Berna Roberts is a Mexican-American, Los Angeles based Actress originally from East Chicago. Berna began as a stage Actress at the age of 12. Her first professional role was playing Edna Arkins in Lynda Barry’s The Good Times Are Killing Me, a pre-adolescent girl’s coming of age story during a time of racial integration.
While continuing her stage work, Berna won the Original Oratory Optimist Speech Contest (just like Julia Roberts did as a young girl). This only pushed Berna to further continue working as an Actress. She had an opportunity during that time to work as an Actress in events such as pARTners Performing For Life, raising awareness and funds to find a cure for the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This idea of being able to use her craft and her voice to make a difference in the world excited Berna.
Eventually, Berna moved to New York where she landed a very, very small role in her first film. A few months later she booked the lead in a potential Television Pilot filming in Las Vegas. After completing filming on the Pilot, Berna moved to Los Angeles and began studying at an Arts Conservatory.
indieactivity: Did you study acting?
Berna Roberts (BR): I remember growing up and really escaping in film and television. At times, dealing with certain feelings as a young girl, and feeling completely alone in my situation. But, then, I would see some character in a film or on TV who was feeling what I felt… I was no longer alone. I would hope that I could do some work that would make
someone out there watching feel like I felt. Maybe help him or her get through something difficult.
I have studied with AMAZING people. I began my studies with Paris Goodrum and Linda Bloemker, my Teachers or Mentors in Drama and Speech in school growing up. I learned so much from my first Directors Bryan Fonseca, Steve Traynor, and Ron Spencer (not only about the craft, but as a human being… love… acceptance… and how to conduct myself as a young lady).
After studying with Doug Matranga for two years at a Meisner Conservatory, I began studies with Janet Alhanti and Iris Klein. Janet is a real legend in Hollywood working with John Cassavetes Gena Rowlands, Josh Brolin and Toby Mcguire. Janet and Iris gave me a safe place to be creative and to “Really go for it!” (Janet to me: ALL THE TIME!). I have also studied with Brian Reise who has forty years in the industry studying with the likes of Uta Hagan and Lee Strasberg. He focuses, specifically, on film and television.
In addition, I have studied at the Anthony Meindl Workshop. Anthony is an award-winning Writer and Director who teaches a very simple, positive approach to craft.
Of course, there are those on set Teachers… my Directors… and I am grateful for every lesson they have ever taught me. Thank you to Paris Goodrum, Bryan Fonseca, Steve Traynor, Ron Spencer, Michael Dana Wells, Ed Mobley, Jeff Oppenheim, Jay Roach, Leigh Scott, Micaela Canedo, Dave Falcone, Nicole Wright, Scott Marcano, Charlie Vaughn, Dave Palmieri, Frank Aragon, Liesel Kopp, Jeffrey Ashkin, Ricky Reidling, Robbie Pickering, David Michael Latt, Matthew Peek, Nick Cassavetes, Alon Bentley, Logan Cross, Russ Barnes, Ryan Tower, Mars Callahan, Scott Spiegel…
What acting technique do you use?
Berna Roberts (BR): I have dabbled in different approaches to acting, studying Meisner, Stella Adler, Stanislavsky, etc. I find myself using a very eclectic approach, trying to keep it simple… committing… and being truthful. As an Actor, what technique you choose to use is a very personal choice. For me to say one is better than another is unrealistic. It’s what works best for each one of us, as we are each completely different.
Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Berna Roberts (BR): I ALWAYS STUDY!!!!! It’s extremely important to stay sharp. Now you can create your own content all the time, so I do. I look at it as more “on-set experience”.
What acting books do you read?
Berna Roberts (BR): “Fine On Acting” by Howard Fine (I have studied with Howard, and he is very knowledgeable)
The Intent To Live: Achieving Your True Potential As An Actor by Larry Moss
At Left Brain, Turn Right and Book The F#@king Job by Anthony Meindl
