Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Kidd.
Hi Carla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From the time I was in High School there were two professions that I knew I wanted to do – acting and to be a therapist – so in college I got a double major in Theatre and Psychology. Upon graduation, I was hired by a national touring company, Repertory Theatre of America, and spent two years seeing the amazing beauty of America as we performed shows in 46 states. I also had the opportunity to be a founding member of the historic Pollard Theatre in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
I returned to school, got a Masters degree and began working in the psychiatric field. For many years I worked in multiple settings and with many different populations. I am thankful for those years and feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to provide a place of safety and support to people dealing with extremely difficult situations.
In 2020 I retired and took an acting class for the first time in years – my first class ever in film. I was immediately hooked.
Since then I have continued to train and learn as much as possible. I have been fortunate to work in multiple states with some incredibly talented and wonderful people, many of whom I am able to consider genuine friends. I’ve worked on movies, television, web series, and commercials.
Although I loved working in theatre in the past and hopefully will have an opportunity to do so again in the future, for now I am loving the intimacy of film and feel my life and work experiences help me connect to the characters in a deeper and more genuine manner.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think I would categorize it as “smooth” or “struggle” – just “LIFE.” : )
I’m married and have two (now adult and wonderful) boys. Anyone who is a parent knows “easy, smooth and uneventful” are not typically words that describe raising a family. I was hugely fortunate to be in private practice throughout most of their school years so I could schedule myself around all of their activities. Getting to be a working yet also involved mom was a priceless gift.
I don’t take for granted that I have been able to do as professions the two things I have a passion for. Stepping away from acting during the time I worked as a therapist allowed me to focus entirely on my practice which is what I wanted and needed to do. In return, I believe my years working in the psychiatric field has given me a greater appreciation for acting now that I have resumed. Because I love both, it never felt like I was sacrificing one for the other.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve kind of touched on this already but can be more specific regarding my current acting career. Since that first class at Fort Worth Acting Studio in 2020 I have worked on over 50 projects, mostly as an actor but also at times as a writer. I am based out of Texas but I’ve worked on union and non-union projects nationwide. I am signed with Pastorini-Bosby Talent Agency and have met the requirements to join the Screen Actors Guild which is the US union for film and television work. I’ve been in films on Lifetime, Oxygen, Amazon Prime, Tubi, and The Disney Channel. I’ve had films play internationally in multiple countries and recieved Best Actress honors for my performance in the dramatic film “I Voted.”
I am specifically drawn to character driven projects, playing women who are morally conflicted and dealing with high stakes circumstances. I love finding the layers under the surface, WHY someone behaves in ways that at first glance make no sense but somehow makes sense to them. People rarely see themselves as “the villain” even when their actions seem to indicate that they are. It’s the actors responsibility to present the character in a way that leaves the audience, while not condoning the behavior, at least understanding what might have prompted it. This is where I see both of my chosen professions working together. As a therapist I worked to understand human behavior, how our unique experiences influence current feelings and actions. As an actor I work to present those connections with honesty. A script provides the world in which to play, my job is to build a person who is whole and complete and logically fits fully into that world. HOW FUN IS THAT?!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I don’t necesssarily see myself as a “risk-taker” – but I definitely want to go places, and do things, and meet people, and see the world. My dad once said to me “You just want to experience it all, don’t you?” (Side note: I’m pretty sure he did NOT mean it as a compliment!) I remember smiling really big and answering “YES DADDY! I DO!!”
I absolutely love that comment from my dad. I’ve taken it as a life mantra.
We have choices in life – taking calculated risks brings richness and insight. Fortunately I am married to a man who feels the same and who supports me when I walk into the living room and say “You know I think we should…..”
Because of that mindset I have been able to meet and spend time with people in all fifty states and in 56 countries. I’ve tracked bears in Alaska, polar plunged in the Antarctic ocean, and very nearly gotten blown off the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. (In my defense, I didn’t know a storm had rolled in and they put out the red flag warnings after we had already gone onto the cliffs!) I was literally picked up by a wind gust and my husband had to grab my leg and throw us both to the ground. Honestly (since we didn’t die) it was pretty fun – but you really should follow those warning signs!
In regards to acting I would say this shows up as a willingness to step into new situations where I may not be comfortable at first but know I will learn and grow, and in a desire to take on characters who are not necessarily likeable, but still have an important story to tell.
It’s a crazy ride at times …but it’s rarely boring.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: CarlaKidd2020
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CarlaHarmonKidd
- Other: https://imdb.me/carlakidd
