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

Hi Rachel, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I think in the acting and comedy world, it could be a very seductive thing to give up when you’re not experiencing the level of wins in your career you’d like to see. There isn’t an exact blueprint of how to have a successful comedy and acting career, so it’s easy to doubt yourself if you’re comparing yourself to others’ timelines or success (which I’m guilty of doing). Sometimes it’s hard to remember you’re playing the long game and things don’t happen overnight. I’ve had to do my best to stay unattached to things looking a certain way so I can stay open to new things happening. It’s also good to celebrate the little wins, like having a great improv or stand up show. In some ways, giving up doesn’t feel like an option. Performing and wanting to uplift others through humor is just a part of who I am and something that makes me happy. To help me know whether or not to keep going I always check in with my ‘higher Self’. She knows what’s best for me and I know I’m listening to her when my soul feels at peace. Right now she’s saying “keep going.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I love the idea that novelist Norman Mailer calls “rotating your crops”. The idea that each different project you do, even though it’s within your craft, pushes you in a new direction . I’ve been able to apply it over the years exploring stand up, acting, directing, screenwriting, improv comedy, producing, and filmmaking. It’s a chance to feel that excitement and challenge with each new project I take on while also building skills that support one another.

The pandemic led me to put down stand up comedy for a bit and explore screenwriting and filmmaking. This led me to one of my favorite projects, Rachel Rama; a 26 minute comedy pilot that I co-wrote, produced and acted in based on many of the stories from my life and stand up. We’ve been able to screen the pilot at a couple film festivals already and even won an award!

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?

I love sharing a bit of relaxation, great food, fun and nature with visitors. For activities, I would take them to the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena, a nice soak & Korean spa experience at WiSpa in Korea Town and a modern tea ceremony at Steep LA in Chinatown. I love a good comedy show at Dynasty Typewriter or an improv show at the Groundlings.

If they want the ‘LA new age’ experience, I would take them to Ecstatic Dance on the ocean at Venice beach (a silent disco dance party!)

LA has some of the best vegan food so I’d take them to Au Lac in DTLA for their vegan octopus, Burgerlords for the best vegan burger in town, and Pura Vita for their incredible vegan Italian food and black magic lasagna. Oh! And let’s not forget Shmorgeburg LA and Grand Central market for an eclectic tasting experience of all LA. I would probably cap off an evening or two with some fancy cocktails at the Semi Tropic in Echo Park or Genever.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A huge shoutout goes to my creative partner, friend and the director of our comedy pilot Michael-David Ker. I met Michael in a comedy/storytelling class when I was just starting to find my footing with stand up comedy. He was such an enthusiastic supporter and fan of my work from the get go. I knew he was a talented storyteller, but I didn’t quite realize the scope of his career until he proposed we write and produce a pilot together. It was then that I realized he was also a talented screenwriter and director too. I don’t know if he realizes this, but during the pilot writing and producing process, he became my mentor. He was so supportive and patient, walking me through the screenwriting and filmmaking process every step of the way. I am forever grateful.

Instagram: @rachelbennish

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mih-1NX19ZY&t=17s

Image Credits
Lex Gallegos, Chef Ito, Liv Farris, Chris Evan

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