Meet Wren Eustis | Actor & Singer

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

Hi Wren, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
I would say the most important lesson I have learned thus far is not to compare myself to others. Comparison is a dark, winding hole that is easy to get sucked into, especially if you feel like you are not as successful as others around you at that specific time. It can take you down and ultimately make you jealous and unsupportive which is never a good look. When I find myself spiraling into the comparison trap, I try to check myself. I think about how I would want others to treat me when I am feeling particularly fortunate or successful and remind myself that as long as I am doing what I can to represent and put myself out there, I am doing what I need to do. Everyone is on their own path and doing what they can to create and achieve their own goals. Taking the necessary moments to be proud of where you are, then figuring out the next steps you can take to further what you have already accomplished, while also supporting others around you is key. It’s not always easy, but it is the mindset that you need to be in if you want to last in this business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an actor and singer from Eugene, Oregon and new to the LA area! I have been singing since before I could talk. From first grade on, I was in choir/various singing groups while also doing musical theatre camps during the summer. My background with acting is mostly in theatre. I started auditioning for shows in high school and that’s where it really clicked. I would have my jazz or concert choir during zero period, then my normal school day, then a few hours of rehearsal for whatever shows or musicals that were happening that term. My days were packed full, but I was so happy to be doing what I loved. After high school, I went to Southern Oregon University where I got my BFA in acting in a 2 year intensive training program alongside my cohort of 16 people. I also was in quite a few shows during my time at SOU and continued my singing with choir, voice lessons and the university’s a cappella group. Additionally, I took a couple film acting classes where my curiosity and admiration for film and TV acting really started to kick in. Straight out of college, I was fortunate enough to work as an actor at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. We got 2 performances in before the COIVD 19 shutdown. I really struggled after that. I went from constantly performing and being busy to nothing, as did many other artists and performers. This last year was full of heartbreak, anxiety and a lot of change, both personally and globally. It was hard to tell what to do. My mental health was at an all time low and I had never felt so stagnant and stuck. I always knew that moving to LA was my plan after working at OSF, but just couldn’t tell when it would be able to happen and who it would be with since that plan in itself had changed. Now, I am SO happy to say that I am here and living with two lovely ladies. Film and TV are my focus right now so I am auditioning as much as I can and taking the steps I need to make to get started in this new place with all of these opportunities. On top of that, I am meeting as many people as I can, working at my new, fun day job, connecting with college friends who are also in the area and getting to know this incredible city.

I would say, up until a little over a year ago, everything just kind of worked itself out and there was this effortless flow. I always had a project I was working on and enjoying whatever was coming my way. This last year, that was not the case. The flow had an abrupt end and like I said, I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to get that flow back, but realized due to the hardships of the last year, I needed to make sure I was okay before I kept persevering. I took a lot of time to reflect on everything that occurred this last year, again personally and globally. I spent time back at home with family and friends, worked on my mental health and found ways to help myself through obstacles and mental blocks. I am so glad I took that time to restart. Now, I am extremely terrified to be here in LA because my base isn’t as strong and I think it may be easy to get lost in the crowd, but I am also so excited. So much happens in this city and as long as I keep working at it and taking care of myself, I think my flow can come back.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, I am still very new to the area so this is a tough one. Based off what I know so far, I would want a day in Santa Monica. Go to the beach, maybe the Pier, then end up at this very cool beach house inspired bar called The Bungalow. Maybe another day in Venice, a Saturday specifically to go to the flea market on Abbot Kinney Blvd and walk up and down that street for some shopping and food. There is also a roof top bar that overlooks the ocean a couple streets over. Another day I would want to do a hike, maybe up in Griffith Park and end the day in the Arts District in North Hollywood for food and drinks. The Federal is probably my favorite restaurant and bar there so far. Obviously Disneyland has to be thrown in the mix one of these days. That’s what I would recommend at the moment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh man, there are so many! I of course am so grateful for my family, friends, peers and teachers for everything they have taught me and and all the love they have shown. But specifically, I dedicate my shout out to my mother, Marya Slowinski. She is my rock and I am hers. We have each other’s backs and I never take that for granted.

Website: wreneustis.com

Instagram: wrennieemily

Facebook: Wren Emily Eustis

Image Credits
Quinci Freeman-Lytle Tess Peppis Jenny Graham Kim Budd