Today we’d like to introduce you to Rainey Mangan.
Hi Rainey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t performing. As far back as I can remember, I was putting on comedy routines and karaoke shows for my parents and their friends. My dad and I would play music together—him on the guitar and me singing—long before I fully understood what performing meant.
When I was 11, I told my mom I wanted to be a voice actor, and I remember her asking me what that even was. That moment marked the beginning of the journey that has brought me to where I am today, and it has truly been an incredible experience.
Since then, I have had the opportunity to study various aspects of the performing arts through summer intensives at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, focusing on both Music and Drama. I have also participated in professional masterclasses and trained as a voice actor with Gina Scarpa and other industry professionals.
In addition to my training, I’ve been actively involved in theater, including performing in Pippin, a production that won a Blumey Award. I’ve also participated in a number of meaningful community theater programs that have helped me grow as both a performer and an artist.
This fall, I will begin my senior year in the Music Program at the UNC School of the Arts, and I couldn’t be more excited about where this path will take me next.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t describe my journey as smooth. This is a difficult path for anyone—but especially for a young person. My parents tried to prepare me for the rejection and the challenges, but there’s really no way to fully understand it until you experience it yourself.
Every time you don’t get the lead—or even just a part—it’s hard not to take it personally. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of asking, “Why wasn’t I good enough?” I have to work hard to not let myself go down that path.
What keeps me going—what makes me continue to pursue what some might see as an impossible dream—is the incredible connection that comes from being in a production, whether it’s music or theater, with a group of people. There is truly nothing like it.
In my experience, those connections turn into lasting friendships, sometimes even lifelong ones. That sense of belonging—of connection, of family, of finding where you fit—feeds my soul and keeps me coming back for more.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am probably best known for my voiceover work, particularly in commercials and animation. Over the years, I’ve developed a range of characters that people have come to recognize. Unlike many others my age, I am extremely driven and focused, and I started in this industry at a very young age, which has given me a different perspective than most.
Of course, as I’ve grown, that perspective has continued to evolve and mature with me. But at its core, my passion, work ethic, and dedication to performing have never changed. I am constantly looking for ways to improve, challenge myself, and bring something new to every project I’m a part of.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Staying busy and continuing to work and grow is incredibly important to me. I absolutely love what I do, and I learn something new from it every day. I feel most productive when I have several projects in progress at once, so you’ll rarely find me relaxing in front of the TV. Don’t get me wrong—there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that—it’s just not how I’m wired.
I need to stay engaged and connected, whether that’s participating in a community theater production, working on a new piece for Chamber Choir, volunteering with the Cabarrus Youth Commission, or performing with the praise band at church. These are the experiences that truly fulfill me.
Being involved in these activities allows me to give back a small portion of the blessings I’ve received in my life so far, and that sense of purpose continues to motivate me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raineymangan.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raineymangan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rainey.mangan
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rainey-mangan-b077a8346/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raineymangan1076
