Interview with Rhett Lindsey

Rhett Lindsey was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. He was fortunate enough to have been bitten by the acting bug at an early age. I was first introduced to the arts by our family friend at the time; Chip Fields (Kim Fields mother). After world renowned talent agent Joy Pervis discovered me in 1996, I soon booked my first professional job in a Speedway Gas Station commercial at the age of 8 years old.

Had a GREAT time filming today in Los Angeles! This project is going to come out looking fantastic!
Special thanks to the cast & crew! pic.twitter.com/fR6P0z1LOd

— Rhett Lindsey (@Rhett_Lindsey) October 15, 2016

How did you become an actor
As a kid, I was extremely obsessed with Jurassic Park. It allowed me to use my imagination and recreate moments from the film as if I was a character in it. I fully credit Jurassic Park for inspiring me to become an actor. Once I became signed, I studied for a bit under Chip Fields. Down the line, I would visit Los Angeles to watch Chip direct hit shows such as The Parkers and Girlfriends at Sunset Gower Studios and Paramount Studios. Being around those environments and studying the actors performances day-in and day-out at an early age, allowed me to gain a perfect glimpse into the world of a working actor and how productions are executed.

What acting technique do you use
As a kid transitioning into young adulthood, I had not received traditional training from a school or acting class. I was taught by independent coaches such as Troy Rowland over the years to pull emotions from the given situation and to build a character from the ground up. To live in the reality of the circumstance.

Currently I’m studying The Meisner Technique under Meisner certified instructor Ranjiv Perera at The Sanford Meisner Center located in Burbank, CA.

What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
A wrong impression I’ve seen actors hold about acting as it relates to dramatic performances is that it’s HARD to execute. No, it’s not! You make it hard. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to acting. There’s only good and bad. Acting becomes hard when you overthink. Overthinking is damaging to your performance and can affect everything and everyone else around you. So the lesson here is to STAY OUT OF YOUR HEAD! Be confident in your choices.

Do you take courses to improve your craft
Yes I’m constantly trying to find ways to improve my craft. Currently, I’m a student at The Sanford Meisner Center in Burbank, CA learning the Meisner Technique. I also receive private coaching from Troy Rowland to prepare for specific auditions. Lastly, I’m a member of The Walt Disney Company sketch comedy club and improve club. These are internal company clubs for Disney employees to be involved with at the studios in Los Angeles

What acting books do you read
“Sanford Meisner on Acting.” By Sanford Meisner and Dennis Longwell and “Acting: The First Six Lessons.” By Richard Boleslavsky

How do you keep fit as an actor
Physically, I stay in the gym every single day. Cardio is best for me to clear my mind and focus on goals. Mentally, I am constantly watching documentaries, movies and television shows. Also, I love to observe people and their behaviors. People watching (not in a creepy way), is the best because it’s free and you’re able to study so many different personalities in a given time span. I take a mental note, and use those experiences as tools to develop characters.

How do you prepare for a role when you get it
I read through the script several times out loud. Then once I have an understanding of whole script, I read 1 page at a time and write down my thoughts per page as to what’s building within the dialogue of the characters. This helps me dive deeper into character development.

How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
Well you’ll normally have an idea of who your character is from the character breakdown you’ll receive. Once hired for the job, I connect with the director to understand his vision. After I’m grounded in my character’s background, I combine the director’s vision plus the dialogue of the script; to my imagination and instincts to give an honest performance.

How do you stay fresh on set
Whether production is doing blocking, in between takes, or re-setting a scene, I try my best to stay in character. I believe acting requires discipline and focus. You’ll have moments where you can step out of character and adjust to reality. However, choose those choices wisely. I LOVE being on set. It’s my personal sanctuary. I think your trailer is the most boring place to be.

Describe a memorable character you played
My first supporting role was in 20th Century Fox’s 2011 film, Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son. I played a character named TJ opposite Martin Lawerence and Brandon T. Jackson. My character was a high school football player who had a few run-ins with Brandon’s character.

What do you want most from a director
Trust and Communication. The Director is the visionary. As an actor, you have to be the canvas that expresses what the Directors vision is. That’s the art and beauty of acting. Each choice you make is a delicate brush stroke. Your choices is the brush. Your performance is the canvas.

What actors do you long to work with
Prior to his death I longed to work with Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Why
Because his choices had no boundaries. He was an artist who took many risk and executed them flawlessly.

What advice would you give to actors
Don’t compare your path as an actor to someone else’s. There’s no Bible on how to gain success as an actor in the entertainment industry. All you should focus on is expanding your craft, building relationships, staying in classes, step out of your comfort zone, and lastly…HAVE FUN!

Briefly write about your career
Steadily starting, always growing.

Several commercials throughout the years (tv and radio). 20th Century Fox’s Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son. Character was TJ. (2011), BET’s: Being Mary Jane. Character was Jah Babycake Johnson. (2014), Short: Always Something. Character was George. (2016), Short: Gone But Not Forgotten. Character was Trego. (2016). Each of these roles have been fundamental in my development as an actor and expanding my range as an artist.

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