This episode features Kevin Stark who began his career as an Actor and then made a career change to Computer Science and Software Development – not something you hear everyday. We’ve split it into two parts and this is Part 1 of 2; covering the entirety of his acting journey from high school onwards all the way to post-college work. I believe this episode will be useful for prospective actors/actresses and also just those interested in hearing the jagged path of an aspiring actor. I hope you enjoy it, now onto the episode! Timestamps:

(00:00:37) - A nervous kid becomes an actor in high school

(00:04:55) - Challenges of entering Theater in Vancouver + Canada after 2008

(00:07:37) - First roadblock in acting aspirations, during Capilano College 

(00:14:37) - How long Kevin had to persist before catching a first break

(00:18:28) - Dealing with failure: Becoming small fish after being accustomed to being the Big Fish

(00:22:19) - Studying for big theater shows and landing roles: Konstantin in The Seagull

(00:24:07) - Another rude awakening: Contrast against classmate landing roles without studying

(00:25:31) - Do grades even matter in Acting programs?

(00:30:48) - For aspiring young actors: What to look for in acting programs, and what to work on

(00:36:48) - In Acting, you are the commodity; being typecast into roles  

(00:41:26) - Discrimination when roles are being advertised

(00:45:23) - Basic overview of what it takes to land a role, including # of auditions

(00:47:42) - Star Wars sequels as an example of atypical casting

(00:51:31) - Kevin’s 2nd education arc for acting – UBC

(00:53:50) - An [outdated] contrast between UBC and Cap College

(00:56:05) - Admission process for UBC Acting

(01:01:55) - Is UBC (from College) a typical route for Acting Education

(01:04:07) - Do successful actors ever just skip education as a whole?

(01:05:15) - Short contrast b/w Stage Acting vs Film & TV

(01:08:02) - UBC continued – stories of success

(01:11:48) - Kevin’s first gig with a Touring Show

(01:13:03) - Challenges of making a living as an actor in Vancouver and Canada 

(01:16:07) - Gradually realizing the sacrifice it takes to be a successful actor

(01:21:08) - Kevin’s life during acting career and types of jobs

(01:24:16) - How did Kevin pick Computer Science as a career pivot?