Do you have the right stuff?

By: Mandrake,

Chicagoactor.com Executive Staff

Grant Stokes

Well, Shakespeare wasn’t really referring to an actor when he penned the words “to be or not to be”…but that is indeed the burning question that many performers ask themselves.

However, to be an actor, you need to have the right stuff.

If you attend one of Grant Stokes’ popular acting classes at Act I, Stokes will be asking you just that: do you have the right stuff to be an actor?

Of course, possessing talent is essential, that goes without saying. But you need drive, ambition, determination, perseverance, resilience, discipline, dedication and a thirst for learning techniques, methods and skills.

It’s hard work.

Following in the footsteps of great acting teachers like Lee Strasberg and Uta Hagen, local Chicago actor/teacher Grant Stokes gets down to the basics of acting…learning good skills, mastering the proper techniques, studying the method of acting.

Stokes, a 15 year veteran of stage, screen and television makes time to share his expertise, experience and knowledge with his students, while maintaining a very busy performing career.

Stokes managed to squeeze in a little interview time with Chicagoactor.com.

Q: Tell us about briefly about yourself.

A: I am a union actor and have worked in a few different parts of the country, Cleveland New York , L.A. southern California. Studied with Uta Hagen and I have a Masters in Voice and an MFA in acting. I love what I do. I am starting to make more films now. Although my primary love is acting, I am also a lead singer in a country/bluegrass/folk band.

Q: How did you decide to become an actor?

A: My mom was a single mom and a painter. She loved and supported the arts.

I loved singing and acting and was lucky to receive a scholarship to University and I just kept going.

Q: You are also an acclaimed director. Are you an actor’s director?

A: I am definitely an actor’s director. I like directing but I am an actor first. I think born directors are a different breed.

Q: When did you decide that you would also write?

A: I had a writing class in grad school and a few small pieces done in festivals but not till Jane Alderman forced me into writing “GREY.”

Q: You’ve been an assistant director for various operas at the Opera Theatre in Michigan . How is directing Opera different from say non-singing productions?

A: I’ve been an assistant director for a few Opera companies and directed their apprentice programs. It is interesting that in Opera a director can make (through the physical language) many different parts of the story clear to an audience that doesn’t speak Italian or German or French etc. The clarity that they have as directors is amazing. And they usually only get about two weeks.

Q: You have an extensive list of credentials in commercials, movie/TV and theater. Which medium to you prefer and why?

A: I like film the most. Thanks to my extensive theatre background, I feel that I am ready to pursue a career in film. I’m in my 30’s, so the time is now to do as much film as I can.

I’m excited by the whole filmmaking process.

Q: Tell us what was it like being a part of the Royal Shakespeare Company? How did that come about? How different is the UK ’s approach to acting versus America ’s approach?

A: I was a graduate student and The Royal Shakespeare Company did a three year residency program with the University of Michigan and Wayne State University . It provided the students with plenty of quality time with The Company: socially and professionally. It was a great time, great opportunity and great learning experience.

I really like their approach: it’s Out/IN and IN/Out all at the same time. Lots of physical and vocal work every day. Your whole being becomes very open and receptive.

I’d love to spend time some quality time in the UK , at least a year, to be able to soak up all that knowledge, skill and technique.

Q: Teaching is a very big part of your life. Tell us why you decided to teach?

A: I’ve been lucky in my career and I love to give back. It’s really an honor to help performers’ dreams come true and to watch as their lives change once they become involved with acting. It changes them profoundly.

Q: You have joined the teaching faculty of Act I here in Chicago . How did that come about and what are you teaching?

A: Three years ago I didn’t know where I was headed and a fantastic actress, and a good friend Janice O’Neill, suggested I submit my resume. A few days later they called me and I moved here.

Currently at Act I, I teach “Viewpoints 1 & 2,” “The Fundamentals Series.” “Advanced Uta Hagen based Scene Study Class” and “Viewpoints for the Conservatory.”

Q: How do you approach teaching the Arts?

