Shawn-Caulin Young embodies storytelling in all its forms; he is an actor, a producer, a director, a screenwriter and a coach, yet he will tell you that you never stop (and never should) learning.
He told us about his coaching experience, his future projects and the secrets behind his latest and most difficult role he has ever played (according to him): he plays Crystal in “Heart, Baby!” that tells the real story of the unbeatable Tennessee prison boxer, George Lee Martin, who turns down an opportunity for freedom to fight in the 1984 Olympics, and his best friend Doc, who has a crisis of Faith after he discovers the powerful and shocking reason why George chose to stay inside.
_______________
Let’s start with an “easy” one; what made you want to become an actor?
_______________
When I was growing up I wasn’t the most athletic kid. Far from it actually. I was small, skinny, and not very coordinated. When it came to fitting in and feeling significant, I really struggled to find my place. When I got to high school, I discovered acting. Acting is how I found my voice. Looking back, I think it was the first time I felt like I had something to contribute. Acting made me feel like I mattered.
_______________
What does it mean for you to be a storyteller?
_______________
It’s the reason I am who I am today. Exploring the lives and stories of my fellow humans has not only taught me to find compassion and empathy for others but for myself as well. It’s what inspires me to get out of bed in the morning. I believe being a storyteller is one of the most sacred and honorable professions on the planet. Storytellers show people what it means to feel— to be happy, sad, in love and everything in-between. We’re a mirror for humanity. It’s through our stories that we have the unique ability to inspire, heal, entertain, and remind people what it means to be alive.
_______________
Actor, director, producer and coach, why is it important to be all of that for you opposite to do just one of these professions?
_______________
For me, they’re all one in the same. Sure they require different skill sets and knowledge, but at the end of the day, they’re all a form of storytelling. My goal is to be the best storyteller I can be. Period. I don’t believe in limiting myself with how I can express and show up in the world. That being said, I still have a lot to learn!
_______________
What book would you love to adapt into a film?
_______________
Oh man, that’s a hard one. I think I’d have to say “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. It’s one of my favorite books. I love it because it’s the perfect story of self-liberation.
_______________
As a coach, what is the first thing you say every time you start coaching someone knew? The best memory you have of coaching?
_______________
The first thing I say is usually something like, “I’m here to help you find the most authentic expression of yourself. I may challenge what you think the moment should look like, but that’s not because I want to be right, it’s because I want you to find the most real and relaxed version of who you are in the moment. It’s there that you’re no longer acting, you’re being.” My favorite memory of coaching is from a few years ago when I was working at a kids camp. There was this really talented kid who also happened to be intellectually challenged. He was so inspiring because unlike the other kids, no matter what the story or the moment required, he kept showing up and pushing his own limits. He wasn’t afraid to let us see who he was on the inside. The next day, he came up to me after class and gave me a gift. Then he hugged me and said, “you’ve helped me to dream again.” Needless-to-say, I burst into tears and was a blubbering mess. I don’t think anything will ever top that.
_______________
On “True Detective,” we know you can’t tell us much, but since we are big fans, can you tell us something of what we should expect from the new season? And were you a fan before being cast? How was the vibe on set?
_______________
I’m a huge fan of the show, particularly the first season. When I found out I was cast, my head nearly exploded from the excitement! All I can say is that the new season is going to be like nothing we have ever seen before. It’s raw and very, very real. The vibe on set is magical. The dynamic of cast and crew, specifically Mahershala Ali and Stephen Dorff, is out of this world. I think this may be the best season yet.
_______________
On “Heart, Baby!” how did you prepare to play Crystal? And more in general, do you follow some precise steps when approaching a character or is every time completely different?
_______________
Every role is different and each one requires it’s own amount of time to prepare. So much of what I do as an actor is in the moment. It’s done on the day. I can’t plan a moment or how I’m going to say a specific line, but I can discover who I am as the person I’m portraying. For me, it’s about finding as much freedom from tension as possible. Preparing for the role of Crystal in “Heart, Baby!” was probably the most difficult and insane thing I’ve ever done. I worked on the role for over 6 months before we even started filming. In order to fully embrace her complex female identity, I did everything I could to understand what it was like to walk in the shoes of a woman trapped inside a man’s body. I started my process by interviewing several of my trans friends and people who knew Crystal to better understand her struggles and points of view on life, faith and love. It was from there that I built the foundation of Crystal. I worked with members of the acting and movement faculty at my alma mater, The Hartt School; I learned etiquette, poise and walking techniques from a former Miss America; I practiced female vocalization daily; and studied privately with the famed acting guru, Larry Moss. I immersed myself so completely into the role that I even went as far as changing my physical appearance with hair and eyelash extensions, growing my nails for 6 months, and working with a fitness coach to lose over 25 pounds. I even feminized some of my facial features with cosmetic procedures.
“…the most difficult and insane thing I’ve ever done.”
“I lived my life as a woman through the majority of the process.”
I lived my life as a woman through the majority of the process. I wanted to be as relaxed as possible when it came time to film. I didn’t want to be some actor playing Crystal, I wanted to embody Crystal as freely and fully as I embody myself. That being said, Crystal truly came to life thanks to the talents of many people, including, Robin Matthews, the Academy Award-winning master of make-up, Yolanda Mercadel, the diva of hair, Claire Breaux, costume designer extraordinaire, as well as their respective teams. My time living as Crystal left me both amazed and appalled. I came to some profound realizations regarding gender identification, gender expression, and society’s biased views towards transwomen. I experienced a remarkable liberation from the ways I had previously defined myself… but I also got a shocking glimpse at the discrimination, objectification, degradation, solitude and danger that all women face on a day-to-day basis. I hope the time and dedication I gave to this role brings some awareness to these issues.
_______________
In what way, if any, does it feel different to be part of a project that brings to screen something that has really happened?
_______________
It’s an honor, to say the least, but it’s different than other projects because of the responsibility you have to the people who lived it. My job was to honor Crystal and all of the men and women who lived this story. Any pain or discomfort I may have experienced in the process pales in comparison to anything she or her fellow inmates experienced.
_______________
If you could describe “Heart, Baby!” in just one world, what would it be?
_______________
Love.
_______________
Your must-have on set?
_______________
Patience, music, laughter… and a lot of Sugar-free UPTIME Energy Drinks.
_______________
An epic fail on the job?
_______________
I was working on Netflix series “Godless” and my character was a Norwegian pioneer driving Oxen and a wagon across the American Southwest. During the first take, I got so nervous that instead of me driving the Oxen, the Oxen drove me! In my head, I was like, “this is it Shawn… you’re going to die! If you don’t, then they’re going to fire you!” Luckily, neither of those things happened. Thank God I had a great support network of badass animal wranglers and ADs on set who kept me safe and helped me get it together!
_______________
Your favorite Italian movie?
_______________
“Life is Beautiful.”
_______________
The last series you binge-watched?
_______________
“Here and Now” on HBO.
_______________
The most beautiful thing while filming “True Detective” and “Heart, Baby!”?
_______________
The crew. Don’t get me wrong, I love my fellow actors and all, but it’s always the crew I love most. They do the real work. They are always the first in and the last to leave. Without each and every one of them, no story would ever happen.
_______________
What’s next for Shawn?
_______________
I’m currently finishing up post on my directorial debut, “Standstill.” It’s a short film I wrote, directed and produced about a day in the life of a young woman who is being trafficked in America. It’s a powerful piece that is currently being developed into a feature film.
Credits Photos: Umberto Mantineo
