Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
A proud native of Inglewood, California, Kayla Manuel began her journey in the entertainment industry as a child, training in various Los Angeles performing arts programs and dance schools under the tutelage of Debbie Allen and Alvin Ailey. Kayla’s early involvement in the arts included being featured in Debbie Allen’s “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker,” which aired on BET.
Kayla then pursued higher education at Long Beach State University, where she graduated from the Theatre Arts program and received the Dramatic Allied Arts Guild scholarship for Fine Arts in Acting. Since then she has performed in numerous theater productions, including “Good Boys and True” directed by Hugh O’Gorman, “Polaroid Stories” written by Naomi Iizuka, “Antigone X” written by Paula Cizmar, and a Canadian tour remake of “The Little Prince,” titled “FLIGHT.”
On the rise, Kayla has made on-screen appearances including commercials for Apple and Dove Men+Care, which aired during Super Bowl XLIX on NBC, as well as for Instacart. She first made her film debut in the award-winning short film “Justice Delayed,” directed by Janine Anne Uyanga and Phyllis Bancroft’s …with Salt.
Outside of acting Kayla loves yoga, art exhibits, creative directing music videos, spending time with family, and building her wellness and holistic brand Grounded Closet. Kayla’s advocacy for change in her community has led her to earn a master’s degree in education, where she’s actively involved in shaping the future lives of children in inner city Los Angeles schools.
1. Kayla welcome to OLC! Now In “Wild West Chronicles,” you portray Cassie, a young woman who faces a tragic fate. How did you approach preparing for such a complex and emotional role?
Honestly, I approached preparing for a complex role like Cassie in Wild West Chronicles by doing lots of research. I had to dive deep and get information on what Black women were like in the 1800s—how they talked, how they dressed. This fascinated me about the role, because it was different from how I act as a Gen Z/ Millennial black woman. It was a fun dynamic to step into, and I can’t wait to have more roles that challenge me as much as this one.
2. The story of Bass Reeves, the first Black U.S. Marshal, is a pivotal part of American history. How did it feel to be part of a show that highlights this important figure, and what do you hope audiences take away from the series?
I felt honored to be chosen to help tell this historic story. We filmed the project during Black History Month, and on set, you could feel the cast and crew’s energy and power. We were diving into history and were very respectful and delicate while telling the story. I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity.
3. Cassie’s journey is central to the plot of “Wild West Chronicles.” Can you share how you connected with her character’s experience of getting married too young and the impact of her husband’s jealousy?
I connected with Cassie’s love for life and loving fully with her heart. I connected with her vibrancy and unapologetic views. She eventually stood up and spoke up for herself before the love story took a turn. I can see how being young and trying to figure life out can be overwhelming, but when you jump first and think about the outcome later, fun things and even risks can be in store.
4. You’ve worked with renowned mentors like Debbie Allen and Alvin Ailey. How has your early training in dance and performing arts influenced your acting career?
My early training paved the way for my work ethic, professionalism, and learning to hone in on my gifts and not hold back my power. Waking up every day to go to school and going to dance class after school kept me out of trouble. I was too busy to hang out after school or get caught up because I had rehearsal. So, growing up into the actor I am today broke down barriers for me to advocate for myself and move with ease. I’ve done the work, and now I can have fun and let my skills speak for themselves. The training gave me the ability to trust my gut. I’m always a student and lifelong learner, and having that training provided a solid foundation for me.
5. In your previous work, such as “The Merge,” you played two characters in a single role. What challenges did that present, and how did that experience shape your approach to future roles?
-Yes, I got the opportunity to star in the award-winning short film “The Merge,” directed by the fantastic Phyllis Bandcroft. It’s a film where I play two characters, and I am the only character in the movie. It was a dream and challenge. The film is based on a young woman who lacks motivation to move through life until she has the guidance of her higher self, “Elonia,” to help guide her through and help her merge into her higher frequency. This experience enhanced my ability to adapt and be specific with my acting choices. Playing with two characters, I had to remember their differences and what makes them unique. I also had to sharpen my skills with rewrites and edits to the script, which tested my memorization and intensity in delivering under any circumstance.
6. Beyond acting, you are involved in yoga, wellness, and advocacy for inner-city schools in Los Angeles. How do these passions intersect with your work in the entertainment industry?
-My passions intersect because I’m planting the seeds to being not just an actress but an overall
Advocate, Philanthropist, and Mogul. I look to pass down opportunities to scholars and individuals I can influence and provide resources to support educational incentives and raise awareness of mental health and the power of performing arts. I take pride in representing other little black girls and showing them what perseverance, sacrifice, and determination can do when you stay true to yourself.
7. You’ve starred in commercials for major brands like Apple and Dove Men+Care. How do you balance your commercial work with your roles in more narrative-driven projects like “Wild West Chronicles”?
-They are both so different commercials; for the most part, they have a less extensive audition process. They often like to choose a specific type and personality. With Narrative-driven projects, you are putting on a new layer of skin, and the audition process has a little more preparation, annotation, and a more profound character development. Its still story telling but in very different ways. I enjoy them both.
8. With your upcoming role in a Sci-Fi film, what excites you most about shifting genres, and how do you prepare to tackle diverse roles across different genres?
What excites me the most is seeing all the elements come together. While filming the sci-fi project, you only know the final product once it is complete. I’m excited to continue being a part of projects creatively pushing the needle forward and bringing a different perspective to such a fun genre.
9. As someone who is also building a wellness brand and working in education, what advice would you give to other artists seeking to balance their creative careers with other personal passions?
Staying the course means not giving up. Juggling all of these hats and preparation is hard work but very rewarding. It takes a level of tenacity to never give up even when everything is pointing towards giving up. What I find helpful is loving the work I do. I’m passionate and enjoy the process of being creative. I always try to remember my “why” for doing things because it constantly reminds me why I can’t afford to give up. It’s a challenge balancing everything, so work-life balance and setting boundaries are vital. Putting things in buckets and organizing them helps with navigating so many passions.
Social: INSTAGRAM
