The moment I knew I wanted to be an actor was in my 5th grade theater class with my teacher Ms. Benavides. Her presentation of the craft completely memorized my 10 year old imagination. However, my earliest memory of performing on stage was a few years later in 7th grade where I was able to apply all the skills I learned. By playing Bottom in Midsummers Night’s Dreams. It was in those two moments that helped me know I was going to be an actor.
indieactivity: Did you study acting?
Brittany Sandoval (BS): I studied theater all through high school. This helped me to set a good foundation. After graduating from high school I dove into community theater where I worked with Banks Brothers Productions and the great Vincent Victoria. I also started transitioning into film work under the guidance of my amazing acting coach Hessed Hostein who is the founder of OneFace International Talent Academy. Later I also worked with the amazing Sarah Gaston.
What acting technique do you use?
Brittany Sandoval (BS): In my acting I like to draw from various methods when it is required. Because I personally believe that there are various methods that have to be employed in order for me to give a good well rounded performance. It starts on the page, I apply the Practical Aesthetics method with text-analysis, script work, and a literal understanding of a scene’s driving events. Then as I start to develop the character off the page by applying Stanislavski’s System by working on memory recall, spiritual realism, and self-analysis. Finally, when I start scene work I like to apply the Meisner Technique making sure that I emphasize on openness, honesty, and listening above all.
Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Brittany Sandoval (BS): Yes, I have taken private courses from Hessed Honstein. Soon I will begin working with Ricky Catter.
What acting books di you read?
Brittany Sandoval (BS): I can say that I have not read many acting books. I preferred to do my work on stage and in workshops, or even when I get a script. As strange as it might sound I prefer to read people, I study people around me on a daily basis. I can say that the only acting book I have read is “How To Stop Acting” by Harnold Guskin.
How do you keep fit as an actor mentally and physically?
Brittany Sandoval (BS): To keep myself mentally fit I turn to writing poetry. I have always found writing to be a soothing way of working through my emotions. I also love to travel, spend time with my friends and family, and watch movies and plays. To address the physical I try to work out and I love dancing.
How do you prepare for a role?
Brittany Sandoval (BS): I read the script several times just taking in the basics; characters, setting, plot, motivation. Then I begin annotating my script and building my character backstory from the ground up. I make the decision on the person’s history based on what I know about them at that moment in the script. However, I make sure to leave room for the character to make decisions. Based on the fact that as humans we do not know what will be the consequences of our decisions or how we will react to all of life’s circumstances that we have to deal with.
How do you create a character from a script into a real person on screen?
Brittany Sandoval (BS): It starts for me with understanding the directors’ vision. Then, I start my script work by analyzing the text and what drives the scene. Once I have a solid foundation on the script, I start to explore the character off the page. By intensifying the connections to the work within the context of my experiences, and reaching deeper understandings of the characters’ emotional world. However, I always leave room for surprises within the character. To ensure that when I start scene work with my partner(s) I am listening and responding in an authentic instinctual way.
How do you stay fresh on a production set?
BS: I try to make sure that before I get on set I have had a goodnight reset and eaten a good meal. Then, I go through a ritual of putting on the character’s clothes, reviewing my background notes, taking a quiet moment to exhale and inhale the character. Throughout the shoot, if I am not needed on set I try to rest and meditate to prepare for my next scene. Overall, being in character throughout the shoot helps to avoid feeling tired or even hungry sometimes.
Describe one creative choice you too on set of a production?
BS: When working on a web series named, 3rd Coast Communications I played a character named Drunk Lilian. The director gave me notes before filming the series as to what she wanted as I worked in the background. That would eventually lead to my big scene at the end. So I decided to bring empty wine bottles and create my own labels, dress in bath robes, and tell a story with my expression and body language. It worked. My director really liked it and I kept the crew laughing.
Describe a memorable character you have played?
BS: A memorable character for me has to be in 2016 when I played Drunk Lillian, in Rowdy Gun Shy Productions web series 3rd Coast Communication. I had so much fun playing with the character. She was someone that had no boundaries and got to behave badly without any real consequences.
What do you want most from a director?
BS: The most I want from a director is good communication. I think that if we are able to communicate effectively and I am clear on what the director is looking for I am able to deliver on the vision. And hopefully collaborate on the effort by adding to that vision of the project.
What actor do you long to work with on a production?
BS: This is such a hard question. There are so many actors that I look up to but, I can only pick one. I would have to say Queen Latifah.
Why?
BS: I would love to work with her, because I have always looked up to her career. She has been able to transition into different types of roles from musicals, to dramas, to comedies, and action. She tackles every role and makes it look so easy. I would love to work with and learn from her.
What advice do you give actors?
BS: I would say keep pursuing your passion without asking for permission from anyone. If you want to act, create opportunities for yourself.
Briefly write about you career?
BS: In my transition into film I began by acting on a web series “The Sideline” I played Karissa. Playing this character was a great introduction into film work. I also began to learn how sets are run and how that differs from theater. I then played Drunk Lillian on 3rd Cost Communication. This experience further expanded my knowledge of being on a set and understanding how they are run. It was a great experience because I was able to work on internal character work, to create and portray a character without dialogue.
Finally, Rich Kids is my first feature film. I have learned so much from beginning to end, I try to soak from the audition process that felt like an invigorating magical acting class. To build a character through talks with my director and understanding how a bigger production works. Seeing myself on the big screen for the first time and getting to be a part of an amazing film festival across the United States. I am grateful for all these experiences because they have all taught me so much and have prepared me for the great things I have to come.
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