Dan Kauss on Being an LGBTQ+ Actor Working and Auditioning in LA

Dan Kauss is a British, LGBTQ+ actor based in LA. His most notable credits include working on season 2 of Ryan Murphy’s Netflix television series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and A Brief History of the Future for PBS. Dan also stars in the upcoming indie projects Haven Hollow and Melody Next Door, directed by Josh LaCount.

Born in Shepshed, Leicestershire in the UK, Dan took early inspiration from American television and film before moving to the U.S. in 2014 to study acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. After graduating, he began working in theater, starring in productions of A Sketch of New York, Temp Cupid and the musical Me and the Girls opposite Alan Cumming.

Currently dividing his time between LA and London, he has also worked in immersive theater, and on the short films The Last Story on Earth, Compulsion, Inside Studio A and the upcoming Dreams Work LLC, before founding his own production company Haus of Kauss in 2021.

In this interview, Dan discusses playing the lead in the upcoming independent short film Haven Hollow, the importance of independent filmmaking and why carving out a career in America holds so much possibility.

Insights From Dan Kauss

Allow time for self discovery — life experience can shape the actor you will become. Don’t be afraid to take risks.

Build your career around your goals, but stay open. As a non-union actor, focus on the quality of the projects that inspire you.

Invest in yourself, take the time to build the right team with representation, say yes to the right opportunities, and don’t be afraid to dream big.

Can you tell us what inspired you to become an actor?

Honestly, I cannot pinpoint an exact moment, it’s just something I’ve always wanted to do. Growing up, I was consumed by TV and film from British soaps to American horror. Yes — my dad got me watching Final Destination, Saw and Scream. I was partly terrified and partly enamored by the absurdist theatrics of it all.

I will say Ian McKellen inspires me as an actor — not only his immense talent, but his personage, too. As a gay man in the 20th century, he was unabashedly himself and succeeded. That’s barrier-breaking stuff! I did meet him once, in passing, he complimented my posture … Does this mean I’ve made it!?

How did your training at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York prepare you for your acting career?

Looking back, I realize just how much my time at the Academy and being in New York shaped me. In so many ways, it truly taught me the essence of acting. The training provided me with a range of techniques and skills from breathwork to dialects to movement. All of which I still draw from to tackle any script and character head on.

I’ll be forever grateful to the instructors that allowed me the space to come out of my comfort zone, and commit to the moment (essentially, I came out of my shell).

Being in New York only amplified my training. I was 19 and living in the Big Apple, an actual dream come true! I fell in love with the city immediately. Those years were incredibly formative for me — I figured out who I was — a time of profound self-discovery. Maybe I see the city with rose-tinted glasses, but I still get giddy thinking about New York.

What influenced your decision to move to the U.S. to become an actor?

Growing up in the Midlands in the UK, the professional opportunities felt out of reach to me. London felt almost as far away as America. I started to think about where I could take my career long-term. The U.S., especially Los Angeles and New York, stood out. The scale of the industry here, the range of roles and the global reach of American film and television were major factors. I wanted to push myself creatively and work in environments where possibilities were wide open (perhaps I had the unconscious notion of the American dream playing in my head). It was a big leap, but I saw it as the best way to grow as an actor and bolster a career long-term.

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You’ve worked in some major cities like New York, London and now LA. What are the key differences and similarities between the various places you’ve worked in?

I am so lucky to have called all these cities home. Each has its own creative identity, and working in all three has shaped me in different, but equally valuable ways. In London, I hustled hard and got involved in immersive theater, which taught me how to connect with audiences in a deeply personal and immediate way.

There’s something uniquely challenging and rewarding about performing in a space where the audience isn’t just watching — they’re part of the experience. It sharpened my ability to stay present, adapt in real time and build characters that feel authentic.

New York, with its fast-paced, high-stakes theater environment, pushed me emotionally and mentally. The intensity of the work there demands that you bring your absolute best to every performance. It’s gritty and passionate, and that energy is infectious.

LA is much more screen-focused, and the work here often revolves around subtlety, nuance and understanding the technical aspects of film and TV (which was exciting to learn). What excites me about LA is the scale — there’s always something in development, and the range of stories being told is massive.

The through line across all three cities is the dedication to craft. Whether it’s an improv show in London, an off-Broadway run in New York or an independent film shoot in LA, everyone is deeply committed to excellence. The styles may differ, but the heart behind the work is the same.

You play the lead in the upcoming independent short film Haven Hollow. What was your experience like filming this project?

Haven Hollow is a wild short! I am so excited for audiences to see it. It is heartwarming, sinister and wacky. Working on the project was so much fun. It’s written by the multi-talented Josh LaCount with the story by my co-lead Lauren Alexandra, who is a fantastic actor.

