Growing up I played important roles in school plays. I sang in the school choir. I was in a traveling singing group that performed for various events. I loved the energy that was created in me when I was performing so I thought acting was an artistic and respective path for that outlet.
Did you study acting
When I approached, who is now my mentor, John Menick, I entrusted my knowledge and decisions in him. I thought acting was just getting a set of lines and remembering them. I am glad that meeting him has led to studying the deeper meaning of the art. He has taught me a deeper appreciation and understanding of the true art that is acting. The classes that he has provided for me really has set the tone for my mind and perception of approaching the real art of acting.
What acting technique do you use
I like to think that my technique is a blend and progressive balance of different techniques. What I have been learning from my mentor is a style that helps us come to a place of stillness. Our ego and cognitive mind is still and neutral and this allows the creative conscious to open up and allow the character to enter. Through our senses and giving ourselves up in the moment, we can give our energy to the character that is desired to come to life.
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
Acting is not representing certain emotions and cues at specific times within the script. Acting is getting to a point where you are feeling what you are supposed to be representing. If you are “acting” an emotion, then you are not successfully acting. The paradox with the art of acting is the word itself. Acting is not what an actor wants to be doing with a role. The true art of acting is getting in the depths where you meet the character and give yourself to the character and feel what the character is feeling. You are fully connected with the story. You are not acting to please an audience.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
Yes of course. My mentor offers classes throughout the year that touches on all aspects that play key roles in being a good actor. Physical work, mental work, and spiritual work. t.
What acting books do you read
Right now I am reading “An Actor Prepares” by Constatine Stanislavski. It is part of a trilogy. Great read. Definitely plan on reading all three.
How do you keep fit as an actor
I am a home builder by trade which is great body work with the right intentions. I play sports, stretch, and delve into a simple work out that keeps my body toned. I do my best to keep a balanced diet of many vegetables and fruits. I like to meditate and do deep breathing exercises and journaling to keep an understanding mentally.
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
I find a calm quiet and simple environment and relieve myself of all inner dialogue and anxiety. I read the script from a neutral standpoint and take in the story as a whole. Then I dive into the details. Time, place, and relations between characters. Answer the questions that I can from the context then list the questions I don’t know the answer too. Then I take some deep breaths and start sense streaming. Sense streaming is noticing all the sounds, sights, feelings, ect., that is happeneing around you. You take in all that you can that is going around you and you come to a place where you are one with the moment. The character starts to enter. Traits, qualities, reasons start to present themselves. The questions that you didn’t know the answer to start to answer themselves. No judgments can be made. And the character starts to develop.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
It all starts with the full understanding of the story. Its not a script. A set of lines. It’s a story. This character has a story and it has come from something. Believing in the characters story is what makes it believable. I have to believe before I can be bring life to what I believe.
How do you stay fresh on set
I call them anchors. There are details that carry more weight than others that I find in a character and when I can go to the side and take a moment and find that anchor the rest of the character comes back. The goosebump sensation occurs over my body and I know that I am connected with him. I get lost in him and I am feeling what he is feeling no matter what is going on with the set set up.
Describe a memorable character you played
Duncan. Duncan is a special character to me. He has a very relatable story. The title was “At Ease” this was in 2014. He has always had the best intentions but isn’t necessarily always understood. Great guy.
Explain one creative choice you took on set
One time we were filming the climatic scene of the movie, which was also my audition scene, and my take of the scene was different than the directors. But, ultimately it’s the directors take that needs to be achieved. Instead of sticking to my take and doing what I felt was right, I let go of perception and gave into accepting his take and let that be a new path of thought for the character . It was nice to give the director what he wanted.
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
Leonardo Dicaprio.
Why
I have grown up watching him grow. He gives so much to each role. Obviously I respect so many actors and actresses but I have always had a tendency to be drawn to leo’s roles. I think he would just be a very progressive and positive person and professional to be around.
What advice would you give to actors
Have patience and don’t WANT it to be more than it is
Briefly write about your career
Steadily starting, always growing.
