We’d love to introduce you to one of our incredible TBG teaching artists, Tricia Alexandro! Read our interview with her below…
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What do you enjoy most about teaching?
TA: I love sharing information that has helped me unlock my own potential and helped ease my anxiety and uncertainty about creating a career as an actor. I love that the lessons I’ve learned through years of trial and error, study, and experience can potentially help other actors make choices from a place of clarity and empowerment.
I also love watching a group of strangers morph into a community of comrades, supporting and uplifting each other, expressing themselves with vulnerability and courage, sharing resources with one another, and cheerleading each other as they each take new action in service of their dreams each week. There is so much magic created in that classroom. I’m grateful to be a part of it.
What is a TBG tool you love to use in your own acting journey?
TA: A go-to tool I use in my own acting work is “Really Do It.” I love to give myself activities to do during self-tapes and scenes because doing stuff related to the scene gets me out of my head, helps give information about the character, gives the audience context, and makes things more believable (in my opinion.) But I can tell the difference if I’m marking it or really doing it – the same when I’m watching someone else’s performance.
I was given the task of ironing a shirt in a TV show while I played out a scene. I treated the iron as if it was hot, even though it wasn’t plugged in, and I barely looked up at the actor playing my son because a) I didn’t want to burn myself and b) I wanted that shirt to be pristine. I really loved watching that scene when the show came out. It felt like a real conversation happening amidst the circumstances of a real day in the life of this family. It also showed that this woman was no-nonsense and didn’t take her tasks lightly. The times I did look up were because the other character really got my attention – they weren’t arbitrary.
What is a project that you’ve been a part of that you are proud of?
TA: A future project I’m excited about: I’m going to Ireland in August to shoot a feature film written and directed by Ed Burns. It’s my third time collaborating with him, and I couldn’t be more grateful. He creates a warm, fun, professional, and creative set environment, and, at this point, he feels like family.
Also, (fun fact,) I put my headshot and resume in Ed Burns’ dad’s mailbox twenty years ago, saying I wanted to be in his son’s next film. Nothing happened at the time, but a few years ago, I got an audition for a recurring role on Ed’s TV show Bridge and Tunnel. I booked it, and I got to tell Ed that story. Now, here we are on our third project together. I tell my students, pay attention when someone’s work stirs your heart. That’s an indication – a breadcrumb the universe is throwing you. If you follow the crumbs, you will be led on a wild adventure, and your reality may just surpass your dreams.
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To take a class with Tricia, try Acting: Creating a Thriving Career I starting 9/14, Acting: Creating a Thriving Career I starting 9/17, or Acting: Creating a Thriving Career II starting 10/12.
Check out TBG’s full schedule of classes!