Avery Konrad of ‘FROM’: Dyslexia Taught Me That Unique Perspectives Are the True Engine of Storytelling

As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Avery Konrad.

From bringing characters to life in film and television to performing on stage, Avery Konrad is quickly becoming “one to watch” in the entertainment industry. This year, Konrad can be seen starring in Epix’s contemporary sci-fi horror series, “FROM”. The series unravels the mystery of a nightmarish town in middle America that traps all those who enter. As the unwilling residents fight to keep a sense of normalcy and search for a way out, they must also survive the threats of the surrounding forest — including the terrifying creatures that come out when the sun goes down. Konrad shines as Sara Myers, a true wildcard among the town’s residents: some think her mind was simply fractured by the residents of the town; others wonder if, in her madness, Sara is closer to the secrets of this place than anyone else. “FROM” premieres on February 20, 2022.

In film, Konrad is set to star in Paramount+ “Honor Society”, alongside Angourie Rice (Mare of Eas*own), Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things, Prank Encounters), and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Super Bad, Kick- Ass). The film tells the story of Honor (Rice), a high school senior whose sole focus is geYng into Harvard. Willing to do whatever it takes, Honor plans to take down her top three student compe[tors, un[l things take a turn when she unexpectedly falls for her biggest compe[[on. “Honor Society”is slated to release in late 2022.

Additionally, Konrad was recently seen as Chance Sinclair, leading Amazon’s horror-thriller, “Broil”, opposite Timothy Murphy and Jonathan Lipnicki. The film premiered in fall 2020 and follows Chance a^er she is sent to live with her reclusive grandfather (Murphy). As she seeks to uncover the true origin of her eccentric grandfather’s exorbitant wealth — and a mysterious familial health condi[on going back genera[ons — she is caught between two warring fac[ons of the family. Konrad was also seen portraying Roan Harper, sister to Julie`e Lewis, in the acclaimed Facebook Watch series, “Sacred Lies: The Singing Bones”. The series received rave reviews and was included in Paste Magazine’s, “12 Best TV Shows on Facebook Watch”. Addi[onal credits include recurring roles in ABC’s “The Good Doctor, Neelix’s “Van Helsing”, and CBC’s “Unspeakable”.

Born in Vancouver, Konrad was bit by the ac[ng bug at a young age, when she took an intensive at the Vancouver Film School and performed her first monologue. The experience felt magical to her and that spark s[ll remains to this day. Konrad landed her first role as Gina Sarland in R.L Stein’s “The Haun[ng Hour” series (2012) and has been working ever since.

Aside from her work in film and television, Konrad is an accomplished dancer. Extensively trained in all styles of dance, she fell in love with the art form at three years old and competed throughout her childhood, garnering numerous awards and scholarships. She has also worked on several music videos and performances with her dance career. When her childhood friends opened Legacy Dance Produc[ons in her hometown, she began teaching dance to children, which has grown into a huge passion for her to this day. She especially loves serving as a mentor to the next genera[on, on and off stage, shaping their growth through dance and helping them reach their goals.

Growing up in an environment where crea[vity was celebrated has shaped Konrad into the person she is today, and she is grateful to have always had the support of her family in pursuing ac[ng as a career.

Konrad currently resides in the Vancouver area.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I grew up in a small town outside of Vancouver B.C I was home-schooled from grade 1–12 and taught by my amazing mom. She taught me everything I know and am so thankful she allowed space for my older brother and I to be creative.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

Now looking back, I was always performing growing up. I used to memorize comedy sketches and perform them for my friends. I took my first acting class at a young age and it was the first time I branched out and did something on my own. Acting was the first place I ever felt like I understood something. I’m dyslexic school work was a struggle for me, what I love about storytelling is that a unique way of looking at something is celebrated and encouraged. There is never a right or wrong answer.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

I was a huge fan of LOST!! My family and I would have people over to our house every week for “LOST night” To be working Jack Bender, Jeff Pinkner and Harold Perrineau on FROM is absolutely insane to me and a dream come true!

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I have made numerous mistakes in the audition room. Nothing specific that comes to mind. ( I have probably suppressed them all hahah) I think the lesson would be to always keep going and that mistakes are human and our job is to be human. Take a breath and keep going!

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

My most interesting and exciting project would be the new series on EPIX premiering February 20th “FROM” it’s a contemporary sci-fi horror series set in a nightmarish small town in middle America that traps all who enter. As the unwilling residents fight to keep a sense of normalcy and search for a way out, they must also survive the threats of the surrounding forest. My character’s name is Sara. She is a true wildcard among the town’s residents: some think her mind was simply fractured by the nightmare of the town; others wonder if, in her madness, she’s closer to the secrets of this place than anyone else.

You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?

Failure is inevitable. Embrace it and learn from it. It will only make you stronger in the end.

We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?

Media is all we consume these days and it starts younger and younger all the time. The more diversity we have behind the camera will lead to more in front of the camera. I hope more stories can be told through different eyes so kids no matter their race or gender can see themselves represented and have a story to connect to. I also would like to advocate for more diversified artists in the hair and makeup department when it comes to film and t.v. No matter your hair texture or skin color every actor should show up to set feeling confident they will be taken care of.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

Sometimes no matter how many people tell you things. Until you go through it yourself you won’t understand. The more practice and experience you get the more you will know how to navigate situations. With that being said a big one would be to stand up for yourself if you feel uncomfortable in a situation.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

This is one of the biggest challenges I’m working on right now. The best advice I have been given and could pass along is as simple as taking care of yourself first. That sounds easier than it is…Believe me. Your mental and physical health is so important and not to neglect it. I’m guilty of it for sure. Make sure you’re setting time aside for yourself. My next thing would be it’s okay to say no. If you don’t have the energy. It’s so important to rest!

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I touched on this before. Being dyslexic is challenging in a school system that isn’t built for kids who learn differently. Starting a movement for kids who need more hands-on help and being taught in a way that makes sense for them is something I would love to be a part of.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I’m forever grateful for my mom. She has always encouraged me to pursue what I’m passionate about and believed in me and dedicated so much time to help me reach my goals. I’m also so grateful for my acting coach Deb Podowski she has pushed me out of countless comfort zones and offers continuous guidance and support.

Can you please give us your favourite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

I think the age-old “Always trust your gut instinct” always listen to it. It’s always right…always.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

The first person who comes to mind is singer-songwriter Kehlani. I love her music and she seems really down-to-earth and a fun person to be around.

How can our readers follow you online?

You can follow me at aveskonrad on Instagram and Twitter!

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!