A: I try to teach like Uta which means that I basically teach actors to trust their own instincts by building their skills!!!!

Q:You are a huge fan of the Uta Hagen Method. Tell us about the method and why you are such a staunch believer in this method of training/performing.

A: Uta Hagen tuned me into a real actor.

It’s a process that allows the actor to be submerged in the physical, emotional, psychological life of the character. A lot of self discovery had to be made on my part: who am I and what do I have to offer each role.

Also there’s a philosophy of a higher purpose for our art. It’s creating a vision for yourself. What do you want to say with your life?

These not only apply to an actor’s life, but to everyone in general. I think that’s very important.

Q: What is the most difficult performing gig that you ever had to do?

A: The most difficult >>>Hamlet! He’s in a really crappy place at the top of the show and he gets worse!!! The character of Hamlet is very challenging and all consuming.

Q: What have you learned in your 15+ career in the entertainment industry?

A: I keep learning to be happy. Live your life. Work hard and pray for the best to come. Enjoy just being an artist. Be happy for others success. It’s like the tide: it comes and goes.

Q: If you could, what would you do differently in your career? Any regrets?

A: I would maybe have tried to live in London early in my career.

Q: What is the best advice that you have ever received?

A: Trust yourself and get back in line

Q: What advice do you have to share with our performers?

A: The same advice: Don’t give up! Trust yourself!

Q: What is the most daunting obstacle facing up and coming performers today?

A: The shrinking market and reality shows.

Also, it is daunting to figure out where you want to be and what you

want to be doing.

Q: Who is the most influential individual in Chicago’s performing community today and why?

A: Influential? Oh, there are so many people in our performing community that fit that bill and it’s hard to limit it to just one… I’d say, all the casting directors and all the agents. The Theatres like Steppenwolf, Goodman and Victory Gardens , just to name a few. Schools like Columbia College , DePaul, Northwestern and Act I. The film community here is very strong and getting stronger. The advertising community, which so important to the livelihood of Chicago actors. The Illinois Film Office, Chicago Film Office and IPA all who work so hard to bring the work back to Illinois . The list is endless.

Most importantly, Chicago has a very strong group of talented performers to learn from.

This is a very powerful place!

Q: Your thoughts on the new media revolution as it applies to performers?

A: Now more than ever, it is so very important for the performer to be able to adapt their skills for all venues. Do your homework. Hone your craft.

Q: Best part of working in Chicago ? Worst part?

A: The best part of working in Chicago is that the people here are REALLY talented and NICE!

Of course the worst part is that we need more work…

Q: What do you think needs improvement in the Chicago performing community?

A: A better understanding of our industry as it applies to Chicago .

The Illinois Film Alliance (IPA) should not have to work as hard as they do to get our lawmakers to pass a fantastic film/TV/commercial tax incentive plan. Although, our lawmakers have just passed the 2008 film/TV/commercial tax incentive plan, it needs to be better and immediate. We have 49 other states on our heels, all competing for the same piece of pie.

Q: You also have worked from coast to coast. How are the various cities different when it comes to acting/directing/writing?

A: NYC has a certain feel. Chicago has a feel and a vibe and L.A. is harder to get a line on. L.A. doesn’t feel as much like a community to me but of course I am just starting to get my feet wet, so to speak, in that neck of the woods. Ask me again in a year or so when I’ve spent more time there career wise.

Q: What would you like to do that you haven’t had the opportunity to do so as of yet?

A: I would like to do a British series like “MI-5.”

Q: Projects for the future?

A: A film next fall in Nashville . I play a country folk singer.

In keeping with Stokes’ commitment to share his knowledge and experience with performers, Chicagoactor.com is thrilled to announce that starting in May, Stokes will be contributing a monthly column on the technique and method of acting.

Stay tuned for Chicagoactor.com’s own private acting coach!

For more information on not only Stokes classes at Act I, but the full roster of classes visit: www.actone.com

Stokes is represented exclusively by Aria Talent Agency.