Today we’d like to introduce you to Tahj Vaughans.
Hi Tahj, 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 backstory with our readers?
I began acting almost 11 years ago at both Alabama State University and the University of South Alabama, primarily in theatre. I started out finding extra work via mycastingfile.com and landed my first on-set experience in Bruce Willis’ “Extraction” film, directed by Steven C. Miller. Further performances as an extra included Matthew McConaughey’s “Free State of Jones,” Jordan Peele’s “Get Out,” and several other films and commercials in the southeastern region. After graduating from the University of South Alabama in December of 2016, I landed my first two speaking roles in film the following January and February of 2017. The first was a high-energy scene in Jean-Claude Van Damme’s “Blackwater” and the following February, I was blessed to book Misty Talley’s “Mississippi River Sharks’,” a fun shark week film aired on the SyFy Channel.
By May 2017, I found a new home within “People Store Talent Agency,” who I am still represented by to this day. After those experiences, I jumped head-first into the “rabbit hole,” now auditioning more often. Things slowed down for a while booking-wise but I kept working, practicing auditions, taking regular acting classes, reading and reflecting on my everyday experiences, and even investing heavily into my craft financially. It was everything except easy but I am passionate about this craft and industry and that energy carried me through every obstacle and bumpy road ahead. I began a self-taping service in my one-bedroom townhouse that became very successful in the Mobile, Al area, working with casting directors and working actor whom I was able to learn from and create great relationships with through our work. Eventually, I had to focus more on navigating the new paths that life had placed in front me but I, of course, continued evolving my own craft. The years to follow were full of more practice, life lessons, daily adversity to be overcome, and more film and tv bookings. My most recent roles are D’Trell Weeks (BET’s “Sacrifice”), Terrance Walker (P Valley on Starz), and Mike (“Twisted Metal” Peacock). Twisted Metal is set to release in 2023. I am now a full-time entertainer and CEO/President of my own Entertainment Company which I will provide more details about in the future. As of now, I do offer private acting coaching through my company.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This road has been full of both obstacles and blessings. Finances, automobile trouble, and unexpected unemployment were all struggles that I faced on the path to where I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an artist specializing in Acting primarily but I also produce, write and direct. I am mostly known for my acting and my most popular role to date is definitely Terrance Waker from P Valley on Starz. I think my positive outlook on adaptation to circumstances and life in general, as well as my relentlessly strategic perseverance, set me apart from many. I am blessed to have made a small circle made up of several like-minded, professionally skilled individuals who make me better as I do the same for them.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Find someone who is the closest to being a reflection of who you see yourself becoming financially, industry-wise, discipline-wise, family-wise, etc. and treat them as your older sibling. If the relationship is genuine, and when you find the right mentor, you will know and you will have a true lifelong friend. That is the exact path that I traveled.
Pricing:
- Audition Prep – Price $50/hr
- Private Acting Coaching (Zoom) – Price $100/hour
- Private Acting Coaching (Zoom) 4 sessions – Price $350
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/tahj_a_vaughans
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tahj_A_Vaughans
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8817521/
Image Credits
All are cleared except the 2 images from the Georgia Pear Commercial and the image from P Valley. I am currently awaiting a reply for clearance. Other photographers include Toni Riales (green jacket headshot and pink background headshot) and Antonio Boswell (red background Terrance “Selfie” was taken by me of course!
