There is no single way to become a great actor. If you train through Meisner, StanislavskiStella Adler or Uta Hagen, each artist eventually discovers what works for them. Some principles still seem to reason about different disciplines.
Over the years, Indieview has spoken with rising stars and established talents about the way of thinking required not just to break in actingBut to maintain a meaningful career. Here David Alvarez (“West Side Story”), Wunmi Mosaku (“Sinner“), TS Madison (” Bros “), and other share what they have learned to get involved in the craft and find the purpose in performance.
David Alvarez: Passion is essential, obsession is not
One of the youngest artists who won the Tony Award for best actors in a musical, Alvarez had a pretty good launch plate for a career in spectacle, but still engaged in many ways. He trained in classic piano, served two and a half years as an infantry in the US Army, studied philosophy at Case Western University, all before he finally returned to act as Sharks leader Bernardo in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake by “West Side Story.”
Talk to IndieWires Jew Dry in January 2022 After the publication, Alvarez clarified his interest in the craft, but that he never wanted to participate because he needed it. “I would love to continue acting, but I have to be passionate about it. I have to be inspired by it or I would rather just do something else, to be honest,” he said.
Since then, Alvarez has played in the Showtime drama “American Rust” and is currently displayed on the new Prime Videos series from Amy Sherman-Palladino, “Star,” But Alvarez’s success proves that those who hold this business do not always have to be obsessed with getting their next part.
“If it is meant to be, the right roles will come my way, and I would love to portray other things,” Alvarez told Indiewire. “But if not, I wouldn’t mind me completing my exam to become a philosophy professor or something.”
TS Madison: Actors require responsibility
Billed as the first gay Rom-Com, produced by a large studio, “Bros” was as much about breaking barriers as it was about sharing pages. For role member TS Madison meant to be part of the film to be proud of her identity as a trans woman in color and reminded her that she was part of a larger society.
“If I will occupy a public room,” she said under An interview 2022 With indiegees dry, “I have a responsibility towards my community to make sure we are represented well.”
This was not always the case for Madison, who considered himself quite “ruthless” before he became an actress. When she realized the power to see herself represented on the screen, she knew, however, that she had to change her attitude.
“I saw that there were so many people behind me who do not have the privilege of having their voices raised,” Madison said. “So I started making changes within myself and saying: ‘Madison … You have lots of ears. And if you change one life one life can change another.'”
This is not only a valuable lesson for someone like Madison, but for someone who is given the opportunity to be placed in front of a camera. Whether it is on the screen or off, with a respect for what you do and the import it may have for others goes a long way towards earning respect for those around you.
Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson: Keep it grounded
While filming “Nickel Boys”, Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson took on double roles as an actor and as camera operators, given the film’s first person photography style. It was a technical challenge, but they quickly found a rhythm.
“Even if you look into the lens, it only starts to fade in natural movements” Wilson told IndieWire By 2024. “If you go back, it looks very unnatural, but when you start getting into the rhythm it just became what we did.”
Their process reflects a broader truth about acting: finding truth in a role is not about thinking about. It’s about connecting to something real.
“It’s less about doing it just causing, or for money, or whatever,” Herisse said. “It is,” does this speak to me in any way? Or would it be fun? “
Wunmi Mosaku: Every role has a rippling effect
In an industry that is often driven by market trends and streaming measurement values, Wunmi Mosaku remains focused on what she can control: Choosing stories that mean something to her.
“If we are brought more closely because of a shared experience,” she said to indieview“Then it is the stories that I want to be a part of, either as a viewer or as someone who acts in it.”
Mosaku, who plays in “sinners” with Michael B. Jordan, believes that every role is a chance to contribute to something greater. And while all gigs can be a step forward, she is aware of how each one adds the bow to her career.
As Mosaku told IndieWire, “What attracts me to these projects is:” Do I feel changed? Do I feel that I’m growing? “
