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When did you graduate from the Dramatic Arts program?
March 2007
Tell me about your experience:
It was intense. A good confidence builder. I felt prepared for whatever was coming after graduation.
What have you been doing since you graduated?
Well, I moved downtown. That was step one. Then I got myself a job. That was step two; but I had to quit right away because I booked a recurring role on the tv series Eureka. Now all I do is work on my acting! I got new headshots as soon as I signed with my agent (Trisko Talent), and I started to eat very healthy and work out every day. I think it's really important. I've also been working on my relationship with my agent, Dylan. I think it's important to be comfortable with your agent and not be intimidated. We communicate a lot (he says as he answers a call from Dylan).
Did you feel that VADA prepared you fully for the experience of working in the business?
Yes, absolutely. When I go to an audition now, I don't even have to think about the technical part of it anymore, I just have it ingrained in me. I just do what I have to do to understand the character.
What did you feel was the most important thing you took away from your experience at VADA?
VADA gave me confidence: confidence to get out there, to walk into the audition room and book the job.
How did you find your agent?
I found my agent through the VADA Showcase at the end of the program. Dylan saw me perform that night, then a week and a half later, he called me up for an interview. I went in to meet him and did a cold read audition for him - and he signed me almost right away!
How long did it take before you had your first audition?
Only 5 days!
What kind of auditions have you been going out for?
I've been going out for a lot of young parts. Most of my character breakdowns read in the 16-19 age range, so I've been doing a lot of shaving! I auditioned for the series ,i>About a Girl, had a couple of movie auditions, and lots of commercials. (as he lists his auditions, Dylan calls him again, this time with a film audition!) Oh, and now I have an audition for the film ,i>Tale of Two Sisters.
Have you been getting good feedback from the Casting Directors?
Eureka was my first film and TV audition (and my fourth overall). I got good feedback fro the casting director, then I booked the part.
Getting the Job
What did you book recently?
Eureka
Tell me about the audition process:
It was my first audition for Stuart Aikens, so it was a little stressful. Especially since my agent kept telling me how much I need to NAIL THIS ONE. But it wasn't a big deal because I felt really prepared by the time I got into the room.
How did you prepare?
Well, I always try to find out as much information as I can on the character, the script, and about the TV show itself. I did a lot of reading. The breakdown helped because it told me that I was the kid that all the parents didn't like. So I dressed the part and it was funny becasue everyone in the waiting room was dressed as a good guy. I really stood out from all the other kids at the audition. I think that's what got me the job! It's so important to do your research and dress the part.
What was your favorite part of being on set?
Well, I was surprised at how much creative control I had on set. The director was great. He asked for my opinion on my character and told me I was free to say my lines however felt natural to me. I even got lines added on the spot!
Also, I loved the food. So much good food! And I loved the friendships I made. I had so much fun on set that when I left, I was sad I'd never see them again. But then I got a call from my agent to say that they wanted me back for another episode-so I will see everyone again!
What did you learn for the experience?
I learned that I need to be aware of myself on camera and really know what I'm doing.
I hear you're auditioning for the part of Huckleberry Finn next, which would have you working with Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin. Do you feel it's important to get coaching before big auditions like that?
Absolutely! I think it's really important to be as prepared as I can be and getting someone else's opinion on the audition piece is the best.
How did Simon help you prepare for the part?
He got me to change two little things that I was doing, and those two things made it all work! I went in to the audition with so much confidence and Dylan told me that I did great work.
What advice would you give to people who want to start their career in acting?
Training is so important. Never go into an audition unprepared. and also, build a good relationship with you agent. Overall, you have to make acting your number 1 priority. And then, just have fun! Oh, and dress the part.
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