Have fun! Enjoy every opportunity you can to act.
I can honestly say that I didn’t take up acting as a hobby, let alone a second profession, until my mid-life. Eight years ago, my wife and I volunteered to be in a student film. That first time in front of a camera as background talent ignited my passion for acting. I immediately started seeking film projects in the Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia region. With each project, I felt like I learned something more about filmmaking and acting, and that I was able to bring my life experiences to roles. Four years after my first time in front of the camera, I did my first stage performance in community theater. I’ve been active in stage productions off and on ever since. Additionally, I am a voice performer and writer. I started a few years ago to write short comedy bits for our internet radio show, Turn Up The Night with Kenny Pick. Most of these bits aired on the nationally-syndicated Stephanie Miller Show. I am now writing my first short film script, which I plan to film sometime in 2015.
Did you study acting
I supplemented my on-the-job training with local acting workshops and scene study, as well as a series of improvisational comedy courses. Of these, the most valuable were my scene studies with Kevin McClatchy and improv courses with Scott Summitt and Amy Talbott.
What acting technique do you use
I don’t have a Bachelor of Arts. I don’t speak the language of a “technique”. But, what I have learned is to listen to my scene partners and value the feedback of my director. I have also learned that if my performance feels right, then it is probably pretty close to being right. One bit a sage advice I received from a well-established film actor a while back, find the one thing your character cares about the most (be it family, power, revenge, etc.) and allow that to drive your choices.
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
Acting is NOT about “faking it.” Faking will be spotted by the audience as insincerity or over-the-top behavior (unless, of course it’s being called for in the role.) You must find the parts of a character that resonate with you and make them your own. Yes, even in a villain. It goes back to what I said previously about finding that “one thing” your character cares about the most.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
As I previous noted, scene studies with Kevin McClatchy and improv courses with Scott Summitt and Amy Talbott.
What acting books do you read
Lately, I’ve been enjoying reading Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business by Bonnie Gillespie. Another book I recommend is How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur by Catherine Balavage. Both books are full of great advice to actors and some excellent interviews. I would also recommend Michael Caine’s Acting in Film: An Actor’s Take on Movie Making.
How do you keep fit as an actor
I walk two to two-and-a-half miles every other day, weather permitting. We have a very hilly terrain around our home, so it’s a great workout.
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
I read my scripts as many times as it takes to have a clear understanding of my character and his interactions with the other characters. When in doubt, I ask for clarification. Obviously, for stage productions, the goal is to be off book and to then fine-tune the performances. Film productions are similar, but are frequently shot out of sequence. So, mastery of the script might be on a scene-by-scene basis.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
Going back to my previous statements here… finding the one thing that the character values above all else and build on that. Finding the similarities, as well as the contrasts, with myself. Building my rapport with the character. Where there are differences between the character and me, creating an understanding of when in my life I could have done something differently that could have put me on the same trajectory as my character.
How do you stay fresh on set
I’m not the kind of person who needs to stay in character while on set. If that works for an actor, that’s great. If I need to get my energy back up for a emotionally-charged scene, running in place, huffing and puffing usually gets me back to that point.
Tom Shafer as the Hotel Manager in ‘The Bellhop
Describe a memorable character you played
Last spring (2013), I got to play a very condescending Hotel Manager in a Denison University student film, ‘The Bellhop’. It was a chance to be something I’m not in my personal life, and yet, I could relate to his need to have everything “just so.”
This summer, I played George Drummond in the Evolution Theatre Company production of ‘Skin Deep’ by Rich Orloff. A great character to play since it showed the evolution (no pun intended) of George as he struggled to accept his deceased brother’s former life in Key West as the manager of a clothing-optional resort. I was a comedy, but it had a lot of heart.
Director, cast and stage manager of ‘Skin Deep’ by Rich Orloff
Explain one creative choice you took on set
In 2013, I played the sniveling suck-up of a personal assistant in the 48 Hour Film Project short ‘There Will Be Blocks‘. As with a lot of timed contests, there’s some latitude for performance. At one point, my boss slams a door in my face and I obediently replied “I’ll be here if you need me.” I thought, how about if he just stands there… waiting… for her to open the door again. It was a moment that wasn’t scripted, but the director loved.
What do you want most from a director
I had the great fortune of being directed by JJ Abrams in ‘Super 8’ a few years ago. The thing I appreciated the most was that he was able to fine-tune our performances once he saw how a scene coming together. It felt like he was guiding without micro-managing. That takes great communication skills.
What actors do you long to work with
Wow, I’ve never thought about that before. Seriously, any chance to work with A-listers is great. But honestly, just working is wonderful, whether it’s indie film, theatre or a big Hollywood production.
What advice would you give actors
Have fun! Enjoy every opportunity you can to act.
What advice would you give actors.
I’ll start with the link to my website, From there, you can navigate to my showreel, voice-over and short film projects, and blog.
Like many others, I started by doing short films and background work on larger productions. I did have the opportunity to be a key background character in The Ides of March. It was a pivotal scene with Ryan Gosling. The irony was that we never spoke and never made eye contact since I was supposed to be running out of a hotel room without noticing him.
This was me and my few seconds of screen time all to myself (LOL)…
When we took lunch break, Ryan was walking down that same hall, looked at me and said “hi”. For a second I was wondering why he would be talking to me. Then, I remembered that he was (sort of) my scene partner. By the way, director George Clooney gave my performance “a big gold star”. That was a good day!
