Tell us about your upcoming project(s). I’ll be in The Final Scene at the Thick House Theatre (SF) in August.

You’ve been busy since you graduated; tell us about your other projects and what you’ve learned. I played the role of Lee in Sam Shepard’s True West, which I also co-produced. I also appeared as James McLeod in Detective Story, Eddie Carbone in A View from the Bridge, Cardinal Richlieu in The 3 Musketeers, Old Bull Lee in On the Road and Richard Roma in Glengarry Glen Ross. I shot a commercial for Symantec, shot a film with our beloved Melissa Thompson Esaia, and various projects with fellow alums in the Studio. The most important thing I’ve learned is you can’t grow if you’re idle. Work, Work, Work!!

 

The Training

Sanford Meisner: created a technique that truly taps into the soul of the human condition.

The #1 thing I learned in class was: to face and embrace my fears.

The best advice I can give current students at the Meisner Technique Studio is: to always challenge yourself, this is the foundation on which you will, as an actor, stand on for the rest of your life.

The #1 thing I’ve learned since graduating: the learning process as a person and actor will never end.

The biggest adjustment since I graduated: being able to co-exist with actors who don’t work the way we do.

The hardest adjustment since I graduated: life is about adjusting, I try to stay positive and just roll with the changes.

The #1 thing I miss about being in class is: the anticipation every week that during my two class nights something magical might happen.

The #1 thing I don’t miss about being in class is: there is nothing I don’t miss. That time marked a huge shift in my artistic life….I loved it all.

Jim said this over and over but I never realized how true it was until I got out and into the real world was: “Anyone can call themselves an actor or director but the difference between those that have earned it versus those who claim it is quite wide.”

The Business

The Business of Your Dream class was: a tremendous eye-opener.

The # 1 thing I took from it was: you can operate in the “real world” and keep your integrity intact.

Getting an agent: was a good idea for me as it has opened the door to more opportunities.

One year from now: I’ll be a better actor by one year.

Five years from now: I’ll be a better actor by five years.

The best thing about where you are in your dream is: I’m still swingin’.

The worst thing about where you are in your dream is: there are no bad things allowed in my dream.

The #1 thing I wish directors knew about working with actors: I’ve been blessed with wonderful experiences, however, to say something, maybe that directors challenge their actors to never stop discovering (not that we Meisnerites need that challenge!!).

You

If I could work with any actor, it would be: in the ever-changing list, currently, it’s Sean Penn.

If I could re-cast a Hollywood movie role with myself, it would be: Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum) The Night of The Hunter.

My greatest influence(s): Personally: Dad, Artistically: Sandy, Jim Jarrett, and Melissa Thompson Esaia (watch her work sometime, it is awe-inspiring!!)

I first knew I wanted to be an actor: when I stepped on the stage opening night of A Streetcar Named Desire and it felt like home.

I’ll always be: true to myself and Sandy, no matter how much I screw up!!

My mother: embraces my dream tighter than I do!!

My father: was the greatest man that EVER walked this planet.

My #1 problem is: I am known to hold on a bit too tightly at times.

I wish: more people respected the craft of acting.

I wish Jim had told me: Jim has always been a source of inspiration and advice; that has not changed.

I wish somebody had told me: about Sandy 20 years ago.

Someday I’m going to: not be here, so for now, I’m gonna take as many swings as I can.

My favorite actor: I don’t like this question as there are many… I’ll say Daniel Day-Lewis.

My favorite film: The Godfather.

My favorite book: Shibumi by Travanian.

When I get overwhelmed: I take a deep breath, say The Lord’s Prayer and get on with it.

The biggest waste: to make a mistake and learn nothing from it.

If I were not an actor: I’d be dead.

Courage: is what it takes to face-down adversity.

I’ll never: stop growing personally or artistically.

Is there anything else you’d like to say? No, thank you.

The Meisner Technique Studio would like to thank Eric for taking time to share with us and with all of you. We wish him all the very best.