Taking on on-screen, on-stage, and voice-acting roles, Kayden Kolshelev is an up-and-coming actor who knows how to make the most of his time. And it isn’t just work for Kayden. Alongside appearing in the two-part Netflix saga Rebel Moon and voicing Cory in Disney Jr.’s Firebuds, Kayden has been on a mission to have the most fun-packed summer ever.
From guest appearances at events and on podcasts to family trips, Kayden’s summer vacation has been the perfect collage of work and fun. Let’s spend a summer with Kayden as he takes us back through some of his favorite moments. You might find yourself inspired to take on new interests and adventures.
Showstopper Magazine Online: Kayden, you’ve had a busy summer! How many trips have you been on so far?
Kayden Koshelev: Yes, I have! Whenever things are slow, we try and take advantage with lots of family time. So far this summer we spent some time in Chicago and areas of California like Palm Springs, Orange County, San Francisco, and San Diego.
SMO: Some of your adventures have been in support of friends (including a horse show!). Can you tell us about some of those experiences?
Kayden: I love being out and about supporting my friends. I have so many talented friends, so I go see their shows or dance recitals or, yes, even their equestrian competitions. Also, if they are part of any organizations, I will take part in fundraisers for them.
SMO: What was it like to be a special guest at the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival?
Kayden: It was so much fun! I had never done it before so the whole thing was a treat. I had my own car in the parade. We had a great hotel, and the festival itself was amazing with rides and food and, lastly, strawberry cake.
SMO: What is your favorite strawberry-related treat?
Kayden: I love chocolate-covered strawberries…I could eat them all day!
SMO: What has been your most unexpected trip? Your favorite?
Kayden: Anything work-related is always the most unexpected. One day you wake up thinking you will have a normal day but then you find out you booked something and need to fly out somewhere in a day or two. It can be crazy but always fun! My favorite…that’s hard. I love any trips where I get to see new things or old friends or family, I don’t get to see all the time.
SMO: Your most recent trip took you to visit family in Chicago! What are your top things to do in Chicago?
Kayden: Eat, haha. We ate so much! We spend a lot of time with all of our family, especially my two uncles and cousins! I usually plan a fun day out with my old friends from elementary school and my performing arts school. I have known most of them since I was 4 or 5.
SMO: What do you think are the best qualities of a summer vacation?
Kayden: Having some time to relax but also having fun things to do with people you like spending time with.
SMO: How do you prepare to travel (especially if you have multiple trips planned)?
Kayden: My mom is very organized and usually has everything planned out for us! Sometimes we unpack one suitcase and then follow up by packing another with other things.
SMO: Alongside packing your summer with experiences, you’re also a working actor. Can you tell us what you’ve been up to?
Kayden: This summer, for me at least, has just been a lot of auditions and downtime. The industry hasn’t fully recovered from the strike yet, so auditions are not as consistent or high-volume as they usually are, but still enough to keep me busy! I have been lucky and had quite a few callbacks and work sessions as well as a chem read or two. I am hoping things start to pick back up so I could start working regularly again this fall! I am happy to share that I participated in the 48-hour film festival though where I got to write and act in a short film with two of my best friends.
SMO: Do you have a favorite recent project?
Kayden: This past year I did a lot of theater and voiceovers which I love but I would have to say reprising my role in Drag: the Musical was by far my favorite! That show sold out every night. Every show feels like opening night because there was so much energy at each performance! The cast is the absolute best! I felt like a superstar each night I performed in the show.
SMO: How do you think acting and your love of adventure go together?
Kayden: I’m not as adventurous as it seems. I am just always busy! Haha. I think that they go together so well because every day on set is a new day with new lines and scenes. You also get the opportunity to make new friends with the actors you work with. There is always a new adventure every day as an actor I suppose!
