trust your gut and enjoy the journey
Simona Roman for as long as she can remember, always wanted to be in entertainment. The arena provided the appropriate platform for her natural fiery energy. but that energy did not yet have any form. I often got into trouble a lot at school, says Simona. I used to fight with my older brother and all the boys on the block. Back then, I performed in most school stage productions and always had the passion for physical expression. That expression manifested itself through my involvement in different sports, and loud eclectic fashion styles, at first. Nevertheless, my parents constantly stirred me towards academia. So I focused on studies but always chose subjects that I knew would further my inner ambitions of performing on an ‘inter-national stage’, such as languages, film studies, media & communication. During and after my university studies in London I got involved in many short films, student and indie productions and further went on to explore the craft by taking up various courses, summer schools and continuous drama training at institutions such as Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) and The Actors Center.
I have been encouraged by amazing teachers but one stands out, Nina Fin-burgh who taught me to “just be” and not be afraid of my own strength. She works with actors, performers and teaches ‘SIGHTREADING’ technique at The Actors Center, London. She is known for her fierce feedback, and I am so grateful for her artistic guidance and honesty.
Did you study acting
I pretty much answered that above – there wasn’t just ONE moment that made me go, ahhh I wanna be an actor. But I gotta say – Michael Jackson was my ‘guiding star’.
What acting technique do you use
I studied Stanislavski, Meisner and Adler… I value all of them but don’s subscribe to just one. I instinctively draw on what makes sense for given character/project. Naturally, I gravitate more towards the ‘method acting’ when working on a play or a project that has a luxury of time. I find Meisner more practical when improvising or running from one audition to the next the same day.
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
I can’t speak for everyone here, but from my personal journey, I can tell you It’s definitely not about the glamour, money, or fame, or showing off (that’s just ego-acting). The red carpet-part is just 1% of the ‘business’ part of the show-business. You better have a real passion for exploring a human behavior, telling stories, and be prepared to put the work in and get ‘emotionally naked’ in front of an audience (be it live or on screen). I think that’s when the magic of acting happens that touches people.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
Yes, always studying… every day. If not with private coach, or in the class I observe people, their reasons for doing or saying things, behavior etc… The psychology and motivation behind human actions and mind fascinates me. I like to study animals too —Their movements and honesty of being.
What acting books do you read
Amongst many – here are my most favorite ones: ‘The Intent To Live‘ by Larry Moss, ‘True and False‘ by David Mamet, ‘Audition‘ by Michael Shurtlef, ‘An Actor Prepares‘ by Stanislavski, and ‘The Art of Acting‘ by Stella Adler. I also enjoy reading other books that are not strictly acting books but delve into psychology of the human behavior, spirituality that inform me and my work.
How do you keep fit as an actor
I practice yoga and meditation to keep my mind fit, and speak to my parents daily — which keeps me grounded. I’m naturally very outdoorsy and active. When in Los Angeles, I take the full advantage of the city’s natural blessings and scenery..… I hike, run stairs and spend as much time in the nature or on the beach as I can. In London, I tend to stick with the regular gym workouts or I take spinning classes. I never say no to a good dancing session.
4 all u #gangster & #sexyaction lovers out there: VENDETTA..coming soon through #AnchorBayFilms pic.twitter.com/34SlrkJVfj
— Simona B. Roman (@_BSimona) July 4, 2013
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
I scream of happiness, then I read the hell out of the script (back and forth, forth and back) and make notes in 2 or 3 different colors. I memorize better when my script looks like a painting. I write down my alternative choices for the character. I say my lines out loud but I don’t rehearse the whole piece. I like to bring it (my ideas/choices) to the set and work with the director and other actors and see what happens.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
It’s all very subjective and instinctive. Each character is different and I just hope to be relaxed and connected at the given moment when I have to perform so I can be truthful. It’s really more instinctive for me, sorry I can’t explain.
How do you stay fresh on set
Ideally, I like to get enough sleep and I drink loads of water. I find that accessive water intake keeps my mind sharp and I don’t get tired, especially on a night shoots. In between takes, I usually keep myself to myself to conserve my energy for the actual performance and stay focused on what’s going on. I don’t tend to mingle or chit-chat much unless it’s with the director or fellow actor(s) to discuss the scene.
Describe one creative choice you took on set
I spat in the scene…out of abhorrence, disdain and my character’s total lack of respect for the other character in the scene. That needed some explaining as the fellow actor complained but it was instinctive and the director totally went with it.
Describe a memorable character you played
There are few, especially from the stage productions, but from the big screen, it’s gotta be Kiss-Cut from GALLOW-WALKERS. She was a bad-ass assassin who handled knives, guns and rifles and was creatively and visually stunning. She fought against a formidable cowboy Aman played by Wesley Snipes. I lived with her for 4 months in the Namibian desert.
What do you want most from a director
Direction 🙂 Clear communication of hers/his vision and ideas.
What actors do you long to work with
Many! Such as Chiwetel Ejiofor, Robert Downey Jr., Cate Blanchett, Angelina Jolie, Edward Norton, Leonardo Di Caprio, Daniel Day Lewis, Anthony Hopkins.
Why
I admire their talent, work ethic and I think they just get it in life, generally.
What advice would you give actors
I’m still learning myself every day, but from my experience thus far – just stay on your craft, work hard, don’t get caught up in the pressure of ‘competition’ (I’m a strong believer that what’s right for me – won’t miss me), trust your gut and enjoy the journey. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else… ‘the special’ is in YOU!! So do your best, and If it doesn’t feel right – don’t do it!!
Write about your career
Every production or character that I worked on, be it small or large, has brought me a step closer to where I am now. I look forward to my creative journey onwards and hopefully getting involved with more fun projects as well as roles.
INTERVIEWS
FESTIVALS
