my amazing family. Stephanie (my mom), Nathan (my dad), Leanna (my sister), Jordan (my brother). Angela (my best friend). Without the love and support they have given me throughout the years, I wouldn’t be where I am today!

Website: www.karaduncan.com

Instagram: @karaanneduncan

Twitter: @karaanneduncan

Facebook: KaraADuncan