At just 15 years old, Kayden Koshelev has built an impressive resume with recurring roles on major series like HBO Max’s SEARCH PARTY and Disney’s FIREBUDS. He’s worked alongside industry heavyweights such as Kevin Hart in Netflix’s ME TIME and earned guest-star credits on HOW I MET YOUR FATHER, BUNK’D, and CHICAGO MED. Notable for his lead role in DRAG THE MUSICAL at the Bourbon Room, Kayden is a versatile performer who seamlessly transitions between drama, comedy, voiceover work, and musical theatre. Beyond acting, Kayden is a martial artist, gamer, and avid writer. He’s also passionate about youth mental health and proudly supports organizations like City Year. Kayden’s combination of talent, professionalism, and unique creativity makes him a standout both on screen and on stage
HI KAYDEN KOSHELEV, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO OUR READERS. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE ACTING AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE?
Well since I was really young I always knew that acting is what I wanted to do and I would see people in commercials and shows and basically say I want to do that. So my mom really allowed me to follow my dreams and ever since then it’s been my passion.
YOU’VE WORKED ON SOME INCREDIBLE PROJECTS LIKE SEARCH PARTY AND FIREBUDS. WHICH ROLE HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE FOR YOU SO FAR, AND WHY?
I would have to say Search Party has been one of the most memorable things I’ve ever done because of how unique the character was and how much I just enjoyed being on the set with all of those amazing people.
YOUR VERSATILITY AS AN ACTOR SPANS DRAMA, COMEDY, VOICEOVER, AND MUSICAL THEATRE. HOW DO YOU APPROACH PREPARING FOR SUCH DIVERSE ROLES?
I think that since I’ve been doing it for so long now prepping for being on stage or set has become a lot more natural to me even when it comes to different genres or even different crafts. That being said, I still can struggle sometimes with bouncing to different types of projects but what I personally do is just try to live in the moment to the best of my ability.
STARRING IN DRAG THE MUSICAL SOUNDS LIKE A UNIQUE AND EXCITING EXPERIENCE. CAN YOU SHARE WHAT THAT ROLE MEANT TO YOU AND HOW IT CHALLENGED YOU AS A PERFORMER?
I can’t even begin to say how wonderful of an experience Drag the Musical was for me. I really loved working with such talented people who I’m so grateful that I got to meet. It was also just such a fun show to do and it was so unique.
YOU’VE WORKED WITH MAJOR STARS LIKE KEVIN HART IN ME TIME. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED FROM COLLABORATING WITH SUCH SEASONED PROFESSIONALS?
What truly inspires me from watching them work is how effortless they look in front of the camera and just overall how natural they are. Kevin hart especially was so fun to watch and get to be in a scene with.
ACTING ASIDE, YOU’RE A MARTIAL ARTIST, GAMER, AND WRITER. HOW DO THESE HOBBIES INFLUENCE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS OR ACTING CAREER?
I truly believe that in the world of acting, the more hobbies you have the better because you never know when something that you considered a fun thing that you like to do could give you a leg up or even help you create projects for yourself. For example I got an audition for a martial artist that I would never have gotten if I wouldn’t have been taking martial arts. They already want to actors to be pretty well versed so it certainly be helpful to have a large arsenal of skills.
MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY IS CLOSE TO YOUR HEART, ESPECIALLY SUPPORTING YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS LIKE CITY YEAR. WHAT INSPIRED THIS PASSION, AND HOW DO YOU USE YOUR PLATFORM TO PROMOTE IT?
Mental health is something that is extremely important to me because I have struggled with that myself and amazing organizations really inspire me to want to help their cause for people who go through similar things. City Year is amazing because it puts mentors in schools and can really help struggling students with their educational skills and in turn their overall mental health and self-esteem.
BALANCING A SUCCESSFUL CAREER AT JUST 15 MUST BE CHALLENGING. HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR TIME BETWEEN ACTING, SCHOOL, AND PERSONAL LIFE?
No matter how much you love it you do have to sacrifice certain things to pursue a full time career at such a young age. For example, being home schooled can sometimes lead to a disconnect from other kids my age. However, I like to think that I’m still pretty good at balancing my social life and still getting time to just be a kid. I have great friends and plan lots of fun things all the time. I take classes all over LA and meet so many awesome people.
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT KIND OF PROJECTS OR ROLES EXCITE YOU THE MOST, AND WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR CAREER HEADING IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS?
Honestly I’m really just looking forward to whatever is going to come my way and I just really hope that if I continue to put in hard work, that I will continue to be successful. Success to me is just being able to work regularly. I love going project to project and see where each one leads me next.