I filmed my scenes in chronological order, which allowed me to live my character Henry’s arc as he experienced it, which I feel enhanced the end result.

You also played the lead in Melody Next Door, another independent feature film, also directed by Josh LaCount. What was that experience like?

Melody Next Door was the first feature film I worked on, and also the debut feature script by Josh. I played a character called The Music Box Man. From the moment I read the audition sides, I was hooked, I felt an immediate connection to the character, and instinctively knew who he was.

The film is a wonderfully whimsical story with real emotional depth — one that’ll have you laughing and blubbering in equal measure. Working with Josh is an absolute delight. He’s a true multidisciplinary artist (seriously, he can do it all). As a director, he creates such a supportive environment, and really gives you the space to explore and play. It’s a gift for any actor.

You’ve also done some work in prosthetics in the short film The Last Story on Earth. What can you share about that experience?

Aaron Immediato’s The Last Story on Earth was my first experience working with SFX makeup, and what an introduction it was! I played the lead alien character — a gray-headed extraterrestrial — and the transformation took around three hours to apply.

The prosthetics were incredible — huge credit to the talented SFX team who brought the look to life. It was unlike anything I’d done before. I quickly learned how much these prosthetics can affect your senses. I could barely see and couldn’t breathe through my nose — definitely not for the claustrophobic, but once I settled into this new “skin,” I discovered an entirely different way of moving, which ended up feeling surprisingly right for an alien.

The short had a successful festival run, which made the experience all the more rewarding. Truly, an experience and a half!

As a non-union actor, how important is it to you to work on independently produced projects?

Working on independently produced projects is absolutely essential for me as a non-union actor, primarily because it’s one of the best ways to build meaningful, hands-on experience. Indie projects often provide a wide range of roles that might not be available elsewhere, allowing me to develop my skills in a real-world environment.

Beyond just acting, working on indie productions has helped me understand the full scope of filmmaking, from what a grip does to what an assistant director does, and navigating the on-set dynamics. This comprehensive experience is invaluable as I continue to build my career and prepare myself for bigger productions in the future.

Ultimately, independent projects are a vital part of the entertainment landscape. They have allowed me to connect with others, like myself, who are passionately working to build careers as reputable professionals.

Joining an acting union like SAG-AFTRA can have huge benefits to an actor’s career. How important is it to you, to join the union?

Joining SAG-AFTRA is a key goal for me as an actor. The union offers essential protections, fair compensation and access to higher-profile projects that can significantly advance my career.

Beyond that, being part of SAG-AFTRA provides a strong sense of community and professionalism, which I truly value. As an emerging actor, I’m currently auditioning for a range of roles across various projects, and I look forward to joining the union as soon as I become eligible.

Finally, what inspiration can you share for actors looking to work in the U.S., about how to navigate the struggles?

Breaking into the U.S. industry can be challenging, but can be incredibly rewarding if you stay committed and approach it with patience. First and foremost, make sure you have the correct paperwork in place — visas, work authorization, everything — because without that foundation, even the best opportunities can slip through your fingers.

Be yourself! There is no one else with your voice, perspective or energy, and that uniqueness is your greatest asset. Stay grounded in who you are, and don’t try to mold yourself into what you think others want. Building a strong team is also key, which may take time.

Surround yourself with people who understand your goals, believe in your talent and can help you navigate the industry strategically. Whether it’s an agent or manager or both, having the right team can make all the difference.

And finally, keep showing up! Say yes to opportunities that align with your values, stay connected to your craft and trust that progress doesn’t always look linear. The struggles are real, but so are the breakthroughs. I come from a small town in the middle of England, and I’m working in Hollywood. So can you!

Final Takeaways

Dan Kauss’s journey from a small town in the UK to working in Hollywood is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-discovery, and embracing new opportunities. His experiences across major cities, independent projects and different mediums highlight the value of staying open, taking risks and building a supportive network. Here are the highlights from this interview:

Embrace life experience and self-discovery—it shapes your craft as an actor.

Working in diverse cities like London, New York and LA each offers unique challenges and lessons, but all share a dedication to excellence and creativity.

Independent projects are vital for non-union actors, providing hands-on experience, creative freedom and deeper industry understanding.

Building the right team and finding representation is crucial; surround yourself with people who understand and support your goals.

Stay true to yourself, trust your unique perspective, and remain persistent — success in the U.S. industry requires patience, authenticity and resilience.

A huge thank you to Dan for sharing his insight with us. Dan is represented by Terrie Snell at TalentInk. You can find more about him at www.dankauss.com