Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailey Foss.
Hi Hailey, 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.
I started performing when I was about twelve in musical theatre, and I got such a high from doing it. It allowed me to express myself fully, and I loved the rush I got from performing live. Then I signed with an agent and started doing films and commercials in Calgary, Canada, while I was still in school. Instantly, I was in love with the whole process, in front of the camera and behind. Every job was like a new piece of collaborative art, and I got to meet so many amazing creatives along the way. Since then, I have worked in Alberta, British Columbia, and New York, starring in the feature films “Footlights” from HGA Films, “Red Letter Day” from Dread/Epic Pictures, and “Sarabha: Cry For Freedom” from Kavi Raz Studios. I have also been the face of various brand commercials, including Vessi Shoes, SnO Swiss Skincare, Fatburger, and Sunrise Senior Living.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s definitely been ups and downs. I think being a performer will have its struggles no matter who you are. I didn’t have any connections in the industry when I started, I was learning on the job or being taught things from fellow actors and coaches I had been meeting, so there was experimenting and making mistakes for sure. I didn’t have on-camera training, nor had I taken many acting classes in the beginning, which was something I realized I wanted. I had met an actress in Vancouver, Sage Kitchen, who led me to The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, which is where I got my professional training. The Playhouse gave me foundational tools I needed as an artist; it was an amazing program. So, I won’t say I regret anything in my journey because every job I’ve taken or person I’ve met has led me to another thing. I’m very grateful! I’ve also been lucky to have parents who have supported me from the beginning. They have both taught me everything I know about life and I never take having them in my corner for granted.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
This fall, I’m stoked to be making my Off-Broadway debut in the original play “Shadows” from Face to Face Films. Having worked on feature films, commercials and theatre roles, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the different aspects of each. Performing live is so much fun for me and it’s a really special experience to be absorbed in a two hour story without stopping. For film, I’m so captivated with the way a film set works, it’s like a machine. You encounter shooting in real locations, and are often moving around to get every scene perfect. I love watching the different departments work, like props and art, or hair and makeup. The transformation process in film is very detailed for the actors and the set itself. For my past work, you can check out “Footlights” from HGA films on Youtube, “Tougher Than Love” the CMT Music Video on Youtube, and “Red Letter Day” on Amazon Prime and Itunes.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
For acting: do it, but within the confines of the story. It has to make sense. A commercial I just booked, I improv’d in the audition and made the casting director laugh. Then on set, I asked the director if I could ad-lib in the scene, and they ended up loving it and using it! For taking risks in life, I naturally tend to be a homebody and stay where it’s safe. So, taking risks has been a conscious part of my life and career. But I continue to do so because every time I put myself out there, I never regret it, and usually something comes from the experience. I was absolutely terrified to move to New York on my own, but I had a gut feeling it was the next right step for me. Part of my job as an actress is to be an observer of people and life. So, I put myself out there to not only experience more of life but to gain memories and take in new personalities. All of which I end up going back to when I’m working on a role.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Rita Morgenthau Theatre
Getty Images
Cindy Ord
Andrew Alstat
Joe R.
