Armando DuBon jr. is a SAG AFTRA actor. He has played various roles in different productions on film and stage.
As a child I was mesmerized by story and these people I would see on television telling these stories about people and life. I’d watch TV for hours and would mimic the actors/characters and memorize lines, scenarios and repeat them to my family and friends. I would use my imagination and create characters of my own and entertain. I was a pretty quiet kid with lots and energy and always loved observing people. I grew up knowing that I wanted to act, to study the craft and become a professional actor in film and on stage.
Did you study acting
I began my acting career at The Jean Shelton Actors Lab in San Francisco. I studied there for several years which was a terrific atmosphere and training ground for a young actor. The moment I had my first scene and was on stage I knew acting was my calling. The energy, the love and respect for the craft, everything felt exactly right. While studying with the great Jean Shelton, I was fortunate to get an audition with The Actors Theatre of San Francisco. I had seen several plays at ATSF and was really impressed and in awe of the talented actors, casts, directors and the plays they brought to life. I landed the role in Death of a Salesman with ATSF and after being cast in another role in The Night of the Iguana I was asked to become an associate member with ATSF. I later became a full member and my all around training on stage and theatre flourished. It was an incredible experience and my foundation as an actor. To this day when preparing for film and stage, I use everything I learned from Jean Shelton and Artistic Director of ATSF Christian Phillips along with other company members who guided me.
What acting technique do you use
While studying with Jean Shelton I was taught the American Method style of acting which is based on the Stanislavski Method. While in New York, Jean was associated with Stella Adler, Harold Clurman, and Lee Strasberg who are considered the founders of American Method. I truly believe studying which ever method or technique works for you as an actor is crucial if you’re serious about the craft and profession. Ongoing study is very important as well. I always tell my friends that acting is a muscle and you need to keep it in working shape while incorporating new things that work for you. In the end, it’s what works for you as the artist and that could mean using different techniques. Study and hard work needs to be your foundation.
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
I believe that some actors believe it’s easy or that being natural is enough. While being natural is great, it’s certainly not enough. There are so many talented and very educated actors who are auditioning for the same roles. You really need to continue to grow through study and life experience. Acting is not just being famous and cashing checks…lol. To be good it’s really a lot of dedication and hard work. I believe it’s an honor to be able to bring a story to people and talk about humanity either through drama or comedy on stage or film. There are some untrained actors or personalities who have been fortunate to book roles on big projects and I think that’s great but that’s not the norm so it’s always better to be prepared.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
I do continue to study in workshops, audition classes, ongoing courses that could run 8-10 weeks or yearlong courses, here in LA. They are classes that challenge me to grow and to not stay comfortable with what I already know. For several years I studied with Casting Director Craig Campobasso who had an ongoing on camera class and holds private lessons to prepare you for auditions as well. Craig is a huge part of my success. He really prepared me to audition for film. Currently I’m enrolled and very excited to start an 8 week course with the BGB Studio- The Bramon Garcia Braun Studio. Excellent instructors in an environment geared to help you grow.
What acting books do you read
I’ve read many. Some that come to mind are “Respect for Acting” by Uta Hagen , “Audition” by Michael Shurtleff, “Improvisation for the Theatre” by Viola Spolin. All great books and I highly recommend them.
How do you keep fit as an actor
Well I try to keep fit, along with classes, with meditation to focus on being present not only for acting but for life cause some quite time is good…lol. I like to work out to stay toned and strong. Weight training and running on the beach. We put our bodies through a lot in daily life and when acting so it’s good to try and stay fit and make it fun.
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
If I can get the full script or play I read and re-read to really own the story. I focus on my character, his back-story, circumstances and life events, his relationships to other characters. What he wants and how to get it. Research and script analysis.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
Simply, I study the story fully and what it is I want as the character. I memorize my lines through rehearsals to really understand the scenes and circumstances/scenarios and then I throw it all away and listen to whom I’m acting with while comfortable that I know what it is that’s going on in the scene. When I listen ( and am prepared) great moments happen. You get to create.
How do you stay fresh on set
On set I’m always sociable but very respectful of everyone working and their process so I try to stay quiet and focused on where I am in the story as the character. I make sure to breath calmly and always take a moment to be grateful for being able to act and have fun.
Describe a memorable character you played
A recent character I played is “DR EMILIO ALVAREZ” in “A FATHERS JOURNEY”- 2015, which is screening now in select theatres making its way across the country. It’s a great family story. I love the character because he is a simple man trying to help heal those in his community that need assistance. He has a lot of quite strength while going through his own struggles. If I could quickly also mention “THE CLASS ANALYSIS”- 2015, where I play “CHOLO”. A completely different man. Great fun and memorable to play both these roles.
Explain one creative choice you took on set
From improvisation classes, I learned to try what you’re felling at the moment if applicable. A director once told me to try a scene in a totally different way than we’ve done it so I did some ad lib of the scene based on what I was feeling at the time. She liked it and it stayed in the final cut for the scene. I was so much fun to try it and have it work for the film.
What do you want most from a director
I love working with different types of directors who push you to do your best and onestrying something different in film. I really appreciate a director who loves the process.
What actors do you long to work with
Oh wow. There are so many. Al Pacino, Chris Cooper, Bryan Cranston, William Macy, Kevin Spacey, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Ed Harris, John Hawkes, Michael Shannon.
Why
I would love to work with all but since I can only pick one, I’ll go with Gary Oldman. There’s always something going on underneath in the character. I think I can say the same with everyone I mentioned.
What advice would you give to actors
Study, live it fully, love it, each moment, have fun!! Find your personal voice.
Briefly write about your career
I’ve played various types of roles in many different productions in both film and on stage. I consider myself a character actor. Each role I’ve played that given me the opportunity to learn something about humanity and myself. My career is presently growing and fortunately getting busier. I’m currently attending screening of “A FATHER”S JOURNEY’ and “THE CLASS ANAYSIS”. Also due out in 2015 are “THE MIDNIGHT MAN”, “TELIEOS”, “RECKONING” and “HALCYON DREAMS”. I’ll soon go into production with “RED VEIL” in New Orleans. I’m signed with CANDU MANAGEMENT in Los Angeles, California.
