Megan Stalter, an actor and comedian famous for her role as Kayla in 'Hacks,' shares insights about her journey in comedy and acting. She discusses her new film 'Cora Bora,' exploring themes of love and identity as a singer-songwriter in a challenging long-distance relationship. Stalter reflects on her upbringing in a Pentecostal church and the unique blend of faith and queer identity. With humor, she navigates themes of confidence and vulnerability on stage, showcasing the importance of self-awareness in her performances.
Megan Stalter's character Kayla in 'Hacks' exemplifies the blend of charm and incompetence, challenging traditional norms of professionalism in comedy.
In 'Cora Bora', Stalter explores themes of love and identity, portraying a singer-songwriter navigating the complexities of long-distance relationships and personal growth.
Deep dives
The Charm of Incompetence
Megan Stalter's performances often revolve around characters who are excessively self-confident yet profoundly incompetent, a blend that generates both humor and intrigue. One notable example is her role as Kayla Shafer in the show 'Hacks', where her character's inappropriate behavior and job incompetence challenge traditional portrayals of professionalism. Despite her character's flaws, Stalter's charm and delivery make Kayla endearing, as she embodies a mix of sass and emotional vulnerability. This juxtaposition not only highlights Stalter's comedic range but also resonates with audiences who appreciate flawed characters that strive for connection even amid chaos.
Exploring Melanie's Journey in 'Cora Bora'
In the film 'Cora Bora', Stalter portrays a character who navigates the complexities of long-distance relationships and self-discovery. As Cora tries to establish her career as a singer-songwriter in LA while fighting against the fear of losing her girlfriend Justine, the narrative captures themes of love, insecurity, and personal growth. When Cora returns to Portland and is confronted with a new woman in Justine's life, it creates conflict and highlights her insecurities. Stalter's portrayal brings depth to Cora, showcasing how personal struggles can manifest in chaotic environments.
Balancing Confidence and Vulnerability
Stalter candidly discusses the duality of confidence and vulnerability in her performances, often portraying characters that appear self-assured on stage but are fraught with insecurities. She reflects on her early days as a performer, where her delusional confidence initially masked her inexperience, suggesting that this blend has shaped her artistic identity. This complicated relationship between being on stage and experiencing self-doubt enables her to connect with audiences on a deeper level. Stalter reveals that this exploration of her characters often leads to self-acceptance and embracing her true self.
Spirituality and Identity in the Queer Community
Stalter shares her experiences growing up in a Pentecostal church, where she developed a strong spiritual connection despite the complex relationship many in the queer community have with organized religion. She articulates a desire to connect with something greater while acknowledging the pain that often accompanies religious trauma for LGBTQ+ individuals. This theme resonates with her understanding that spirituality can coexist with a queer identity, and she expresses a longing for inclusive spaces that embrace both. Stalter's reflections highlight the intersection of faith and identity, revealing her commitment to fostering acceptance and connection within the community.
Megan Stalter is an actor and comedian. She plays Kayla Schaefer on the hit show Hacks, the wildly inappropriate, yet charming assistant to Paul W. Downs' manager character. Stalter also stars in the new film Cora Bora. She plays the title character, a singer/songwriter in a long distance relationship that she senses is in trouble. Megan Stalter joins us to talk about the film, her time on Hacks, and so much more.