Caitlin Shorey is an incredible young Pennsylvania based actress that you should know about. She has quickly made a name for herself with buzzworthy roles in television and film. Caitlin has taken 2022 by storm! She made her television debut as the younger version of Clare Abshire in the new HBO limited series, The Time Traveler's Wife, adapted by Audrey Niffenegger's novel and later this year, will make her feature film debut in Mr. Harrigan's Phone, Netflix's film adaptation of the short story by Stephen King. Caitlin’s dedication extends beyond her accomplishments as an actress. She is passionate about philanthropy and is committed to giving back. Since 2018, she has been supporting Inheritance of Hope, sparked by her mother being diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer. In June 2021, she sang to her mom for the last time at a virtual cabaret. Caitlin continues to raise money and awareness so IOH can serve many more families. You will want to continue reading below to learn more about Caitlin Shorey!

Where are you based?
I live in central Pennsylvania.

How did you get interested in acting?
I got into acting through singing. I sang in various natural pageants and cabarets. I started adding more acting in my performance, and I really enjoyed it. That led me to local musical theater, then during the pandemic I decided to try on-camera acting.

Taking 2022 by storm, you have made your television debut as the younger version of Clare Abshire in the new HBO Max limited series, The Time Traveler's Wife. Can you tell us more about the series and the character of Clare?
The series is a wonderful story that explores the relationship between Henry DeTamble (Theo James) and Clare Abshire (Rose Leslie) who fall in love (in the wrong order) due to Henry's genetic condition which enables him to spontaneously travel through time. I portray Clare from the ages of 9-14 who is an artist, strong willed, clever, and very inquisitive.

Later this year, you will make your feature film debut as young Margie in Mr. Harrigan's Phone, a Netflix's film adaptation of the short story by Stephen King, from Blumhouse and Ryan Murphy Productions. What were some highlights of this production?
I honestly cannot say much about this project, but it was a great experience, I got to film in some environments that challenged my anxiety, and I learned how to face my fear of heights while filming on a very high edge. The Director, John Lee Hancock, helped keep me focused on the scene and not the height.

This year has been an exciting and busy year, as you take on the roles of Clare Abshire in The Time Traveler's Wife and young Margie in Mr. Harrigan's Phone. How do you prepare to take on the roles of these charterers?
I really learn as much as I can about the characters and try to get into their mindset. I also have to strive to put out a performance that leads into the older version of my character, so it seems like one character, not two separate ones.

In addition to entertainment, you are committed to philanthropic work! You have been supporting Inheritance of Hope (IOH) since 2018. Can you tell us more about this organization? What inspired you to partner with them?
Inheritance of Hope is an organization that gives all expenses paid trips/retreats to places such as Disney, Universal Studios, NYC, San Diego, and Colorado to families who have children under the age of 18, with a terminally ill parent. I was inspired to support them because my family benefited from one of IOH's retreats in March of 2018, a year after my mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. It was life changing, and I knew I need to help other kids get the same opportunity.

In June 2021, you beautifully sang to your mom at a virtual cabaret and have continued your devotion to raise money and awareness for Inheritance of Hope. In what ways does IOH support various families?
Coping with a parent who has a terminal illness can be lonely and scary and you feel like you are the only person going through it. IOH shows you that you are not alone through various ways such as their Legacy retreats. They even did them virtually during the pandemic. They now have Hope@Home programs where you can continue to stay connected to other kids and families through free Zoom groups. My dad is involved in their Life After Loss group.

What were some of the most powerful or influential ways Inheritance of Hope supported you and your family?
IOH became a second family after our retreat. They would always check up on us and support our activities. My mom became close with other moms who had terminal cancer. They truly care and are invested in all the families they serve.

Can you tell us a bit more about your work with IOH? How can our readers get involved?
I have done many things to support IOH, including participating in bake sales and virtual bingo events, I won the International United Miss title of National ambassador for my IOH platform in 2019-2020, which all the fundraising for the year by IUM went to IOH. I’ve also performed at "Preppin for Hope,” a virtual cabaret put on by The Professional Performance Prep NJ. I’ve made numerous TV interviews sharing my experiences with IOH. I have a big announcement coming very soon about another fundraiser cabaret that I am so excited about.

At the young age of eleven, you have made incredible strides in entertainment and through philanthropy. Who are some of your greatest inspirations and role models?
My mom was and still is my biggest inspiration. She was faced with some of the most difficult circumstances being a mom of three kids while dealing with having terminal cancer. She was always in treatment and had cancer all through her bones, but she never let it stop her helping me and my brothers, working at a school for kids with autism, and volunteering her time to help anyone she could until her last days.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to still be acting, singing, and just being a regular High School student, who continues to help others any way I can.

How have you been staying positive during the pandemic?
I have always been a very positive person, and continued to stay that way during the pandemic. I try to have fun and make every day good.

What is your motto in life?
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

To learn more about Caitlin Shorey, please follow her Instagram below.
Instagram: @caitlinmaerashorey

Photography credit: Jonathan Pushnik

Caitlin Shorey is Taking 2022 By Storm