NYC Actress Kaisha S. Huguley on Hunkering Down During COVID-19 Pandemic

As the COVID-19 death toll rises in New York City, many performers are seconding guessing the safety of the city they call home.

For some artists, it was easy to make the decision to leave New York. For others, it wasn’t as black and white.

So I caught up with fellow performer, Kaisha S. Huguley, on why she decided to hunker down in New York City, how she’s coping in quarantine, and how she anticipates the future of the theatre industry.

Read our conversation below.

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Kaisha S. Huguley

Where are you spending your time in quarantine?

I’m currently spending my time in quarantine in New York City.

How has the pandemic changed your way of life? How are you coping?

I was telling my husband the other day, I don’t think I’ve ever been in our apartment this much. I’m definitely a “let’s hit the pavement” kind of girl, so sometimes being in the house makes me feel like I’m not doing anything. However, I’m finding ways to be creative with this time so that I work and get rest. Some days are really good and other days it takes me 3 hours to get in the shower. One of the things that helps me cope is to be really intentional about giving myself grace. Perfectionism is an area I constantly struggle with, so it’s more important now, than ever, that I give myself grace, patience, and love.

You are living in one of the most infected areas in the US, so you know firsthand what it’s like being in the heart of the pandemic. What would you say to Americans in states like Ohio, Michigan, Colorado etc. who are protesting lockdowns?

I would strongly urge the Americans who are protesting lockdowns to have a seat. Covid-19 is not some frivolous game and it ought to be taken seriously. Yes, the lockdown is hurting the economy, but more importantly than the economy, it’s taking the lives the people all over the world. I think exercising precaution at the expense of the economy is the better than risking anyone’s lives. It’s going to take awhile for the world to rebound from this, however, it’s not impossible. I think the states protesting the lockdown need to have more patience and consider the value of lives over the value of money.

Nonessential businesses have shut down, the MTA has reduced subway service, and still life must go on. How are you safely getting your essentials?

My husband and I go to Trader Joe’s once a week via Uber. We haven’t been on the MTA since the quarantine began. Although we’ve heard the MTA is taking extra precautions, we felt like taking Ubers was a better option to get to the grocery store. Other than going to the grocery store, we don’t really have a need to go anywhere we can’t walk to. We walk to the post office and Duane Reade, but honestly that’s the most we do. Target and Amazon have been key in helping us get essentials to our home without having to travel to get them.

Are you happy with how NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo is handling the pandemic?

I am very happy with how Gov. Andrew Cuomo is handling the pandemic. I think he has shown himself to be a true leader during this time. Even though things have been pretty hectic in New York, I do believe Gov. Cuomo’s leadership has helped New York navigate this crisis as best as it can. When I start to get down about how things are, I often think of these words from Governor Cuomo: 

"And we're going to get through it because we are New York, and because we've dealt with a lot of things, and because we are smart. You have to be smart to make it in New York. And we are resourceful, and we are showing how resourceful we are. And because we are united, and when you are united, there is nothing you can't do. And because we are New York tough. We are tough. You have to be tough. This place makes you tough. But it makes you tough in a good way. 

We're going to make it because I love New York, and I love New York because New York loves you. "New York loves all of you. Black and white and brown and Asian and short and tall and gay and straight. New York loves everyone. That's why I love New York. It always has, it always will. And at the end of the day, my friends, even if it is a long day, and this is a long day, love wins. Always. And it will win again through this virus.

Did you lose any contracted performance work due to the pandemic?

I was scheduled to perform as Mama Euralie in Once on This Island at 54 Below and in the ensemble (Pat/Trish U/S) of Kinky Boots at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Neither have been cancelled at this point, simply postponed - so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that those shows will go on!

Do you still have any other sources of income that are helping sustain you through this crisis?

Thankfully, yes. I am a part time faculty member at The American Musical & Dramatic Academy where I teach courses on the business of the acting industry. Since our institution is fully in session virtually, I’m very grateful I’m able to work from home. 

Have you had to file for unemployment? Have you had any success?

I have not filed for unemployment, however, my husband had to because all of his work has been suspended which made us take a big hit. Luckily, he did have success in receiving unemployment.

If you're a member of Actors’ Equity: do you think the union is doing enough to serve and protect its members given the circumstances?

I am not a part of Actor’s Equity Association, however, the show I was scheduled to do this spring would have earned me equity points. I’m really praying that the show goes on because it will help me to take the next step in my acting career.

What are your biggest concerns with the theatre industry moving forward?

Throughout this quarantine I definitely have had a few concerns cross my mind. I quit my job with the federal government in 2017 to move to New York to be on Broadway. I sacrificed A LOT to move here to pursue this field and the idea that Broadway could forever be changed by this crisis really started to scare me. The idea that jobs on Broadway (and beyond) may cease to exist in some cases or potentially become limited is very frightening. However, one thing I know about this community is that we are STRONG and we will get through this TOGETHER. Things will look a lot different on the other side of this, but no matter what - this community will always be just that - a community. That’s what I’m clinging hard to.

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Kaisha S. Huguley is a New York based actor, entrepreneur, creative, and educator. People know her as the girl who quit her full-time job with the federal government to become an actor.

Since graduating from The American Musical & Dramatic Academy in 2018, Kaisha made her Off-Broadway Debut in Revelation The Musical and has performed in The Full Monty & Miracle on 34th Street at The Argyle Theatre. When Kaisha is not stage, she’s creating content for her online fanbase on her podcast: “A Kaisha Story” and her blog (KaishaCreates.com). She finds enjoyment in creating authentic and inspirational content documenting her journey to making her Broadway dreams a reality. 

The best way to connect with Kaisha is through Instagram. It’s where she hangs out the most :) @KaishaCreates