My newest chat is with very talented Kashun Parks from Chattanooga. She’s involved in theatre in Chattanooga and surrounding cities. She’s an actor and director who directed one of my favorite plays of the year. I won’t share that right now, but she talks about it with me. She shares with me her love of theatre and musicals and her favorite roles.
Introducing Kashun…
What do you love about your life right now?
I genuinely love life. While it may sound cliché, it’s undeniably true for me. I’ve always embraced living in the moment, finding joy even in challenging times. In the realm of theatre, I’ve found purpose as a SPA (simulated patient actor), collaborating with UTC Nursing Department. Playing the role of a patient allows me to leverage my talents to help them practice providing emotional support and care, and it’s been incredibly rewarding.
You’ve acted in many plays in theatre. Was there a particular actor or play that influenced you to become an actor?
My journey in acting began at the age of 12 with my debut in Point of No Return. The memory of that experience remains vivid even today. Stepping onto the stage for the first time ignited a passion within me that I’ve pursued ever since. It wasn’t about a specific play or person; rather, it was about the exhilarating feeling of being on stage. Over time, however, my focus shifted towards the gratification of evoking emotions in others through my performances.
Can you share with me the joys and challenges of acting?
Phew, listing all my roles feels like a marathon! Let’s start with the challenges of balancing acting alongside being a mom, wife, businesswoman, and deacon. Talk about juggling! Back in college, I was all about theatre, dreaming big of Broadway. But life threw me some curveballs: marriage, kids, you name it. So, acting took a back seat for about 15 years while I tackled the whole mom and career thing. Now, I’m back in the game with community theatre, which, let me tell you, is fantastic but comes with its own set of hurdles. Still, theatre remains my passion, amidst all my other responsibilities.
Now, onto the good stuff–the joys of theatre. Oh, where do I begin? The people, the stage, the pure magic of bringing art to life. There’s nothing quite like seeing an audience get swept up in the story we’re telling. And the satisfaction of making them laugh, cry, and really think. It’s priceless. Using my craft to give back to the community and spark meaningful conversations? It’s what keeps me going.
Do you have a favorite role or two from a play you’ve been in?
Yes, it might surprise you, but I have more than just two. Musicals hold a special place in my heart, although I haven’t had as many opportunities to perform in them as I’d like. One standout role was playing Senator Fipp in Urinetown which was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. Shakespearean roles also captivate me, with my favorite thus far being Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Keep an eye out; I might just reprise that role in the future. In traditional theatre, portraying Sugar in Precious Little Things remains my all-time favorite, though I also cherished my time as Goneril in Lear.
You recently directed The Vagina Monologues at Barking Legs Theatre in Chattanooga. I saw at a Saturday matinee and loved it. The play evoked all the emotions, especially because it was acted out instead of just being read. What was the experience like for you as a director?
One highlight of my career was directing and producing this show. It was an experience so special and unforgettable that it continues to resonate with me even now, over a month later. The opportunity to fully realize my vision for the production was a dream come true. Working alongside my husband, who brought his creative flair to the music, and bringing to life the lighting and projection exactly as I envisioned it, was immensely fulfilling.
But beyond the technical aspects, what truly stood out was the chance to connect with the cast of women involved. Getting to know each of them on a personal level and collaborating to bring out their best performances was pure joy. There was a moment during one sold-out performance when I found myself sitting on the floor of the theater, listening to their laughter and tears. In that moment, I realized that this–the ability to evoke such emotions and connect with an audience is my ‘why’ for directing.
Is there any advice you would give to someone who wants to perform in theatre?
My first piece of advice would be to find confidence within yourself and recognize your talent, even if you audition for 100 shows and receive 100 no’s. One yes is all you need. You are the product you are selling when you audition or when you are onstage, so always give it your absolute best.
The second piece of advice is to always have fun and never lose your creativity. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel unhappy or unwanted, get out of it and find your place of belonging.
We all have experienced failure, and sometimes success follows it. Do you have a favorite failure?
Since high school, I’ve had a passion for singing. However, confidence in my singing abilities never came easily. There were moments when I envied those who sang effortlessly. Throughout my life, I’ve strived to improve as a singer, from taking college lessons to participating in a high school gospel choir, simply because I love singing. Despite my efforts, I’ve often felt mediocre, or even poor at best.
One of my most challenging experiences with singing was when I auditioned for ‘Assassins’ a few years ago. They provided audition pieces, and in hindsight, I realize the piece I chose wasn’t the best fit for me. Regardless, I dedicated hours and days to practice, believing in my abilities. However, when the audition day arrived, the performance was disastrous, leaving me feeling embarrassed and disheartened. It nearly deterred me from ever taking part in a musical again.
Despite this setback, I’ve continued to work on my voice. While I may never be considered one of the greats, I now sing with our praise and worship team at church and have managed to hold my own in a few musicals. I’ve come to accept my talent level and remain committed to improving. I believe that one day, I’ll be able to take on at least a supporting role in a musical.
Meryl Streep said, “I’m curious about people. That’s the essence of my acting. I’m interested in what it would be like to be you.” What do you think about what she said and does that resonate with you as an actor?
I strive for authenticity in my acting, and I believe the most effective way to achieve that is by observing different people as you go through life. Being curious about people helps an actor discover the nuances that bring their characters to life on stage. Being interested in how individuals stand and talk when they’re with friends, lovers, or coworkers, I have become an avid people watcher. I’m also very intrigued by why people do what they do–what motivates them. I can take all those observations and they help me find the character that I am portraying, especially if they differ vastly from who I am.
Who is your biggest supporter?
I am blessed with strong supporters. Running lines with me over the phone, my mother, who will help me learn lines, even Shakespeare, does so all the way from Ohio where she lives. My husband, who has been supporting me since college, comes to see shows and takes care of home when I’m rehearsing for a show. My friends and coworkers always make time to see my shows.
If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what message would you want to convey to millions? What would it say and why?
Embrace life. Love conquers all.
I believe in loving all of God’s creations and enjoying every moment we are given on this planet.
Are you currently working on anything like a play or possibly directing something soon?
I am currently seated in the dressing room at Oak Street Playhouse, wrapping up the questions for this interview. I am portraying a character named Charity Haze. She is a spunky detective writer who makes a grand entrance halfway through the play by helicopter! She’s a lot of fun.
Typically, I aim to direct one play per year, and I am still deliberating on what it will be for the upcoming year.
Describe yourself in one word or more.
I am light.
Alright, Kashun, here is one of my favorite parts of the interview. Tell me three fun facts about you.
Here’s a glimpse behind the scenes: I take my role as Deacon at the Met Off Main with utmost seriousness, and I love my church. But when the curtains close, you might catch me in a different light–as a lifelong dancer, over the years I’ve done ballet, tap, jazz and interpretive dance.
On top of that, I proudly serve as Vice President at Obvious Dad Theatre, where creativity thrives. And if you’re wondering where I’m from, I’m a proud northerner originally from Ohio. So, there you have it–a blend of professionalism and fun facts about yours truly!
I love ending the chat with a quote. Do you have a favorite quote or saying that has inspired and motivated you in your life that you can share with my readers?
Live the life you were given and love the person you are. Never get used to seeing the sky. It should be a fresh experience each time.
Thank you for reading my interview with Kashun. She embraces life with passion as we all should do while juggling life as a wife, mother, actor and so much more.