Today we’d like to introduce you to Wes Jetton.
Wes, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am originally from the ATL represent! Growing up, I was always involved in acting to some capacity- through school, church, and professional theatre companies. I always knew this was my calling. After graduating high school- I moved to New York City, where I attended NYU- Tisch School of the Arts. I trained at the Meisner Studio and spent time in Italy studying Commedia del Arte. I performed off-broadway. I lived in Manhattan for the majority of my 20s. I love NYC because it is the whole world living together, and it has shaped who I am today.
While I cherish the time I spent in NYC- I spent many of those years battling an addiction to drugs and alcohol. There are so many ‘unknowns’ in the acting business, also known as distractions, letdowns, infinite almost and instability. Through those challenges, I found myself in a lifestyle that I had never intended on living. Ultimately- I woke up in a psych ward in Brooklyn and decided something needed to change. I came back to Atlanta to go through a recovery program. Since then- I have never been busier. Atlanta is an amazing city for actors- there is A LOT of opportunities here. I am consistently working and building my craft and career. Alongside my professional acting career- I am co-owner of The Working Actor Group.
Through my sobriety and my experience in this city- not only have a remained busy, but I have also turned my unknowns into trust, faith, patience, growth, and gratitude. That’s what keeps me here. I celebrate over four years sober.
Great, 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?
In terms of having an acting career- there is so much that you cannot control in this industry, and reaching a point where you can give up that control over “how” it happens is an obstacle I still have to remind myself to do. Schedules! Running a business alongside a career In the tv/film industry- everyone is going to call at the same moment, and you just got to keep your head up and know that it always works out. Generally, staying grounded and flexible with your time is key. Being in recovery drugs and alcohol- I always have to remember that in order to move forward in my life, I have to walk away from where I have been. I think that a quote from Winnie the Pooh, but it’s true.
Please tell us about your work.
The Working Actor Group (TWAG) We are a resource for new, returning, aspiring, and working actors. We offer audition taping services, private coaching, classes, workshops, headshots, reel editing, career consulting, and more. We are most proud of all of the actors who trust us with their craft and careers- a creative life takes courage, and everyone who comes through the door carries that in just showing up. To watch them work on major tv/film sets is a bonus for all of us, and it happens a lot. We, as working actors ourselves, feel fortunate as a company to get to help people do what we love to do. I speak for the whole crew, but watching other’s dreams manifest has been the most rewarding for me.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Honesty, gratitude, and abundance, The more I experience- I think it’s truly about being honest. There is so much potential in honesty- be honest. Gratitude is also next level- grateful for all of it- the good, the not so good, and the not yet. It’s all connected. Abundance is powerful, and the opposite of small thinking. Abundance says, “That person next to me is living their dream- I can too, and so can the person next to me.” I think you need that in a professional artists’ industry.
Contact Info:
- Address: TWAG – The Working Actor Group
8097 Roswell Road , Building D
Atlanta, GA 30350 - Website: www.twagATL.com
- Phone: 770-927-TWAG (8924)
- Email: twag@theworkingactorgroup.com
- Instagram: @wesjetton @workingactorATL
- Facebook: The Working Actor Group
Image Credit:
Lauren Halperin
Barbie Anderson
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