Sean Dillingham is an actor who has appeared in over 98 Commercials and 50 films, plus 17 National Television Series. He’s had network television appearances on Operation REPO, Discovery ID, Buried in the Backyard, The Night Shift, Longmire, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, This is Us, There’s Johnny, Yellowstone, Gentified & Better call Saul! He has acted alongside Kevin Costner, Tony Danza, Jane Seymour, Patrick Duffy, Roger Bart, Don Ameche, Stacy Keach, John O’Hurley,Andre Braugher, Andy Samberg, Milo Ventimiglia, Bob Odenkirk, and America Ferrera.
As a stand up, Sean is known as one of the finest improvisers in comedy. He uses this skill to interact with the audience – spontaneously creating jokes specific to any audience. Sean has the rare ability to play off the audience. He is able to discover things about audience members and create an interactive show that leaves everyone feeling like they were included in a part of something unforgettable. Sean has trained with several of the top Improv Comedy Troupes in the country including The Second City, The Groundlings and I.O. West.
He was featured as a finalist and winner on the television show, America’s Funniest People, where ABC television producer Stephanie Keane sited him as,” another Robin Williams”. He was also a finalist on the Star Search spin-off, “Ed McMahon’s Next Big Star” and has been featured on “XM Radio”. He’s shared the stage with Louie Anderson, Gilbert Gottfried, Patty Loveless, Belinda Carlisle, Loretta Lynn, The Doobie Brothers, Rick Springfield, K.C. and the Sunshine band, and Victoria Jackson.
indieactivity : Did you study acting?
Sean Dillingham (SD): Yes and continue to do so. You should always be studying, and working on your craft. I took classes in Theatrical, Film and Commercial acting as well as studied at several Improv theaters. Sean also studied with several stand-up comedy teachers. I can’t stand it when someone says “You don’t need classes, you don’t; Tawni need to learn” What I say to those people is, I hope your doctor or dentist doesn’t feel that way too!
What acting technique do you use?
Sean Dillingham (SD): “Method”, “Sense” and what I would call common sense or reality. As a character, how someone would REALLY react or respond in a situation. Sometimes actors can get too lost in technique and lose the reality of a situation or character, then you get a performance that is too big or cardboard. Othertimes, it’s all just about being REAL. Sometimes actors have a real challenge of “don’t act, just be real”.
Do you take courses to improve you craft?
Sean Dillingham (SD): Always. If there is someone or some organization that is offering something, you should always seek it out. You may take the course and say, I knew all that already, but, if you walk away learning ONE new thing, it will have been worth it.
What acting books do you read?
Sean Dillingham (SD): ”Acting on Film” by Michael Caine is an amazing, insightful book with techniques that I still use today.
How do you keep fit as an actor : mentally, physically?
Sean Dillingham (SD): Physically, I walk. I also work out. But, also being involved with lots of fun activities. When they’re fun, they don’t feel like exercise; Bowling, Golf, Swimming, and Hiking. Mentally I do lots of reading. It is the workout for the brain!
How do you prepare for a role, when you get it?
Sean Dillingham (SD): Job number one is to “Get Off Script!” If you are still struggling, on day one of production to remember your lines, you are stone cold, dead in the water. You must learn the script forward and backward. Then and only then, can it become about exploring the character, his reactions, and timing etc.
How do you create a character from a script into a person?
Sean Dillingham (SD): The author of the work has given you a roadmap as to the characters personality and reactions. They even put in the work directions and reactions. I learn a script 3 or 4 different ways. As written then 2 or 3 more ways of my interpretation, so that I have something different to offer a director. Sometimes, directors like options.
How do you stay fresh on set?
Sean Dillingham (SD): I read and read the scenes over and over. I try not to sit. I stay up, move, walk and read the script. When you sit you get comfortable, relaxed and you lose your energy regardless of whether it is a 12, 14, 16 hour shoot. Get up and keep moving. Keep your energy up!
Explain one creative choice you took on set?
Sean Dillingham (SD): On every set, every production I always have choices and suggestions. It is just the way my mind works. The key is how you approach it. No one wants to be told, “Let’s do it this way” or “How about this instead” Then you have crossed the line into telling someone how to do their job or insinuating you know better. Instead, I take an approach of “May I offer a suggestion?” or “I had a thought” or “Wouldn’t it be funny if” It is the way you approach someone. And don’t get too attached to your ideas or suggestions. They’re just suggestions after all.
Describe a memorable character you played?
Sean Dillingham (SD): Marco Severino on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. It was a huge show, working on an amazing lot. The others actors, Andre Braugher and Andy Samberg were nice and professional. I was working on that show for a week and it was just so professional from beginning to end.
What do you want most from a director?
Sean Dillingham (SD): I like detailed direction and communication: open-minded. Everyone wants to work with a director not a dictator. Someone who wants to collaborate with everyone on the set from actors, to sound editors, to cameraman to lights. Everyone is working on the same project, not just one person.
What actor do yo long to work with?
Sean Dillingham (SD): John Lithgow
Why?
Sean Dillingham (SD): He is so relaxed and comfortable on screen. He can come across intense as well as nice and friendly and genuine. I would have so many questions for him!
Briefly write about your career?
Sean Dillingham (SD): After 98 commercials, 50 films and 17 National TV series, I feel like just now, am I truly starting to “get it”. It’s a constant learning and growing process. That’s why I like the older actors. To get that good, took a lot of time and work. You think they look that good and make it look that easy, by mistake?
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