Meet Janelle Kloth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Kloth.

Hi Janelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello everyone! What is there to tell about me? Well, I was born in Bloomingdale, Illinois. Had a great time chilling there until I moved to Appleton, Wisconsin. I have always been a performer but I spent most of my elementary years doing what any kid likes, playing soccer, going on slip n slides, building pillow forts and getting ice cream from the ice cream truck. (where are those in MN??) I was a huge tomboy at this age so I liked all that kind of stuff skateboarding, getting dirty, digging for stuff in the woods. Once we moved to Minnesota I felt like I was at home. My parents were originally from here so they were always trying to get back.

Growing up in MN was great. I so enjoyed having all 4 seasons (winter is my fav unpopular opinion I know) and the beautiful nature. I attended Chanhassen High School. My favorite subject in school was always History I used to read the textbook for fun lol. I also was an avid basketball player that was my sport and I loved it! I’ve always been an extrovert, loud and rambunctious girl. So my senior year of high school I did the musical and it was the best decision I made. It opened my eyes to the thought of performing. I call it my Troy Bolton story because I was the basketball girl who tried out for theatre. (I appreciate whoever knows that.)

I attended the University of Minnesota Duluth for college and graduated with a degree in Communications and Spanish. I had a great time at school and most of my friends were music and theatre kids but I never did that while at school. I always told myself that it wasn’t a realistic job for the future. Not until I graduated and started working at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is when everything changed. I took an improv class and that sealed it for my love of entertainment.

In 2018 I officially decided I was going to pursue entertainment/acting. I also work at Barnes and Noble for the consistent job you know how it is.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an actor is a huge challenge. People think one of two ways: either that looks so easy I could do it (especially when they watch something good) or they think it’s terrifying I could never. So if you think it’s easy it is not I can assure you. One of the biggest struggles I had was actually choosing to do it. Society really pushes against pursuing something so risky. It was a big deal when I declared it. I am happy with that decision now because I know this is what I’m meant to be doing.

But that brings me to the other hard part about acting. Actually getting gigs and opportunities. It’s a grind y’all!! In the beginning, I really had no idea where to start or what I was doing honestly. So it was stressful but I kept pushing forward because that’s really all you can do. The highs of acting are high and the lows are really low. Getting so many no’s when you audition or being told they are going in a different direction when you know you would be good for the part is an awful feeling. But you keep pushing because getting that yes reminds you why you’re doing this.

The biggest challenge would have to be the comparison to others. This business is very subjective and it gets to you. I try my best not to think about it but when you see others you know killing it and doing exactly what you want to be doing it hurts. Luckily I’ve learned that there is enough for everyone and I remind myself that I’m sure people look at me the same way sometimes. These struggles all still happen to me but each year I learn to manage them better. The hustle is work but it will pay off someday.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an actor/entertainer. I put those two together because I enjoy participating in the whole entertainment industry. Whatever you can think of I am doing. Film, TV, theatre, voiceover, commercial, improv, dancing, comedy, singing, hosting, cosplay, etc. It can be a lot but I just love doing it. With that being said I do have my favorite. Improv is my go to, I believe it’s what I’m best at. I love the freedom you have and how crazy things can get. You can have confidence and stage presence. Plus it’s hilarious. I have been doing improv the longest and have the most experience in it. But more recently I have gotten really into dancing. At the beginning of the pandemic, I discovered K-Pop and really fell down the rabbit hole of BTS. Since then I have really put an effort into hip hop dance and choreograph my own dances now. I would say a lot of people know me from those since I post them everywhere I can.

What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come. I am actually doing work in the industry and it’s consistent. That is a huge deal for me. Because in the beginning I was so dang lost and confused. We all start somewhere I know but man it feels good to have my feet on the ground a little better.

What sets me apart from others is my personality and communication. That’s honestly it. There are much better actors than myself. And I am hopefully on my way to being one but I work hard to make my interactions with everyone positive, fun, and time well spent. I use my college degree everyday and I’ll always stress how important it is. I genuinely care about everyone I meet.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
If you’re an actor in the Twin Cities it is not hard to find others like you. Literally just pick anyone who is further along in their career than you and they could be your mentor. The amount of people who have helped me figure this out is immense but there will always be only a couple who really give you their all……hang on to them. Honestly hit me up if you want! I’d be happy to chat.

As for networking. That’s what it’s all about. Ya gotta have skill but you gotta also talk to everyone. Take classes, go to shows, events, concerts. It doesn’t matter but put yourself out there. Also social media works. I hate doing it I really do but it makes the difference. So many groups that you can be a part of that post auditions. Be on the socials and keep them clean.

Lastly getting an agent is helpful. There are quite a few in the cities. Look them up and get on the roster.

Contact Info:

• Email: janelle.kloth@gmail.com
• Website: https://linktr.ee/janelle.kloth
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janellekloth/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janelle.kloth
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/janellekloth
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC9AcdAIctE37yFCK1GAopg/featured

Image Credits
Dani Werner