Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Freshwater.
Hi Shelby, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For as long as I can remember I’ve been a performer. As a kid I would make my parents wait in the living room so I could make an entrance in my moms oversized heels and a ridiculously vibrant boa. Whether it was fashion or putting on plays or photoshoots with friends, I’ve always had a love for creative expression. At 8 years old, I auditioned for a community production of Narnia: The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, being cast as a butterfly. Even over a decade ago I can remember the big props, my dad doing my face paint in the dressing room, and the buzz of the cast before we took the stage. It was then my passion for acting began.
I was very fortunate to grow up in a home where my parents recognized this spark in my eye.
They helped me find opportunities—classes and camps—that helped me grow as an actor. I don’t think I would be where I am today without these experiences, and my parents’ encouragement to pursue my dreams at such a young age.
When I got to High School, that was my real chance to be a part of frequent shows. It wasn’t long into my Freshman year I had caught onto the lack of funds and participation into the Theater Program. However, the program became primarily student-run. By my sophomore year we were picking out the plays, blocking, directing, and acting in our shows. We never won first place but we were putting on shows that mattered to us and that was enough. Looking back, I was able to learn so much and I’m so thankful to have been surrounded by friends who cared enough to keep performing.
I can’t move forward without giving praise to GHP. In High School, I was nominated for the Theater category of Governor’s Honors Program, a 4 week summer intensive for students with various academic and creative strengths. With a grueling 6 month application period and various interviews, I was accepted. Throughout the 4 weeks, I made so many formative friendships with teenagers just as passionate as I was. It was hypnotizing seeing my peers excel in different fields, all thriving off the energy and ambitions of one another. I am so honored to have experienced such an impactful program which not only strengthened me as an actor but as a person.
I guess that brings me to now. I recently graduated with a film degree from Georgia State University where I met so many talented people. At GSU, I was challenged beyond acting, learning about more aspects of cinema. I shot, edited, and did stop motion for 2 final projects and worked/collaborated with other students on their creative visions. Through my courses and connections I’ve been able to explore the multitudes within this creative field, finding a new way to filter my expressiveness through experimental outlets.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, my road has been a bumpy one.
Career wise, the biggest curb that I think I’m still trying to go over is fully believing in myself. I always felt lucky that I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up, it was never a doubt. As a teenager I performed in a showcase, where I got my first acting agent. In the beginning, self tapes and in-person auditions were exciting for me. As time went on, less and less auditions started to come in and after a couple of years of sparse opportunities I was dropped. This was such a crushing “failure” for me at the time. In fact, I still hold some shame around my lack of booking, convincing myself slowly that I may not be good enough. This really discouraged me as a creator and as an actor, inciting more anxiety than excitement around auditioning.
However, it was this separation that allowed me some personal freedom.
Being gender non-conforming often conflicted with the expectations I put on myself as an actor. A lot of the industry is reliant upon conventional beauty standards. Getting into the professional world at a young age made me feel like I had to maintain a feminine image to be a bookable actor. It wasn’t until I was dropped that I was able to explore my gender identity to its fullest extent.
I was able to cut my hair into a mullet and grow out my body hair. I stopped perceiving myself as what was wanted from me, and through that I’ve been able to find value in myself. My personal expression has become central to my work today. There’s been times where people have changed a role for me so that my character could be non-binary. This not only helps representation on screen but behind the screen. I have been working with queer and gender non-conforming indie creatives within the film, fashion, and photography world. Those projects are so meaningful to me and I’m happy to help tell those stories that are often left out of mainstream media.
From feature films, to music videos, and short films, my look has been something that others have been drawn to. I got to be a princess with armpit hair for the upcoming independent feature film Psychomania by my good colleague and friend Al Henry. It’s opportunities like these where I find excitement and power to audition again for more roles. It’s helped me understand that my individuality is a strength.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I primarily act, but I love to dip my toes in a little bit of everything!
Within my creative works, I would say I specialize in experimental pieces. I also have a personal fascination in stop motion which has been in two of my short films so far and I intend to incorporate these aspects into future works. As much as I love being on set around many moving bodies, I share a similar sentiment with hyper-fixating on works by myself. As someone who feels so intensely with little to no articulation skills, it’s often easier for me to visualize rather than verbalize what I’m experiencing.
Aside from the film world, I love to dabble in modeling! The theater kid within me always pulls me towards funky poses and expressive faces. I love doing personal work as much as fashion and editorial shoots. I worked with my friend Soph Di Lazzaro on their “Trans existence as resistance” photography project. Within that piece, I found so much joy in styling and storytelling through my portraits. I’ve also worked with talented photographers like John Harrington, Mollee McIndoo and Jade Yi on their creative visions.
I look forward to being behind the camera more as well this year. With a little bit of creative direction and photography under my belt, I want to explore storytelling through multiple mediums.
Within my personal life, I work full time at an independent bookstore, assistant managing and running their social media which I’ve really enjoyed. There’s something so special about working at a small business that puts their community first. I’m so grateful to have the freedom to curate communal events through my personal job, inspiring me to do more on the side. At the bookstore, Story on the Square, I run a book club and creators club where bi-monthly we have dedicated time for young adults and older adults to learn about art and create together. I used to host monthly open mic nights with my friend Adazeé Imarhiagbe at a community workspace called Freeside Atlanta. I always jump at the chance to host or be a part of a community centered event.
I’m most proud to be a part of the Indie Film world right now. I am constantly in awe of all my creative friends and peers and am incredibly honored to be by their sides. I am forever grateful to the people who have believed in me and trusted me enough to be a part of their projects. A warmest thank you to Rat Bass Productions, Test Card Network, Lazy House, and Hardlight Entertainment for bringing dreams to life. It is such a beautiful experience watching people come together to work towards one vision that inevitably grows because of the people involved. I strongly believe that it doesn’t matter how much money you have or what equipment you’ve got. As long as you have the right people, the project will turn out beautifully.
How do you think about happiness?
Queer media, a good book, the Now You See Me series, Youtube Premium, my cat, the list goes on!
More generally, I love to collage and watch Youtube videos in bed with my partner. I can be a very happy homebody with video essays and some crafts! There’s a peaceful flow state I enter when doodling or collaging what speaks to me that day.
Although, I think a good, and fairly corny, work around for that question would be: spending time with the people I love. I feel like a little kid after hanging out with friends, kicking my feet on the bed, reminiscing about the day. With everything going on in the world, I think having folks that uplift, cherish, and love you is the only way to push forward. I’m so thankful to have a circle of people who have believed in me for years, some over a decade. I truly wouldn’t be here without the people around me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sbfreshwater
Image Credits
Soph Di Lazzaro
Chrysander Mandragora
Jade Yi
John Harrington
Hagen O’Neil
Maddie Cobb
