Member Since: 2002
What has been your favorite role?
Hyrum Smith in Under the Banner of Heaven: a lot of appreciation shown for what actors were bringing to the table, and everyone in those scenes had chops, even (maybe especially) just sitting in silence with each other. It was also a great reminder that artistic satisfaction is in the work we do, whether or not our favourite parts survive the edit.
What do you do when you are not performing?
Career-wise, I’m the Executive Director of the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers, where I get to support a bunch of great projects in myriad ways, and occasionally get to stretch some creative muscles as well. It’s an organization with very deep roots here, and I love how many aspects of production and community it touches on. Otherwise, family, dog, music, maybe getting around to all those lingering home renovations (sorry, family & dog) and this next question:
What organization / activity are you involved with or passionate about that people would find interesting?
I’m a volunteer instructor with Calgary Ki Society’s youth and adult programs. CKS is a non-profit that teaches a very specific stream of Ki Aikido based on coordination of mind and body, and it’s adaptable to all ages and abilities. The physical aspect has been useful for me on set quite a bit, but in general the training has been way more useful in terms of managing my own mind, and it dovetails with many approaches to acting. It also lets me travel to cool places and do fun stuff!
What Director would you like to work with?
Audrey Cummings, when are you back in town? Bruce McDonald for the punk-rock-run-and-gun; Christopher Nolan for the huge scale of vision; worked with Adam Kane briefly on Billy the Kid and loved his ability to simultaneously direct and collaborate. Lots and lots of directors.
What is your favorite movie and/or TV show?
Movie: possibly Visconti’s sweepingly melodramatic Senso… but possibly Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. TV: #*%^ing golden age of television! So. Many. Options. Might be Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt for wringing so much comedy and honesty out of so many tragic and absurd circumstances.
As a Performer, what is one thing you wish you would have known sooner?
Um, bring a book? No. Play. Do all the mountains of preparation and speak up and ask questions, but when the camera is rolling, just play.
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Social Media? Nah, just come say hello at CSIF! Social Humans.