Aaron Dalla Villa Dives Deep into his Acting Career and Future

Aaron Dalla Villa was born and raised in Suffolk, Virginia, and studied music and dance training at the prestigious Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia in classical ballet and classical modern dance. Prior to experiencing an injury, he had a career in dance and worked with NB2-Nashville Ballet Second Company. After moving to NYC, Aaron continued to pursue performance as an actor and has been featured in numerous film, television, and theater roles including a starring role in the feature film PLEDGE, distributed by IFC Midnight, a starring role on the series DUELS, a spot on GOTHAM, and voice work in the popular video game series Earth Defense Force. He won Best Ensemble Broadway World Long Island 2015 for ORPHANS, by Lyle Kessler, directed by James Bonney at the Conklin Theatre.

indieactivity: What acting technique do you use? 
Aaron Dalla Villa (ADV): It truly depends on what I’m feeling that day. I like to mix it up. Some days, I want to go full method with the characters other days, I want to just know my lines really well and tell the story and surprise myself. I use a mixed bag of techniques and enjoy incorporating my own thing by implementing movement and wardrobe. Sense memory is really fun but can get heady sometimes. Method acting is fun, but to a certain extent — it is play pretend after all, and you don’t want to have a mental breakdown or make your castmates uncomfortable over something that is NOT REAL. The more I do this, the more of a simplified approach I’m taking. Just learn your lines super well (maybe even monotone) and then when the camera rolls, surprise yourself and go for it.

You are an experienced actor, how much work: creative energy or focus do you put into your scenes?
Aaron Dalla Villa (ADV): 110%. Why put anything but your all, and then some, into your work. We are all going to die one day, and none of this is going to matter, so might as well go for it with all you have and enjoy it. Hopefully, my work will impact people long after I’m gone.

You have worked on popular shows and films; how has each show impacted your work as an actor and career?
Aaron Dalla Villa (ADV): Each show has its own routine and energy, same with each film. You learn how to “read the room” and where you fit in. It’s important to work with different energies. You learn the most about yourself and who you vibe and don’t vibe with. With each show and film, I feel myself becoming more and more comfortable in myself and my work. By just booking more work, the imposter syndrome goes away, and I’m able to focus on giving my best work for each and every project I do, no matter how big or small.

How does the work you do on one show compare to another?
Aaron Dalla Villa (ADV): “TV” tends to feel very rushed, in general. You get the vibe that everyone wants just to get the shot and go to lunch. lol. “Film” feels like you have more time to explore and play; however, every second costs lots of money, so you better get it quick. Haha. The setups for both tv and film can take a long time, depending on the size of the crew, so you have to find ways to conserve your energy. I’ve had the privilege to work opposite some amazing actors (i.e., James Faulkner, Lance Henriksen, Dylan Baker, Paul Sorvino, Tia Leone, and Julie Delpy), and you learn something from each person you work with. The most important thing I’ve learned is that it’s always about the other person. If I find that the scene isn’t working, I remind myself to come back to the present moment and just put my full attention on the other person. The next moment is always found in your partner.

Explain a creative choice you took on the set of a recent production?
Aaron Dalla Villa (ADV): I’m currently working on a production of CAMELOT right now with director Scott Schwartz. I enjoy working with him because he allows the actor to come in with strong choices and “go for it.” He doesn’t try to control you. He guides you. My character, Mordred, is generally portrayed as a mustache-twirling villain and annoying brat of a teenager. I didn’t see him like that. I saw him as a much more grounded young adult who was seeking the love of a father he never had. After not receiving that love, he resorts to the old image of his father his mother told him about and becomes hell-bent on the destruction of King Arthur’s kingdom. Scott really liked this direction for the character, and we began evolving from there. This version of CAMELOT is the Lerner & Lowe version, so it’s much shorter. I have no time to give my character an arc, so we had to make a choice that justifies his demonic actions. The rave reviews have solidified this choice as the right way to go.

What is next for you?
Aaron Dalla Villa (ADV): Next up, I have a starring role in the feature film ALPHA RIFT, opposite genre legend Lance Henriksen, making its world premiere at the TCL Chinese Theaters for the DANCES WITH FILMS film festival on August 31st. It will also be coming out before the end of the year. I have a lead in another film, THAT NIGHT, narrated by William Fichtner, making its world premiere at the TCL Chinese Theaters for the HOLLYSHORTS film festival in September. I’m hoping that my role in ALL THOSE SMALL THINGS, opposite James Faulkner, will be out in the world before the end of the year as well, and I have two feature films and two tv show spots in post-production. Stay tuned 😉

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