Meet Taren Young

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taren Young.

Taren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up in Aubrey, TX, was interesting; partly because I wasn’t really sure where I fit in just yet, and also because even as a kid, I knew I had an interest in girls. Back then, Aubrey was a small country town where everyone knew everyone and their grandma. There was a little back and forth between there and Denton, but I’ve been living in the same house since I was a toddler.

I was a weird kid growing up. As an only child, I had a lot of time to myself so my imagination was pretty wild. I would pretend that I was a part of some fantasy story so the way I acted around other kids probably wasn’t considered “normal”, which explained why I was bullied a fair bit. I also hung out with the boys more than the girls because I never really related to them as much. In general, though, I had a problem with knowing how to act around others; knowing what was proper and what wasn’t,

Growing up, I was only into sports; I never considered anything else an option. I had seen the plays at my school and had always been amazed by actors and actresses in my favorite shows, but it never once crossed my mind as a kid that I might like to seriously pursue that. And I did just about every sport that was open to me; basketball, volleyball, track, and, my favorite, cross-country. It wasn’t until a couple of years after getting my Associate’s degree that I really put thought into what I could do outside of school.

In the summer of 2018, I was at my all-time low, struggling with depression. I didn’t know how to cope with it because none of my usual methods worked anymore. It took me a bit but I figured out that a big chunk of it was coming from my lack of self-worth. I hated my job and I had nothing outside of it. I wasn’t doing anything that interested me or gave me some kind of goal.

I remember the exact moment when I finally figured everything out. I was hanging out in my room, browsing YouTube videos (specifically Game of Thrones interviews). I was watching the 60 Second Challenge featuring Richard Madden, Kit Harington, and Natalie Dormer. It was Natalie’s turn and the question was “If you could steal someone else’s career, who would it be and why?” She had answered so fast and in a matter-of-fact type of way, like it was obvious. She answered, “Never steal anyone else’s career. Want your own. Everything for a reason.” And it was like… Yes! Of course! I had spent so long watching other people be successful and being jealous over it instead of taking steps to further my own career. I was just waiting for something good to happen to me, and I was at the point where I just couldn’t take it anymore. I hated what I was doing with my life. So, I finally took those steps.

So, I started researching things I might be interested in, one of those things being acting. I found Michele Condrey’s acting studio, R.E.A.C.T in Dallas, TX. From my first time in class auditing, I knew instantly that this was where I needed to be. Even if nothing came out of it I knew it would be great for my social skills and confidence. I’ve been there since September of 2018 and even when it’s been difficult, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve been constantly challenging myself these days, including adding CrossFit into my schedule now. It’s been very good, both for my depression and my self-worth.

All-in-all, I like to think I’ve come a long way from the wallflower I used to be. I’m still a little shy, but I’ve never felt more confident in myself than I do today.

Has it been a smooth road?
I certainly did not walk the yellow brick road. Not that I had a horrible childhood or anything along those lines, but I’ve been through my fair share of struggles.

A lot of the challenges that I faced/still face are internal; depression, self-worth, confidence, etc. I was very socially awkward in my childhood and scared of new things.

I was in an unhealthy relationship for three years, from high school to two years into college. There was a lot of emotional abuse and some physical. I wasn’t allowed to see or talk to my friends or even my family. The isolation was crippling and I think that put a huge dent in my social abilities.

But eventually, I got out and re-connected with my loved ones again and at the end of the day, that’s far more than I could ever ask for.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
After receiving my Associate’s, I decided to go down a different path, I put all my time and energy into bettering myself both physically and mentally. I’m constantly working on my acting skills, learning the Meisner Method with the help of Michelle Sherill, and making sure I’m hitting the gym and eating healthy.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Within five years, I’d like to have an agent representing me and helping me find auditions. I should be settled in New York by then. That, in itself, will be challenging in many ways, including more competition with other actors, but I’m very excited about all the new opportunities.

In ten years, I want to have some major television credits on my resume. I’ve always dreamed of being on popular, long-lasting shows such as The Walking Dead or Game of Thrones. Something gritty and intense. One can dream!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itstareny
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TarenYoungOfficial
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/itstareny

Image Credit:
Dathan Joshua, Jeremiah Brannan, Daniel Orr

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