KAYDEN KOSHELEV

At just 15 years old, you’ve already worked on major series like SEARCH PARTY and FIREBUDS. How do
you manage such a busy schedule while balancing your personal life and interests?

It’s certainly not easy to balance acting while still trying to function as a normal teenager. But I think
since I’ve been doing it for so long, I’ve definitely gotten better at balancing my schedule.

You’ve acted alongside industry legends like Kevin Hart. What was the most valuable lesson you learned from working with such experienced professionals?

I really do believe that I learn something new with every role I get or person I meet. But specifically, I think watching them be so natural and, in the role, when the cameras are on, is something that I love watching because everyone does things differently.

Your versatility spans drama, comedy, voiceover work, and musical theatre. How do you prepare differently for each of these mediums?

Every role, regardless of genre, requires different prep work. I think I prepare based on what my character or role requires. It’s about really knowing your depth, backstory, script and character. But also, what your director is looking for and what your fellow actors need from you as well. The best thing to do is to know your lines so you are freer to create with your character.

In DRAG THE MUSICAL, you took on a lead role in a live theatre production. How does performing on stage compare to acting on screen?

In musical theatre you have more time to prepare and get comfortable so for me personally it’s less stressful at times which most people wouldn’t think being that you are live in front of thousands of people every night. Being on a TV/Film set is a whole different world though – you may be coming on to
a set you’ve never been on before with a cast of people you have never met, and you have to create a relationship and comfort level pretty quickly.

However, I love them both equally! I definitely value different qualities in each. Whether I am walking on to stage or set, I just feel like its where I belong.

You’re also a martial artist, gamer, and writer. How do these hobbies influence your creative process as an actor?

When it comes to acting, you can never have too many hobbies, since you never know when a skill can give you an upper hand if that’s what they’re looking for. Also writing gives you an extreme advantage because so many famous actors have written and starred in movies or shows that they wrote.

Youth mental health is a cause you’re passionate about. How do you use your platform to raise awareness and support organizations like City Year?

I think city year and many other organizations like that are extremely important. So, I like to use social media to shed light on people who are helping others through tough times.

What has been the most challenging role you’ve played so far, and what did you learn from that experience?

There’s only one answer for me and that must be the Kraft Mac n Cheese commercial I did when I was younger. One major reason being that personally I don’t really like any type of pasta covered in cheese, and I definitely didn’t back then. They gave me a spit bucket to use after every take, but I couldn’t get myself to use it. To this day I don’t know why because if my memory serves me, I think I threw up later that night for eating too much of it, take after take. So, I’ve learned to always use a spit bucket if one is provided.

With guest-star credits on popular shows like HOW I MET YOUR FATHER and CHICAGO MED, how do you approach stepping into an already established cast and making your role memorable?

I think when it comes to guest star roles even though it’s definitely challenging to go into an already formed cast, everyone is always so welcoming. For me it’s lower pressure because there’s really nothing
to lose and everything to gain, so I just try to do the best I can and know that they might bring me back, because anything can happen in this industry.

As someone so young yet accomplished, what advice would you give to other young people aspiring to break into the entertainment industry?

I say this to everyone that asks me this question – you really just have to go for it. If it’s something that you are really passionate about then go for it because you never know what can happen.

Looking ahead, what are your ultimate goals as an actor and creator, and are there any dream roles or projects you hope to tackle?

Honestly, although I do have a lot of goals I like to just see where things take me and I’m ready for whatever my future brings. I would love to play some fun, quirky character in a murder mystery or someone with superpowers.