My mother is an Actress. She would lug my siblings and I to rehearsals and as kids, we would watch them create these actual people on stage. I even landed my first small role as a gangster in on of the plays she was in. That’s what brought me to the world of acting. I studied acting at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Bowie State University.
Just finished wrapping up a commercial shoot for The Discovery Channel!!! pic.twitter.com/eVgk7QMzKO
— Barry Battle (@BarryBattle) May 5, 2015
Did you study acting
Yes, as I stated earlier, I studied Theatre in college. Coming out of high school my major was Criminal Justice, then I was in August Wilson’s stage play, Fences, and I decided to switch it over to Theatre.
What acting technique do you use
I’m an method actor. I also use the Meisner Technique. I really get lost in my characters!
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
Try your hardest not to Act!!!! The audience knows when you’re acting!
Do you take courses to improve your craft
I have a private coach. I also take classes every chance I get.
What acting books do you read
I have a lot of them from school, but to be honest I don’t read them. Haha. I read a lot of James Patterson though.
How do you keep fit as an actor
Studying, doing my homework, taking classes sharpening my skills, and auditioning. And of course, working out keeping my body in shape.
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
I start to figure out who my character is beyond the surface. Back to the doing my homework thing. Then I study my lines and become that character.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
Knowing who your character is beyond the surface!
How do you stay fresh on set
I stay in character. Whomever my character is that’s whom I maintain until the end of that working day.
Describe a memorable character you played
Sonny Lancaster. I was in my twenties playing someone fifty five years old. He was a drunk that gave up on life
Explain one creative choice you took on set
I was in a play called, ‘Waldy Street’ and my scene was with a young girl. She was supposed to yell at her mother and run into the apartment building. She yelled, then as she slammed the door, that’s when the whole doorknob came off. I reacted so fast by saying,” You’re always breaking my damn door.” I walked up the steps to try and fix it. As I was fixing it, there was the set designer on the other side of the door screwing it on. The audience never knew. They still ask me to this day if it was scripted or not.
What do you want most from a director
Patience and open mindedness. With both, successful playing can occur and magic is more likely to occur
What actors do you long to work with
Sandra Bullock
Why
Her acting is just amazing! She’s one of the actress that can play any role!
What advice would you give to actors
You will receive 1,000,000 No’s before you receive 1 yes. If your heart is in it, that won’t stop you. G.L.I.N.T. (Grind Like Its No Tomorrow) And keep creating. The world needs your gift, so don’t be stingy!
Briefly write about your career
I’ve played so many characters, that I can’t remember them all
