Hollywood Life: A Visionary Who Bridges the Worlds From Stage to Film
Image Credit: Kirsten Comerford
The world of entertainment is becoming more diverse and inclusive over the past few decades. There are no longer any hard-lined boundaries between the different types of work, such as actors and producers or directors and actors. Multi-hyphenate entertainers like Donald Glover, Phoebe Waller Bridge, or Michaela Comerford, who act, produce, and direct their own works, are becoming more popular. They have carved out a niche for themselves on the entertainment scene. One such multi-talented creator of modern entertainment is
Kirsten Comerford, an actor on the stage and screen who has found immense success in recent years.In Comerford’s own words, “I see myself as a storyteller.” Growing up in St. John’s, Newfoundland, a place known for its vibrant arts scene and rich storytelling, Comerford spent a lot of time hearing stories of her hometown during the war and all about the history of Newfoundland.
Early on, she found ballet to be an incredibly potent outlet for expression. Soon after, Comerford’s love for ballet led her to want to work in film and theater. Comerford had her first onstage experience as an actor as a member of the original Broadway workshop for the hit musical
Come from Away. Comerford says that Come from Away, set in Newfoundland was a culmination of the stories she had been inspired by since her childhood. She calls it “one of the most treasured moments in my career.” “The constant rejection requires a thick skin.” It took me a long time to develop that. You must separate your personal identity and art from your artistic pursuits. 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.”But through it all, Comerford has persevered and found success on her own terms. Comerford has also built a relationship and collaboration with Roxanne Boisvert, a powerhouse female director who has collaborated on several produced projects with her. Comerford states, “I’ve had the opportunity to work on many sets with numerous talented individuals. But it wasn’t till I collaborated with Roxanne Boisvert did I experience a transformational shift in my career path–one which has left a large mark on my future.” She says, “I was confident in my work and felt free to dive into the role.” It was extremely collaborative, and feeling like my input was valued was a pivotal moment for me in my career.”
Having now completed several films with Boisvert, Comerford finds that she has been able to embrace her own role “not only as an actor but also as a burgeoning creative force in the industry. The pursuit of acting not only has allowed me to explore different avenues of expression, but it has also cemented my status as an actor to watch – ready to innovate and collaborate within a constantly changing landscape.”
