Today we’d like to introduce you to Selena Mykenzie Gordon.
Hi Selena, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
My life would not be what it is now without the arts and the ability to express myself creatively. This has been true for as long as I can remember. I was exposed to music at a very young age and the desire to perform followed soon after. My father was a model and actor for many years before I was born. It wasn’t long before he had me in front of a camera. I never looked back.
I was born and raised in the small town of Fort Smith, AR. I was active in sports and academics, and most of all performing arts. When I was 14, I auditioned for America’s Got Talent after being approached by one of their producers. I progressed to the quarter-finals round before being voted off by the public. I was disappointed, but that didn’t stop me from pursuing my dreams. All I’ve ever wanted was to be on a stage sharing my gifts.
Years later I attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and acquired my Bachelors degree in Theatre Arts. There, I performed in plays and musicals, acted in various short films, explored technical theatre and voice acting, took dancing classes, and prepared myself for life after college. I graduated a semester early in 2019. Then covid hit. What first felt like a setback, eventually turned into an opportunity to take some time to focus on myself and develop my portfolio, so that I would be ready for the future.
In 2021 I booked my first national tour with Vstar Entertainment as their lead vocalist and narrator for Cirque Dreams Holidaze, a Christmas show that traveled all over the US. I was contracted at The Studio Theatre, a local company, taking on the role of a Witch in Macbeth. I was cast in an education tour with TheatreSquared, traveling across the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri teaching the youth about US history. I acted in three films, Pandemic Love, Insanity, and Moonlight. I am currently based in Fayetteville, AR working for TheatreSquared as their Education Apprentice. Working at a professional theatre has already taught me so much and I am eager to see what I do next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not always been easy, but when is it ever? Nothing can be accomplished without hard work and persistence. A lesson I learned very early on is that not everyone wants to see you succeed and the people you surround yourself with matter. A big struggle I’m sure everyone faces is rejection. It’s unavoidable. I felt it first at the young age of 14 on AGT, but also many times after that. It can feel like the whole world is against you or you’ll never be good enough. That’s simply not the case. I had to learn how to take criticism and instead of getting down on myself, learn to apply it, so that I’m constantly growing, changing and evolving. The only person holding me back is myself. Giving up is not an option and hard work will eventually pay off. The struggle will only make me stronger.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in singing, acting and modeling. I acquired my degree in Theatre Arts in 2019 and since then have been in many touring productions and mainstage shows. I am currently employed in the education department at TheatreSquared, working with the youth, as well as adults and senior citizens. We host classes here at the theatre, visit schools to do workshops and residencies, provide professional development and corporate training, plan educational events and activities, as well as matinee performances to give schools easier access to the arts. We strive to use theatre as a tool for learning with the hope that it will impact and transform lives and communities. Outside of T2, I model for brands such as Sam’s Club, Walmart, Dingo, etc., and have been cast in commercials through my modeling agency, Sculp. I am a singer-songwriter and am in the process of developing and recording my own music. I am also involved in film acting, as well as voice acting. I pride myself on being able to pursue all aspects of performing arts and impact the community by sharing my love and passion with others.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The performance industry had a real setback with covid. The safety of everyone came first and therefore a lot of companies had to put pause on productions. It was touch and go for a long time and there was a lot of uncertainty. Through it all, however, our love for the craft grew, as well as our appreciation and gratitude for the arts, having been without it for so long. Now things are up and moving again. Theatre’s have reopened, filming has continued and there’s a feeling of rebirth and regrowth that I feel will propel us forward for years to come. People love the arts, people need the arts. Over the next 5-10 years, my hope is that it will only expand and continue to reach a larger audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.selenamgordon.com
- Instagram: my.kenzieee
- Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/selenamgordon
Image Credits
Jason Burt
Sarah Oden
Kathrine Kuo
