Cherie Mendez did a lot of musicals back in high school – drama happened to be her favorite class. Cherie Mendez went on to do commercials and gradually moved into film when she booked a minor supporting-role on the feature film “The Key Man.” Soon after that she decided to start studying. Cherie Mendez then booked her first lead-role in the feature film “The Department of Homeland (in)Security.” The project really shaped her perspective on the types of stories she would want to tell.
Did you study acting?
I studied acting at William Esper Studio in New York. It was a two year Meisner program, my instructor was David Newer. It was a very challenging two years but it changed my life!
The ALTERNATIVE soon to enter festival circuits. I’m so honored to work with this talented cast! @sachinfilmshttps://t.co/HSXTR4TE0V
— Cherie Mendez (@cheriemendez) August 24, 2016
What acting technique do you use?
Although my background (foundation) is Meisner, I am now in an ongoing scene study Master Class with Lyle Kessler who is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and was a student of Lee Strasberg. His style is method based and the class concentrates on character work. I have found this technique tremendously helpful when it comes to preparing for roles.
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting?
Acting is NOT performing. Your preparation should free you up to simply be present, talk and listen.
Do you take courses to improve your craft?
When I need to work on On-Camera technique I study with Matt Newton at MN Acting Studio in New York. This studio is in my opinion hands down one the best places to study for TV and film in New York City. As far as private coaching goes, I have worked quite extensively with Dena Tyler who is an instructor at MN Acting Studio and also a Lifetime Member of the Actors Studio. I can’t recommend Matt and Dena highly enough.
Cherie Mendez in “DEADLINE”
What acting books do you read?
“Audition For Your Career, Not the Job” by Tim Philips, “Truth” by Susan Batson, and “The Power of the Actor” by Ivana Chubbuck.
How do you keep fit as an actor?
I do Yoga
How do you prepare for a role?
Exploring the script is a constant process from the moment I audition and if booked until we wrap. In order to fully stay in line with the writer’s intentions and give the most powerful performance I leave no stone unturned and everything I get creatively comes straight from the text.
How do you create a character from a script into a person?
Again, appropriate preparation can only come from thorough careful exploration of the script. I don’t move ahead until I fully understand what is said about my character and everything my character says and does.
Cherie Mendez and James Denton in “The Black Rider: Revelation Road” Now released on DVD.
How do you stay fresh on a production set
Knowing what triggers your opening moment will always keep you fresh take after take. I try to boil it down to four words or less or I give myself a visual image of something or someone very specific.
Describe a memorable character you played?
One of the most recent characters I played is the one I mentioned in the previous question – it was the role of “Susan” in a play called THE GRADE by Seth Freeman. It ran at the Midtown International Theater Festival last month – March, 2016. I found this role extremely memorable because I really had to work to find the vulnerability that existed beneath her powerful yet eccentric persona. Although it was a comedy, the pure raw humanity of this beautifully written character gave the play some very touching moments. Mike Keller was the director and he was instrumental in helping me find the inner life of the character.
Explain one creative choice you took on set?
Recently, I was directed to be more “teacher” like in my delivery, so I went home and put on a pencil skirt and glasses and conservative heels and then I started to really feel the character (how she speaks, how she moves.) I wore the skirt, glasses and heels to all my rehearsals – it really helped.
What do you want most from a director?
Clear, articulate communication and brutal honesty.
What actors do you long to work with?
I had the honor of working with Hugo Weaving on the movie THE KEYMAN and it would be a dream come through for me to work with him again.
Why?
I am a huge fan of Hugo’s work on screen and stage and he is such an amazing person. I don’t remember telling him it was my first time on a movie set but he made me feel so comfortable and at home. It was an experience I will never forget.
What advice would you give to actors?
Learn to approach the work ready to play, learn, and grow. Yes, it’s hard work but the joy you will experience as a result of your hard work and determination will always come as you move forward.
Briefly write about your career
I recently played a supporting role opposite James Denton (Desperate Housewives) in “The Black Rider: Revelation Road.” I also appeared in “Deadline” featured at the LA Independent Film Festival – winner of three awards: Best Actor (Robert Newman), Best Director, and the Audience Award for Best Short. Other film credits include “The Key Man” starring Jack Davenport, Brian Cox and Hugo Weaving and “The Department of Homeland (in)Security” featured at the Long Island International Film Expo – this was my first lead role.
Stage credits include “Twelve Angry Women” (Juror Four) this was a huge lesson in being present and listening as you have 11 scene partners and no intermission. Also, “The Standard Upgrade” (Theater For The New City) – this was my first comedy on stage. I am a graduate of William Esper Studio and am currently attending Lyle Kessler’s Master Class.
