Meet Kayla Raelle | Actor, Writer, Magic Maker

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

Hi Kayla, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Ah, the complexity of risk taking. Being that risks can bring either great adventure or great endangerment, I find myself more often than not boiling them down to one thing: intuition. How’s my intuition reacting to the idea? Crumby? Let’s unpack that. At peace? Let’s investigate why. Once I take the time to sit with these feelings and discover whether or not fear or love is the thing either holding me back or catapulting me forward, I choose love as often as I can.

This isn’t always as easy as it sounds, of course. As a young person first starting out in the industry, I found myself surrounded by individuals who, despite what may have been good intentions, gave advice in absolutes. This, in turn, made the idea of taking certain risks synonymous with giving up. “Don’t move to LA, you’ll fall flat on your face.” Or, “You must have a, b, and c in order to make any progress.” While there may be granules of wisdom mined from sentiments of this nature, if I had followed them, I wouldn’t be where I am today: in LA surrounded by a beautiful community of artists, consistently creating, and undoubtedly making progress. Learning to trust my gut first has helped me to see risk taking and accepting the guidance of others in a new, liberated light.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up, I was the shyest of kids. Everything changed at the age of 10 when I was cast in a production of Peter Pan. I was a Lost Boy and got to run around and burp on stage without a care in the world. Haha what a dream! From then on my passion for acting could not be tamed. It led me to The Theatre School at DePaul University’s BFA Acting program in Chicago. It was there where I developed a desire to create art that challenges and inspires through the magic of human connection.

Keeping connection at the forefront has shed light on the fact that the only true “competition” on this path is with oneself. Society constantly attempts to make actors think otherwise. The truth is, there is such power in uplifting one another. The more we do it, the better we feel. The better we feel, the brighter we shine. I’m proud to say that finding/fostering communities of genuine care, collaboration, and celebration has been a major focus and success of mine; one that helps me navigate the ups and downs of this career path, because as we all know, it’s no joke. Between day jobs, auditions, classes, bookings, and social obligations, finding time to relax, or erm…breathe, isn’t always a breeze. I try to think about balance like the ocean waves: enjoy the calm waters when I have them, ride the surf when it’s here, and ask for help if I’m going under! I share that with the hope that someone out there reads it and feels less alone. We got this, fam!

I’d say the most vital lesson I’m learning along the way is to stop waiting and start creating. Tomorrow’s not guaranteed, so why not take today by the reins?Since 2020, I have produced and acted in a series of independent films with my buddies, all ranging in scale and all rewarding in unique ways. By owning my artistry, my life continues to transform greatly. Looking at success from all angles and celebrating the big bookings (i.e. my recent lead in a Lifetime movie/national commercial with Jane Lynch, etc.) alongside my made from scratch projects keeps me feeling motivated, confident, and fulfilled. It reminds me of why I’m doing this in the first place; because I love it. Simply, purely, wholly.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Hey hey, welcome to my LA favs. Lots of fun valley eats, city views, and beach bumming! Let’s go to:

-Portos Bakery
-Point Dume State Beach
-Moon Shadows in Malibu for dinner w/a view
-Verse in Toluca Lake for an incredible meal, cocktails, and bomb live music (hidden gem)
-Griffith Observatory
-The Getty
-The Grove
-Universal Studios
-The Comedy Store for a laugh
-Runyon or Fryman Canyon
-Laurel Tavern for a lively patio
-Hollywood Bowl picnic/concert
-Candlelight Concerts for a unique orchestral experience
-Salt & Straw (like every day)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am the luckiest to have the most supportive parents, family (blood and chosen), and coaches who have always encouraged me to stick with it and to stay true. The Universe has also guided me to the greatest scene partner and life partner one could know: my dear husband. My gratitude is endless for you all!

Website: https://kaylaraelleholder.com

Instagram: https://kayla.raelle

Other: https://www.imdb.me/kaylaraelle

Image Credits
Stephanie Girard
Sebastian Thiel
Andrew Gandy