I first performed on stage as a reindeer in a Christmas panto when I was about 5 years old, I saw the reaction of the audience and that it was first inspired me.tlet.
Did you study acting
I did and still do as acting is a constant learning profession, I study at Stirlings Drama Academy for Screen and TV, my coaches are Glen Mortimer and Lisa Barton who have both been in the acting profession for over 30yrs each. I study improvisation and method acting which can produce some fantastic results. I’ve wanted to become an actor ever since I was 5 yrs old, I’ve always been driven and determined.
Check out what’s hot on my #StarNow profile this week: https://t.co/AhXYRrYUcq #Casting #Talent via @StarNow
— David tyson (@Davidty58480230) March 6, 2017
What acting technique do you use
I use many acting techniques, I incorporate mime, role play, sensory, memory, method, improve and characterization, most of these are used when acting to create a multi-faceted performance which is believable and authentic.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
Yes, always, everything from specialist courses in weapons, martial arts and accents to vocal coaching and acting workshops to build characters for future roles.
What acting books do you read
All about method acting by Manderino and The Complete Stanislavsky by Stanislavsky.
How do you keep fit as an actor
Acting is a high stress industry so you have to chill when you get the chance and when I’m not acting or learning scripts then I read a book, spend time with family or meditate, this keeps the mind healthy. Physically, I run 2-3 times a week and I also study Hapkido which is a form of Korean Aikido and Judo and I also study Jiu Jitsu. Both of these martial arts help me on action scenes and also help me to relax and stay flexible.
How do you prepare for a role
If it’s a big script then I read it a few times then begin to get in to character and rehearse the lines as that character and I become that person. If it’s a small script then I read it once and get into character. The best way to memorize lines is to read them a few times then become the character and it begins to flow naturally.
How do you create a character from a script into a person
You look at the script and any underlying meaning, is the person tense, relaxed, tough, weak and then you build on the character using your own life experiences, if you haven’t had the experience needed then you study or watch intensely someone who acts or behaves like the character you need to be.
How do you stay fresh on set
I stay in character the whole time during the takes and re-takes, the only time I don’t is when we have to finish for the day, then when we leave the set, I become me again but I remember the feelings, the senses and emotions of the character so I can return to the same character again when I have to.
Describe a memorable character you played
A character called Hendrix (quite a nasty character), 2016, Dawn of the Brave. Photo is the headshot with a cowboy hat.
Explain one creative choice you took on set
It was for a pilot episode of an action series where the director told me the character but let me decide how he dressed and how he acted and it worked very well as the rest of the cast were drawn to the character.
What do you want most from a director
A bit of freedom to play with the character, this way I get the most out of the character.
What actors do you long to work with
Bruce Willis
Why
Because Bruce Willis overcame a speech impediment to go on to become a very famous actor and it took drive and determination to do that and this is what I have done and am doing as I have a stutter for years and overcame it.
What advice would you give to actors
Don’t stop believing, acting is a tough industry but as long as you have a goal and you believe in that goal, you will succeed.
Briefly write about your career
Productions I have done include two feature films, Dogging (Comedy) and Love eventually, other productions include Dawn of the Brave, The Undead, Remember the Brave, Stuffed Too, Cain Hill, Desolation. I’ve played a vicar, cowboy, mercenary, soldier, a victim, film crew amongst others.
