Meet Megan Haly | Actor/Writer/Director

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

Hi Megan, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work life balance is something that is constantly evolving. So much of being an actor can feel like a waiting game; waiting for that phone call or email from your agent about a job. I decided a few years ago, I would start creating my own work to regain some control over my career. I set up a production company called MESCH Productions, with a group of wonderful creatives and we now make films that have been screened at festivals all over the world. However, as much as I do love making my own work, the line between work and life has definitely become blurred. I do not have a clock that goes off at 5pm to tell me work is over for the day. I have had to develop a strict routine with myself to help introduce more balance in my life. Allowing myself rest days and not feeling guilty about it has been incredibly helpful. I now set time aside once a week to do something nice for me- whether that be going to a cafe or walking around a museum – just something where I have no other priorities. I have found that the more I explore the world around me, the new people I meet and the life experiences I acquire – the more I am learning about myself and this world, which to me is what being a creative is all about.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an actor/director/writer from a wonderful place called Cork in Ireland. I studied acting for four years at MTU Cork School of Music. I then moved to London to pursue my career, just before the pandemic hit (brilliant timing!) As the world begins to reopen, I find myself continuously building connections and establishing myself as an artist in this vast but fascinating world! It definitely has not been an easy road and there have been many challenges along the way but when it does start to get overwhelming (which it does quite often!) I have to remind myself that this path I have chosen to go down is a lifelong one and I am here for the long haul so to be easy on myself and try take it one day at a time. I am definitely the kind of person who always loves to be working on something and I wouldn’t change that for the world as it has most definitely gotten me to where I am today but sometimes it does mean I put immense pressure on myself to keep reaching, keep striving for the next thing. Most of the work I am interested in is one that explores the human condition. More specifically, what it means to be a young person growing up in the world today. There is immense pressure put on people of our generation to always be ‘the best’, to have everything ‘figured out’ and so I am curious to see what happens if we stop reaching and just be. What would happen then? I have written a play with my sister Shannon called Cortisol, that explores just this. It is a raw intimate look into the period everyone tells us will be, ‘the best years of your life’. I hope to continue to make work that encourages an audience to think outside the confines of their own life, to ask questions and be open to this world of ours that has infinite possibilities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If they were visiting my hometown in Cork, I would say the first thing to do is go for a walk through Fitzgerald Park then down the Lee Fields by the river and grab a coffee from the lovely Coffee Brothers or if in Cork City I absolutely love a coffee from Dulce Bun House. They will be spoilt for choice looking for a delicious meal in the city, a favourite of mine is a restaurant called Docklands. I would then tell them to end the day with a pint in Counihans pub in the the heart of Cork City. Another favourite thing of mine is to take a trip to Kinsale where you can eat some delicious food and have a walk on the beach.

If they were visiting London, one of my favourite things to do is take a walk down Southbank. Whether browsing through the market, watching some street performers, taking a trip into the Tate Modern Museum to be inspired by some beautiful art, or just enjoying the lovely views of the River Thames, you won’t be disappointed.

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 my shoutout to my sister, Shannon Haly. We have been creating and telling stories together for as long as I can remember and I hope that we continue to do so for years to come. Having likeminded people that have your back in this industry is so important and I feel immense gratitude that that person for me, is my sister Shannon.

Instagram: @meganhaly & @mesch.pictures

Youtube: MESCH Productions – https://youtube.com/channel/UCNuSe3w_6h9Ns2CknyT1EVA https://youtube.com/channel/UCNuSe3w_6h9Ns2CknyT1EVA

Image Credits
Kim Hardy María José Gómez