Striking a balance: ABQ-native Kristin Berg's life is full of drama — just the way she likes it

Being on stage and acting is part of Kristin Berg’s genetic makeup.

It began taking hold in high school as she worked her way through productions.

Though, she remembers being in a play in elementary school.

Striking a balance: ABQ-native Kristin Berg's life is full of drama — just the way she likes it

“I really fell in love with it,” Berg says of acting.

The Albuquerque native then took her talents to Eastern New Mexico University and received a bachelor’s degree in Theater Studies.

“It studied both sides of theater,” she says. “It’s been amazing.”

Berg works alongside Doug Montoya in directing plays for Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company, which works with children and youth on stage.

Aside from being a director and staging theater productions, Berg feeds her acting side by being part of the New Mexico film community.

She signed with her agent, Carissa Mitchell, in 2015.

“The first big thing I worked on was ‘Hell or High Water,’ ” she says. “I’ve been trying to seek out acting opportunities.”

Berg’s most recent film, “Bleeding Love,” is currently streaming on digital platforms.

It tells the story of a father who takes his estranged daughter on a road trip in an effort to get her out of trouble.

Along the way, they meet all types of strangers, as their strained relationship is put to the test.

It stars Clara McGregor and Ewan McGregor and was filmed in New Mexico.

Berg recalls having a call time at 4 a.m. in November to get ready for her scenes in Lamy.

“What’s nicer than doing what you love than in the place you love living,” she says. “I wish it was more often. Being in film and TV is a fun addition to the other things that I do. Sometimes it’s hard and there are early mornings driving to Lamy to be on set.”

Berg auditioned for the part in “Bleeding Love” with casting director Angelique Midthunder.

“When I auditioned, I wore cat ears,” she says. “I waited a few weeks and I totally didn’t think I got the role of the mom.”

When Berg auditioned for the production, it was called “Pearblossom Highway.”

“The role was for a mother of a family that was on the way to Roswell for the Alien Festival,” she says. “I gave her a Texas accent and because I went to school in Portales, I picked up the accent very fast.”

After years of being in the arts, Berg is still amazed at how different each set is.

“When you are on an independent film, everyone is excited that a film is actually being made,” she says. “When it’s big budget, the excitement is still there, but you sit in your trailer until they are ready to make a movie.”

Berg enjoys collaboration in everything she does – whether it’s in plays or in film productions.

“With theater, you collaborate with others for months at a time,” she says. “With film, if I’m a day player, then I have one shot to make an impression.”

Berg does have goals for herself in the film industry.

She’s hoping to snag a recurring role on one of the many productions going on in the state.

“Every actor would like to work more,” she says. “For us locals, we’d love to work more often. With more studios coming here, hopefully that will start happening. We’re a little luckier here because film productions can make things faster. They aren’t sharing so much space with other productions.”

Berg does see one downside to achieving one of her goals.

“I imagine if I booked a series or a sitcom as a recurring character,” she says. “It would be great, but I know that I wouldn’t get to do theater as much anymore. It’s a weird place to think about. The end goal is to keep running my children’s theater and improv theater while getting a recurring role. I’ll find a balance.”

SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART.