Senior Owen’s future plans reflect his creative dreams

Although the majority of Costa seniors plan to attend a 4-year college this upcoming fall, not all students have the same path ahead of them. Senior Drama/Tech member Gavin Owen’s future life goals of becoming a successful TV actor require a unique plan.

“I started acting in a small short film when I was just ten years old,” said Owen. “I only had one line, but I loved every minute of the shoot.”

Following his passion of acting throughout middle and high school, he joined the Drama 1 class his freshman year. Since then, he’s moved onto Drama 2, Drama 3, and Advanced Drama in his following years.

“Getting to dive deep into the arts for all of high school taught me so much about acting,” said Owen. “It’s not just for screen, but a way to improve self confidence and public speaking.”

Continuing his dramatic education at Costa, Owen decided to join Costa’s ComedySportz Improv team his sophomore year.

“My friends in drama told me they thought I was the right fit for ComedySportz, and it’s become a family to me since I joined,” said Owen.

Owen’s biggest project,his role as a Supporting Actor in the Brat TV show, “Scared Silly”, catapulted his career and inspired his plans for the future. He got this job through his agency, Aqua Talent, and attended a few in-person and zoom auditions to secure the gig.

“It was an awesome experience and opened a lot of doors in the acting world for me,” said Owen.

Rather than applying for acting programs or traditional performing arts conservatories at 4-year colleges, Owen plans to take classes at Santa Monica Community College next year while living in LA and mainly focusing on acting, singing, and piano lessons.

“I’m looking to expand my range and get involved in other forms of entertainment to be more useful as an actor,” said Owen.

His plan lends itself to ideal time and location to hone his craft, allowing for easy access to Hollywood, being a hotspot for casting and shooting TV.

“I wanted to stay focused on what I know is meant for me, and make sure I am living where I see myself most in the future,” said Owen. “I’ve met some of my best friends through acting, and had incredible, life-changing experiences, so I’m not worried about missing out on the classic college experience.”

Owen revealed that at elementary school reunions and other conversations with adults, he has received backlash to his choice, with many unable to see success without customary schooling.

“Its tough, but I know they just don’t understand,” said Owen.“I’m going to do what’s best for me either way, so listening to their criticisms doesn’t do much for me.”

Regardless of others’ views, Owen is confident in pursuing an acting career because he believes in following one’s passion.

“I love acting because I like to make people feel a way they’ve never felt before,” said Owen. “It’s really powerful to be able to access people’s emotions that way.”