I began my acting career at the age of 11 as ‘Winthrop Paroo’ in ‘The Music Man’. It would be quite some time before I resumed acting again, as football, ice hockey, and lacrosse athletics took up a majority of my time. It wasn’t until 2007 when I became interested and actively involved with the acting business again. I started out seeking voice over work, but my agent (Beverly Brock with The Brock Agency) gave me some great advice. She told me not to limit myself, but to be open to all kinds of work in the entertainment industry. It turned out to be very good advice indeed. After I appeared in my first film, it was in my blood. I knew at that time it was what I wanted to pursue and put all my energy into.
Did you study acting
I haven’t necessarily ‘studied’ acting with the exception of watching and critiquing the acting in television, theater and films. However I have attended several acting workshops including an Acting Improvisation workshop taught by Ellen Shepard at St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, an Audition Technique workshop taught by Bob Luke of Bob Luke Studios in NY, and a Fight Coordination Training workshop taught by Jason Culbreath at Crossfit in Raleigh.
What acting technique do you use
I would say that I use a mix of method acting and sense memory. I definitely want to feel the emotion of my character. I think that is the only way to make it come across as real to the viewer. If it’s not real to you the actor, how in the world can it seem real to anyone someone watching?
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
Acting is not about regurgitating lines from the script. I think, as an actor, you MUST spend hours working with the script. You need to make it your own and actually become the character, not just act like the character. You also need to learn the other characters you interact with and how your character interacts with them. Unfortunately, I have seen time and time again, actors who just learn the lines, instead of learning the character and the script. It comes across on screen as a boring, dry performance and not at all engaging or real.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
As I mentioned previously, I have taken some workshops and classes. However, to be honest, the way that I have improved my craft is spending more and more time in front of the camera. Each time on set provides me with more confidence and education. That, in my opinion, is the best experience. It’s real world experience in the industry. I know many people that have spent thousands of dollars on class after class, but never take it to the next level. There comes a time when one needs to put what they’ve learned to work and see if they’ve got what it takes.
What acting books do you read
Sorry to say, but I have not read any acting books. I have always been more of a hands on learner. I need to be involved and immersed.
How do you keep fit as an actor
I try to keep fit as an actor by just watching the world. Soaking it up and absorbing it in all aspects. I especially like people watching. Airports, hospitals, malls, it doesn’t matter. You observe so many different personalities and idiosyncrasies. I can then apply bits an pieces of what I’ve observed and mold them into a particular character. Physically, as with many, throughout the years I have put on a few pounds here and there. However, my athletic background gives me the knowledge, understanding, and discipline to drop the pounds when needed. I do try to maintain a weekly workout schedule, which maintains my focus, drive, and well being.
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
When I am offered a role, the first thing I do is read the script. If I don’t feel good about the script or my character, I won’t accept it. I don’t want to be in a movie or show, just for the sake of being in a movie or show. I have to really like the project and the character. Otherwise, I don’t feel I would be doing anyone justice. It’s a job. You have to love your job or you won’t excel at it.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
The way I take a character in a script to be an honest, believable, and breathing person is by working with the script and research. It doesn’t happen overnight. I might literally try a dozen different styles for a character before deciding on a particular one to go with. Then I work with that style for quite some time before I can actually become the character. Once again, I think, as an actor, you have to actually become the character before the character becomes believable to viewers.
How do you stay fresh on set
I stay fresh on set by hanging out with the other actors. Maybe discussing the next take or just shooting the breeze about past or future projects. If I feel comfortable with the people I am working with, I think that it will come across that way on the screen. However, sometimes there are those long lags between takes. Those are the times you just need to dig deep, focus, and get back to work.
Describe a memorable character you played
The most memorable character I have played is probably ‘The Bum’ from the short film ‘The Agent’, which is part of the feature film ‘Fever Dreams’ produced in 2014. He is a creepy, scummy dude and was tremendously fun to play.
Explain one creative choice you took on set
I was in a film where, at one point, a fake grenade gets thrown at my characters feet. The prop was so unbelievable and cheesy. However, in the director’s words, the way that I reacted and played out the scene was way more than he envisioned or hoped for when he wrote the scene.
What do you want most from a director
I know it sounds cliché, but what I want most from a director is direction. I try to come to set 100% prepared, but I also want direction if I’m not nailing it. I also want respect. I will always respect everyone on set, as long as they are respecting me.
What actors do you long to work with
I would love to work with Samuel L. Jackson.
Why
I think he bad ass and is an outstanding actor. I also think he just seems like an ordinary, down to earth kind of guy. The kind of guy I would just like to hang out with. If I had to choose a mentor, it would definitely be him.
What advice would you give to actors
My advice to other actors would be simple. Be true to yourself. If you are doing it for the ‘fame and fortune’, don’t bother. It’s a cutthroat business. However, if you truly love the craft and will do whatever it takes, within reason of course, then you can be successful. Surround yourself with other successful people in the industry. Join actor/filmmaker groups and go to meet and greets. Networking is a very powerful tool. The more contacts you make, the more opportunities may arise. Lastly, this is a business. So, always remain professional.
Briefly write about your career
To date, I have appeared in over 35 films, several webseries, and voice overs. I have played a significant variety of characters. However, the majority of the characters I’ve played are the antagonists or bad guys. I find them to be the most interesting and fun roles to play because I can be someone I could never be in real life.
