Read about me!

Hi! I’m Austin, an American actor whose passion for the arts began at just 8 years old. Growing up in the suburban town of Naperville, Illinois, I often felt out of place. While other boys played basketball or video games, I spent my time playing dress up and creating elaborate productions in my basement, complete with costumes, characters, and sets. A local community theater became my second home, where I practically lived throughout middle school, starring in 37 musicals, choreographing six, and assisting in directing 10—all before I turned 15 years old.

Growing up as one of the only gay artistic theater boys in a Midwest suburb came with its share of judgement and adversity. By the end of middle school, my parents encouraged me to get out of my small town and pursue my passion on a bigger stage, which led me to The Chicago Academy for the Arts, a performing arts high school. I commuted hours each day for their rigorous musical theater program, training in voice, dance, and acting, while performing in productions like The Pirates of Penzance, for which I received a nomination from the Illinois High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA) for my performance as The Pirate King, and Cabaret which earned a nod from the Chicago Tribune for my performance as the Emcee and my work as the choreographer for the production. I also fell in love with Shakespeare, tackling roles in As You Like It, Twelfth Night, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

When COVID hit during my junior year, I turned to TikTok as a creative outlet, posting skits, fashion content, and acting videos. Within months, I had over 2 million followers. After graduating, I made my dream move out to Los Angeles to train and study at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts. Additionally, I spent five summers training at Stagedoor Manor (a world renowned performing arts camp in New York). In 2022, I directed my first short film, Where the Stone Path Lies, and starred in the short films Senior Night and I Didn’t Know. One of the most defining educational experiences I’ve had as an actor was the summer of 2023, I spent the summer living in London and training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA). That same year I played the titular role in Everybody by Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins at CalArts.

In 2024, I starred in the short film Through Your Lens while working to complete my BFA. With over 2.4 million followers across my social media, I’ve cultivated an audience that connects with my authenticity. My platforms have become more than just a way to share my journey—they’re spaces where I promote meaningful projects and build connections that enhance my work both on-screen and off. My goal as an actor is to bring truth and depth to every role I play; particularly in portraying empowering, multidimensional LGBTQ+ characters. I want to inspire others—especially those who feel stuck in small towns where they don’t feel seen, as I once was—to dream bigger, push harder, and embrace who they are unapologetically.