Meet Abby Rey | Actor, Writer, Director.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Rey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
There are no two fingerprints alike in the world which shows how unique people are. My mom worked in the medical field but I knew from the moment I got my report card in Biology, that the medical field isn’t for me. This is my story.

Growing up, I was interested in a lot of things. I loved music. I played clarinet and saxophone in middle school and high school. I played the drums and guitar for my church and I like to sing but I was very shy. That was my biggest problem.

I caught the acting bug at 11 years old but I was too scared to tell anyone. So what did I do? I locked myself in my room and wrote down dramatic situations on a piece of paper. Then, I folded them, put them in a small drawstring bag, shook it, pulled one out and did an improvised scene according to what was written on the piece of paper. I did this so I can practice my acting without anyone watching.

Years later, when I was around fifteen, I started to write, direct and produce short plays that were performed for our community. I coached young actors and I loved watching them grow into amazing artists. I found that directing was a lot easier than memorizing the stages of mitosis and photosynthesis.

After high school, I decided to major in Theater and five years later, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts. In those five years, I learned everything from costume and lighting design to storytelling and directing. I had amazing teachers including Clarence Gilyard and the late Michael Tylo.

After college, even though I was all grown up, I still felt like the little 11 year old girl in an empty room, performing to an invisible audience.

Years passed, a marriage and two children later, I decided it’s time to try acting. I auditioned for the first time in my life and after that audition, Miley Cyrus’ song “The Climb” randomly played on Spotify while I was driving home. I BAWLED. I took it as a sign that this was exactly where I needed to be at this point in my life.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the role but I booked a role from my second audition weeks later. It was a feature film and I got one of the lead parts and the next thing I know, we were in Reno, filming the movie.

This year, I am starring in my fourth feature film which we will be shooting in Kingman and Phoenix.

Master Yoda once said, “Do or do not, there is no try.” These words have gotten me through my fears of the unknown. When a door opens, these words helped me walk through them with confidence. It has motivated me to keep reaching for my goals even if I have to take baby steps to get there.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an actor, writer, director and acting coach. I directed Theater in the Valley’s production of “Tribute” by Bernard Slade in 2017 and I’ve been a professional actor since 2018. I am a small business owner and I own and operate Abby Rey Studios in Henderson, Nevada. We have services from self tapes to headshot photography and everything in between. I also teach a 12-week course on Acting Techniques under Bright Star Acting Academy.

Every Fridays, we have a small networking event called The Actor’s Corner. Actors are welcome to rehearse and perform scenes or monologues they have been working on. Occasionally, I invite filmmakers and casting directors to talent scout. This event takes place every Fridays at 7pm and it’s $5 at the door.

I believe finding a good support system is important to all artists. Networking is an integral part of being an actor, writer and director. I wouldn’t be where I am without the help of my friends and my mentors. All of our weekly events and classes at my studio are aimed toward learning more about the craft and meeting likeminded people. We have wonderful people coming through our doors and I am blessed to be around a community of artists who love what they do and encourage others to work hard and never give up.

Sharing our art is like sharing a part of our life to the world. My goal as an artist is to create stories that will resonate with individuals who are struggling with difficult situations. If they can see themselves in the characters that I play, and if that gives them hope and inspiration, I know I’ve done my job. And this is the type of job that I want to do for the rest of my life.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this shoutout to my family.

To my dad for being an amazing storyteller, encouraging me to write my stories and for coaching me through life. To my mom who bought me my first copy of Final Draft so I can tell my stories and other stories that need to be told.

To my sons, Elijah and Ethan, for being amazing and sweet and for writing with me and playing music with me.

And finally, to my husband, Brian. Without his support and encouragement, I wouldn’t have the courage to do anything I’m doing now. Thanks for making me a better person and helping me through our journey.

Website: www.abbyreyofficial.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/abbyrey21

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-rey-55b34a1b3

Twitter: Twitter.com/abbyrey21

Facebook: Facebook.com/abbyrey21

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCbOMIPytTyf9cicdSDz_83w

Other: IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm10123395/ Abby Rey Studios: www.abbyreystudios.com Acting Classes: www.brightstaractingacademy.com

Image Credits
Headshots by Olga Filatova