My name is Manu Menon, and I am an actor. Coming from a traditional Indian family, I was expected to be a lawyer or doctor before I could say my first words. I decided to pursue the former and during the summer between my 3rd and 4th year of college, I interned at a law firm and quickly realized that this wasn’t for me. I wanted something exciting and new in my life. I couldn’t sit at a desk from 9 to 5 for the rest of my life. After graduating college, I attended the Stella Adler Summer Conservatory program and I fell in love. I remember coming home one day, during the 2nd week of classes and telling my mom, “I finally know how it feels to enjoy going to school!” When I’m not acting, you’ll find me working as personal trainer or on the basketball court.
Did you study acting
As I previously mentioned, the need of something exciting and new in my life is what turned me to acting but the ability to express myself and never know what’s about to happen is what initially got me hooked. I got started later than most actors and it was important i find a program that can help me make up for lost time. I went through a few different schools and methods of acting since I’ve started. The most important decision you’ll make as an actor when you begin, is who you’re going to trust to help you become the best actor you can. Once you find that perfect fit, you work your ass off! I found that perfect fit in Playhouse West Brooklyn Lab. After going through a few acting programs, I’m lucky enough to be learning in a school in which I am continuously growing and being pushed to be better. I truly believe that the difference between a good actor and a great actor, is their education.
What acting technique do you use
I practice Sanford Meisner’s method of acting. Mr. Meisner’s technique teaches us to live truthfully in imaginary circumstances. If an actor doesn’t believe what he/she is saying and doing, then why would the audience? I use this technique by putting myself in the situation that my character is in and I ask myself how Manu would react in this situation. If I can’t relate to the specific story then the technique has taught me to find a way so that I can relate and perform honestly and from the heart.
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
Most of the “actors” that I meet in NY are in it for the money/fame or because it’s fun/cool. Not to mention the models who just think it makes sense to be an actor. If fame and money are the reasons you want to be an actor, do yourself a favor and do ANYTHING ELSE. 90% of the work you do in the first few years of acting (at least) will be unpaid. You’ll have better luck on a reality TV show. If you think it’s just fun and cool or it’s just what you do if you’re good looking then you’re in for a hard reality check. Performing on stage or in front of a camera might be fun but the preparation and years of training that go into putting yourself in that position can be ROUGH. This is a career filled with constant rejection and uncertainty. You need to want this career as much as you want to breathe in order to survive.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
I’m currently attending Playhouse West Brooklyn Lab and it’s the best thing that’s happened to my career!
What acting books do you read
‘Sanford Meisner on Acting’, ‘Stella Adler on Acting’ and ‘Relentless’ by Tim Grover have been the most helpful but I have a lot more to learn.
How do you keep fit as an actor
The best thing an actor can do keep fit mentally is READ. Read as many books and plays as you can. The more you know, the more you’re capable of acting. Aside from being an actor, I’m also a personal trainer so I spend most of my days in the gym to stay physically fit.
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
I read the script, read it again and I analyze every line in it. After analyzing the script I know who I am, why I’m doing what I’m doing and who everyone else is in this story. Once all of that is figured out, I rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! Rehearsal is where the real fun happens. You get to experiment in so many different ways and there’s never a fear of getting something wrong.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
I ask myself a lot of questions to completely fill out the character. What is his spine? Where am I coming from? How can I relate? and the most important question is WHY?! Why am I doing what I’m doing?
How do you stay fresh on set
I stay in character and prepare in between takes to come in fresh. I do my best to avoid any distractions.
Describe a memorable character you played
The most memorable character I’ve played to date would be Matt in Sleeping Dogs. I wrote the film and created a character that I would normally not be cast for. I specifically wrote it so that I could show people that I am not just a typical Indian and that I could be more than just a doctor or cab driver. If you’re not given the opportunity, create it yourself and show the world what you’re capable of.
Explain one creative choice you took on set
I acted in a film in which I was a cop and the scene had my partner and I going back and forth with nonsense. I told the director to keep the camera rolling for a while and just see where our conversation goes and it turned into some hilarious unscripted material that was used in the film.
What do you want most from a director
Freedom and great chemistry.
What actors do you long to work with
Denzel Washington
Why
Have you seen the man act?! It’s magic. He’s untouchable in every performance.
What advice would you give to actors
Be prepared for constant rejection and criticism. If you don’t have thick skin and patience, this isn’t for you. I’ve thought about quitting a few times and asked myself if I’d be happy doing anything else and the answer has always been no!
Briefly write about your career
I’ve been acting for a few years now and I’ve been a part of numerous projects, both on stage and film. This year, I co-wrote and acted in a short film called ‘Sleeping Dogs’. It was my first time writing a screenplay and it is a project I am very proud of. Sleeping Dogs was accepted into the Playhouse West Philadelphia Film Festival and we were nominated for six awards. I’ve played a wide range of characters from a street baller to a detective. From an abusive alcoholic to a nerd. When you first start acting, you take (almost) any role that you can. The great effect that this has had on me is being able to find out what excites me, what to stay away from, and most importantly, what I need to work on. Feeling great about a performance or being a part of an amazing production gives you the push to keep going. However, a terrible performance or production is where you really get to learn and grow, so there’s never a wasted opportunity.
