Q: How did you find out about Elimination Strain’s audition? Talk to me about the process and how you approached the character based on the information given to you for your audition? I can imagine it’s never easy sending a tape of yourself, wondering if you nailed it or not? What were you asked to do?
Robert: It was early October and we were 7 months into the corona virus pandemic. I found the audition on Actors Access. The character was called “Tall masked man.” I said to myself “perfect!” I’m 6’4’’ and don’t get claustrophobic easily. If I can’t land this job, I need to reconsider my career path. (haha). I submitted and was invited to create a self tape for the role. I was given the direction to make two takes with the action of walking by a door to an apartment. you hear something, stop, and do a slow turn towards camera. I did the first take outside because of better lighting and it’s close to impossible to get friends over during a pandemic. The physicality was fun to play with as we are as a society in a state of avoidance of other humans. How does that manifest physically as we move though our day. The second take I did at night in my hallway. The fluorescent lights gave the take an eerie quality I thought would work for a horror film. I was mostly in silhouette, but you could still see my actions. I was happy with the two takes and that’s really all you can do as an actor. Know you did your best and the rest is out of your hands.
Q: You play a psychopath who terrorizes a young couple and even though your character doesn’t speak, you do these little but noticeable things that really make for an unsettling performance. The way you stand oddly and the way you twitch your fingers, this is not easy to get right though it may sound like it is. How did you prepare for this role once you got it and do you have any body movement training that would explain your great performance?
Robert: Thank you for the compliment. I appreciate you saying so. Our fantastic director (Christopher Wells) gave me some valuable insight on who this character is. I have to hold off on telling the world at this point, because the feature hasn’t been released yet. When I arrived on set we were greeted each day by the person in charge of corona protocol. We all felt safe and were thankful for having a chance to do what we love. It also set the mood for fighting the invisible. There’s a level of fear that this character thrives on. I tapped into that and responded to the great performances my fellow actors TJ Lee and Jourdan Roberson gave me to work off of.
Q: How was it shooting during pandemic and did that hinder you getting ready before you were called on set? I imagine you were separated for Covid protocol, did that pose any problems for you as an actor?
Robert: We shot this in October of 2020. March and April of that year I was worried, but after that I wasn’t as much. I had received a few negative PCR tests, so I felt what I was doing to keep myself negative was working (washing my hands, wearing a mask, and staying away from people). I was thrilled to get the job and be back on set. There were no auditions in NYC for a good amount of time. On set it was fine interacting with everyone. We were all well versed in keeping our distance and keeping our masks on when not shooting.
Q: What was a favorite part in this experience?
Robert: Getting hired, honestly. To say I’m a working actor during a pandemic was pretty special. Being back on set. Hearing the director say “Action” again. Very special.
Q: What advice would you give actors?
Robert: For every job I get there’s another hundred I didn’t. Keep going. Take a class. Read plays. Watch your favorite actors work to stay inspired of your craft.
Q: Was it hot in your costume and did the mask ever make it hard for you to move or see?
Robert: It was, actually. We had two beautiful October days when shooting. The sun was out and after about 2 hours, I had to unzip it and sit in my underwear. We would always do a rehearsal without the mask. So I would get a good idea of what my parameters were. It definitely was the safest costume to wear during a pandemic!
Q: I understand this was a 2 day shoot, where you there for both days? And what sort of direction did Christopher give you that you thought was helpful playing your character?
Robert: I was there for both days. Christopher was great. He would let you try things and then help you finesse them. There’s a great shot where I close the door behind me. He gave me the note to do it even slower….It’s creepier that way. And he was right!
Q: Every film is a learning experience, what did you learn on the set of Elimination Strain as an actor that you can use for the future?
Robert: Art does go on. Even during a pandemic.
Q: What advice would you give directors when giving direction to an actor? How much freedom did Christopher give you to explore your character?
Robert: He gave me complete freedom. Which I appreciated. I also saw this when watching him work with the other actors. He’d step in if something wasn’t working, but the collaboration process was a two way street. I think every actor has their own process. I’m a big fan of rehearsals. The more directors give that experience to actors the better the product.
Q: What are you up to now? Any exciting projects you’re involved in?
Robert: I’m currently teaching Theatre Dance for The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. I’ve been on faculty there for 17 years. I did my first hip hop video back in October as well. I was hired right after Elimination Strain to be a contestant on “Dancing with the Hood Stars.” The song is called “Dance” by Pineapple Citi.
Q: How does an actor stay positive during the pandemic both on set and while auditioning?
Robert: Start each day with gratitude. Treat others as you wish to be treated. Facetime people you love. Have a zoom dance party! Be creative.
Q: I imagine it’s always a gamble when you sign onto a project, you never know if there will be food on set, or if they will try and get you to work overtime, if the film will even get finished, etc. How was it working with Christopher and his crew?
Robert: Top notch. It ran just like any big multi million dollar production would. We felt safe and taken care of. There was an air of excitement that we were going to create something together. That’s always special.
Q: You guys accomplished a lot in 2 days. Was there any added pressure or was it a relaxed set?
Robert: Everyone was super nice and treated each other with respect. I think the second day there was a delay with a delivery of a camera piece. But even with that delay, everyone just waited patiently and got to know each other. I think the crew had more stress than the actors. When the delivery finally came, we all jumped in and got it done. No attitudes, which is always nice.
Q: Can you talk to us about your background as an actor and what you learned along the way? Any advice an acting coach ever gave you that really stuck with you?
Robert: Acting is a life long discovery. I think Ellen Burstyn said that once. Every set I’m on I talk to other actors about their process. I watch scenes that I’m not in. Listen to directors work with other actors. I was in 9th grade and took a class called “Decisions for high school.” The first thing the teacher said was “What do you love to do.” I said to myself Acting. That’s what I love to do. I’m going to be an actor. And I’ve stayed true to that ever since. I studied at The American Musial and Dramatic Academy then spent the next 15 years touring with shows like A Chorus Line, 42nd Street and The Wizard of Oz. As I got older I started doing more TV and Film. It’s a different process than stage which is exciting and new. On stage you live a life from beginning to end. On film you mix it up. So as the actor you have to know where you are in the play. I find that exciting to figure out the puzzle and give the right energy for each shot.
Q: Besides the director, who else on set did you interact with on set?
Robert: Pretty much everyone. The covid monitor was great. Every now and then I’d forget to put on my mask after a take and she was ON me. Which I appreciated.
