Life & Work with Kimberly Hauser

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Hauser.

Hi Kimberly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Thanks for having me! Yeah, in short, I’m an actress, filmmaker, and writer.

I started this from an early age. I’d create films with my sister to pass the time and have fun, though it wasn’t until high school that I was more seriously involved in theater. Theater was one of those classes I always secretly wanted to try, but felt intimidated by. Looking back, I’m so glad I did.

Plus, I was lucky. I had an incredible theater teacher, Julie Novak, who I still consider a mentor to this day. She taught us to appreciate the depth of the performing arts. She aided us in seeing that there’s more to storytelling than just entertainment. There’s truth, humanity, and love. And even more rewarding? There’s deep personal growth.

You asked earlier about how I got to where I am today. That’s a funny question to me because as artists, in the wake of everything that’s changing, I’m sure many of us wonder where we’re even “at” anymore. With the industry in a phase that’s constantly being labeled as “contracting,” I’m sure many of us are wondering: “What now? Is this craft even sustainable as such a significant part of my life?”…  However, even in light of that, I think I’m “at” this point in my personal and artistic journey where all I know is that I’m where I need to be. And I believe that, wherever I’m at and wherever I find myself, there’s enough to guide me into my next steps. And I don’t necessarily need to know what those next steps are. I tend to stick by the belief that if I follow what I love, instead of being pushed around by what I fear, then I’ll always find my way forward. One step at a time.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think it’s ever truly a “smooth road” for anyone. Only because Life likes to challenge and grow us. But I’ve noticed over and over again that there’s plenty of synchronicity along the way to allow you a way forward. So, even when something is challenging, I find peace in knowing the story isn’t done yet.

In terms of personal challenges, I have a lot of internal judgment about being “more”- especially when it comes to embracing being a filmmaker AND an actress. It sounds like a great idea, but what people don’t often talk about is that being both isn’t a perfect combo. It’s like one is always trying to grab your attention from the other, leaving you split. Do I prioritize being a director or producer now, or do I prioritize my actor self now? And making the switch back and forth isn’t as easy as I’d like. Often my “actor self” has to be put on the back burner during production for a bit so that I can lead the project. It’s difficult to feel like I’m growing in the targeted areas I want as an actor when I can’t give acting all of my attention.

And yet, with that said, I often wonder if creating my own content has been my saving grace. Maybe I haven’t been able to give acting my “all,” but creating my own content is what’s allowed my creativity to flow regardless of the seasonal ups and downs of this industry. For me, filmmaking has been a unique and life-sustaining way to circumvent the challenges of “the actor life”.

Acting can feel like a lot of waiting around to truly participate, and it’s easy to grow stagnant both personally and artistically. I don’t necessarily create films JUST to give myself a project to act in, but since acting IS my first love I know I’d be unhappy if I didn’t. I may not have the desire to be this “great filmmaker,” but I do enjoy it and all its challenges. And frankly, I’d be bored otherwise. I’m actually quite grateful to the craft of filmmaking for allowing me to evolve artistically and thrive personally.

Life is more interconnected than I give it credit for and if I can let down my pride for a few moments, I’d admit that it’s valuable to let myself be more. By allowing myself to be more than just an actor, AT LEAST 3 things happen daily: 1.) I feel more motivated and energized (because I’m allowing resources to come from more places), 2.) my creativity is engaged and enlivening, and 3.) my sense of hope is renewed daily (in all areas of my life).

Sounds like a challenge worth overcoming if you ask me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
Yeah! I’m an actress, filmmaker, and writer. I’ve acted in both stage and film, and I write for both film and a personal blog.

Right now I’m MOST excited about a new upcoming venture of mine: moving to Vancouver, BC. I know this change will invite new experiences and understandings of myself/ life, so I wanted to share about it, but in a way that’s akin to talking with a good friend! So, I created a blog and an Instagram page called “The Traveler’s Letters” where I get to do just that. The idea is it’ll be like receiving letters from your dear friend abroad who shares little snippets of her experiences so she can stay connected to those she loves.

I’m hoping it’ll somehow allow a space of honesty and a place for mini discussions about life in general and the explorations we have (including those everyday moments). Blogs, like friendships, can have the potential to encourage more honesty in our lives and, in turn, help us see we’re not alone. I’m excited to navigate this new chapter and hopefully it’ll encourage others as they navigate their own journeys too!

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Growing up, I liked magical beings (fairies, unicorns, mermaids, etc.) and I liked the idea of magic. I went through a magical horse (unicorn) phase. I even had these stuffed animal cats with jeweled crowns and fairy wings which I thought were pretty cool! Ha. The idea of magic and this dreamy, limitless-ness to it was playful, imaginative, and hopeful. And, even though I don’t talk about it much to this day, I still really like it.

Contact Info:

• Website: thetravelersletters.wordpress.com
• Instagram: (acting & personal): instagram.com/kimhauser5 OR (my newest blog): instagram.com/thetravelersletters
• Facebook: (my newest blog): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555818524306&mibextid=ZbWKwL (my acting): www.facebook.com/kimberlyhauseracting
• Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user91341261