Folsom-trained actor tapped for lead role in independent film project

A Folsom-trained actor is building on earlier successes and is now starring in a lead role for an independent film which recently premiered at the J-Street Film Festival. The Folsom Telegraph first brought readers the story of Gavin Alton-James Bailey last December, when he was tapped for his first big-screen role in "Double Trouble," which was featured at the 2025 Sacramento Film Festival. Bailey is a Shingle Springs native who trains at Studio 24 in Folsom, a place he credits with giving him his start in a craft he loves. His newest film is "Read the Room," which he describes as an independent psychological thriller. As an actor, it's always a coveted achievement to land the lead role, so Bailey is understandably thrilled to have this opportunity. "As a Folsom-based, SAG-eligible actor continuing to build within Northern California's independent film scene, I'm grateful to now be reaching another milestone with this upcoming premiere," he said. Bailey plays Micah and shared a little background of the film's storyline with The Telegraph, saying, "A telepathic bartender who uses her ability to help patrons feel seen, until one night she hears something she can't ignore. As the story unfolds, her ability leads her to uncover a murder plot. What the audience slowly realizes is that my character, Micah, is ultimately the one behind it." Bailey adds, "The material was also very challenging in the best way, because my character slowly reveals a much darker side of himself as the story unfolds, and I love taking on the challenge of a more difficult character that really pushes me as an actor." Bailey's road to the big screen has been a bit unconventional. Unlike many actors who start honing their craft from a young age, he didn't begin studying acting seriously until after high school. A turning point came when Bailey was accepted into the Studio 24 program in Folsom; it was then he threw himself into the craft, studying and practicing to catch up with his peers. This latest project is another sign that the work is paying off, and Bailey said he is beyond grateful. "Being part of 'Read The Room' has been incredibly meaningful to me, especially because independent films rely so heavily on trust, collaboration and passion from everyone involved," explained Bailey. "Getting the opportunity to lead a psychological thriller that's headlining at the J-Street Film Festival for the big screen feels surreal, and as someone from the Folsom-Sacramento area, it's especially exciting to see local artists and filmmakers creating projects at this level. I'm really grateful to be a part of it." To learn more about the film, visit https://www.imdb.com/title/tt40197339/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk