Since I was little I wanted to be an actor. Yes, the typical answer from so many of us. But, it’s true. Ever since I can remember I’ve wanted to be an actor. The thought of portraying someone else and bringing joy to people is something that excites me. I tried to get into acting at an early age, but my family wasn’t too keen on the idea. I started doing High school plays and once I was graduated I moved to Florida to pursue other opportunities. It was while I was living in Florida I realized I could go for my acting dream and went for it head on. I did a couple of different workshops to play with the thought of “if I should”, and with that I was hooked!
Did you study acting
I did, and still do! I believe in always educating yourself no matter the field you’re working in. I’m currently studying at Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center in Tampa with my teacher, Eugenie Bondurant doing the On Camera Acting Program. During free time I’ll also attend any local workshop and film maker meet ups.
What acting technique do you use
I do feel I use a little bit of everything when it comes to my performances. Though one of the methods I’m learning about right now is called Meisner. For me, acting has been more of a therapeutic method and it gives me the freedom to express myself. No matter what’s going on in my life, I can bring that out in my character..
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
Acting is NOT EASY! So many of my friends and family when talking about my career they say that it’s “so easy to be someone else” and to a degree, it is. But to take it to the next level and to give it life truly takes time, studying, and practice. Taking days, even weeks to build your character, learning lines, bringing the emotion out and doing your research is where it all comes from.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
YES!! Always! If I have a day or weekend off, I look to find something in the area or within a decent drive to go to. As an actor you should be working on your craft in any way possible every day. Great place to look for one is to sign up for emails from a casting director or casting agency. They will usually send out weekly or monthly emails letting you know of not only work, but also classes and workshops going on in the area.
What acting books do you read
I’m currently reading “Sanford Meisner On Acting” by Sanford Meisner and Dennis Longwell to learn more about the Meisner method. Though ironically one of my favorite books is “How to Stop Acting” by Harold Guskin which talks about not really using a method, but being more responsive to the texts and letting your impulse take you in that direction. I do love learning other ways to see if maybe emotions would be easier to handle in others. “The Organic Actor” by Lori Wyman is another great read, which has more of the inside of the business of acting in film and television.
How do you keep fit as an actor
Both are very important as an actor. Mentally I try to do as much as I can with friends and family outside of acting. It’s important to have that circle in your life and go out and do things to keep broadening your experiences. For physically I love running. It’s great to go out and run on my own, or at a race to help benefit an organization out there.
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
Depends on the role. First and foremost I do my research on that particular role. Once I can get a background I can start creating my own character from that, then move on to the script. I will read it multiple times, but play with different takes on it. Sometimes I will take my character from one extreme to another to see if one way feels more natural. After reading then I start to rehearse it and get the movements for it..
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
It may sound weird for some, but I’ll take my character out into the real world and see what happens! Usually I’ll have an outing with a friend and I’ll play this character to see how they, the character, would respond. Thankfully my friends have gotten use to this, and some of my actor friends will join in on this as well!
My #character is a #wrap for #ScreamDream5 on #set today! I always love this #actorslife #actor #ACTING #womeninfilm pic.twitter.com/lDJ7va2sJR
— Chelsea Wolf (@chelscwolf) June 10, 2015
How do you stay fresh on set
I keep the things that my character is into around me (maybe my character reads certain books, plays cards, listens to music, etc.) and leave the phone and internet behind. Just keep it basic on set is best.
Describe a memorable character you played
It would have to be one of the more recent films set to be released in the Spring of 2015 called “Legend of Kate Kensington” Where I play the role of Joann DeMurro. With the creative freedom and the direction the director wanted to take it it was just nice to have that trust and the creativity just meet.
Explain one creative choice you took on set
In one scene where I was having a dialogue with a female of which we shared the same love interest. It was an intense role, that lead to us getting both very emotional in the end which blew everyone on set away. Even the director and acting coach both commented on how good it was and how they were both very pleasantly surprised. It always feels great when you’re acknowledged for a job well done.
What do you want most from a director
Clear direction. It makes our lives as actors so much easier when we’re all on the same page and can deliver what they want.
What actors do you long to work with
Benedict Cumberbatch
Why
For me, he is honestly one of the best actors of our generation. It’s truly a joy to see him portray a character each time he takes the stage and I’d love to work with him at some point in my career.
What advice would you give to actors
Never give up!! Everything bad that happens along the way is getting you ready to appreciate the good that’s about to happen. You just need to stay positive, love what you do, and take it one step at a time!
Briefly write about your career
I’ve been in short and feature films such as “The Legend of Kate Kensington”, “The Awakening”, “Syntax the Movie”, and will start filming both “Migraine Hell”, and “Relation ShipWreck” early 2015. Though I currently live in Florida, I’m originally from Ohio and moved down in 2008. It’s been rough being away from my family to go for a dream, but the rewards have been great! Truly can’t wait to keep this going!
