Kirsten Comerford always knew she wanted to be a storyteller. Growing up in St. John’s, Newfoundland, a place known for its vibrant art scene and rich storytelling, a young Kirsten had grand dreams she hoped would materialize someday. Years later, these dreams would come true when she became part of the original workshop of the hit Broadway musical Come From Away, and her career as it is today took off.
“I have always been a very expressive person,” Kirsten reflects. “I have an extremely vivid imagination and feel very deeply (this has been a blessing and, at times, a curse).” Kirsten attributes this passion to her days with her family, particularly her Poppy, whom she calls “an amazing storyteller.” As she grew older, Kirsten used ballet as an outlet for expression, which evolved into theater and then film.
Kirsten Comerford
While the journey has been exciting and rewarding, the path hasn’t always been clear. And while the passion never dimmed, rejection has a way of weakening even the staunchest believer. As Kirsten explains, it is actually “something that you definitely need thick skin for.” It requires strength and time to master.
“Acting is so personal; you’re sharing yourself, it’s vulnerable, it’s real truths that you’re commenting on through your work, and so it can be a challenge to see it as a business and not as a personal rejection,” Kirsten muses. “It’s a wild journey, and sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason; you just need to find joy in the doing.”
Then there’s the isolation. With most projects taking months to complete, most actors often find themselves away from family and loved ones who help keep them grounded. This can be tough, and many can feel isolated and lonely. In Kirsten’s case, saying goodbye to family and friends was extremely hard, and then she had to experience the shock of living in a big city. Only her determination kept her going in those early days.
Kirsten Comerford
“I am incredibly driven,” Kirsten explains. “My mom says I’m like a dog with a bone; I simply don’t stop. With any setback, I always find a way to recalibrate, but with that, I am also very supportive and collaborative. It’s not a me vs. them… It’s more of a drive to create meaningful art and the thrill of creating.”
These attributes have served her well in the current entertainment landscape. With the shift toward social media, most actors have floundered as they tried to pivot. Kirsten’s ability to tell stories in different formats has helped her thrive and reach even greater heights. In addition to working on many acclaimed projects, she has also produced and starred in her own short film that won an audience choice award at a comedy film festival. She’s also built lasting connections with star makers, including a “powerhouse” female director who has hired Kirsten to collaborate on a few Lifetime movies with her.
“This director possesses an innate ability to connect with actors on a profound level,” Kirsten praises. “From the moment I stepped onto her set, any imposter syndrome I harbored dissipated, replaced by a sense of assurance and support. I felt confident in my work and was free to take risks and dive into the character.”
Kirsten hopes to do more of that both on TV and in film. Her ultimate goal is to “make a positive impact in the industry” that feels bigger than herself.
