In Conversation with Chandra Thomas; Actor, Writer and Producer

I am Chandra Thomas and I’m an actor, writer, and creative producer in film, television, theatre and new media. Some of my onscreen credits include Labor Day (with Kate Winslet). Sweet Lorraine (with Tatum O’Neal & Peter Greene). Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, The Good Wife, Too Big to Fail, Complete Sentences? among others. I’ll be seen in indie features Scenes from the Underground and Assassin Behind the Glass. And, the compelling short, Season of Passage. On stage, I have appeared in theatres across the country and around the world. As a writer and producer, I currently have several projects in development.

I ’ve always been drawn to stories and characters that come from specific and dynamic voices. Ones that offer unique, fresh perspectives about the world around us. This passion is truly what drives me as a multi hyphenate in this industry.

Also a youth-arts advocate, I co-founded viBe Theater Experience. An award-winning, non-profit arts-education organization empowering teenage girls in New York City. Originally I am from New York, I am also a social-media enthusiast, adore traveling and am a HUGE baseball fan.

laughs. tears. and everything in between. #actorslife #reel pic.twitter.com/pdRAsW5gO6

— chandra thomas (@chandra7thomas) January 9, 2018

indieactivity: How did you become an actor?
Chandra Thomas (CT): I was first introduced to theatre at a very young age. As my mom took me to my first Broadway production when I was maybe 4 or 5 years old. While I appreciated that my parents wanted me to have a wide exposure to the arts. Theatre always seemed stiff, stuffy and not for me (ha!) There were two major turning points that changed my perception.

This first came in middle school when a classmate “dared” me (thanks Randy!). To try out for the 7th-grade musical production of “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. Doing that show helped me discovered the thrill and excitement of performing before an audience. The second came when I started to experience plays, television and movies. That actually reflected people who looked and talked and acted like the people I knew and grew up with. Characters who faced problems that seemed visceral and contemporary to me. Stories that gave me the guts to say aloud. That I, my voice, and the narratives of people who I cherish need to be told.

What acting technique do you use?
Chandra Thomas (CT): I have been fortunate to study several acting schools of thoughts and techniques. This explorative approach has afforded me the space to essentially create my own toolbox that i find invaluable as an actor.

What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting?
Chandra Thomas (CT): Especially in the audition cycle, it can become easy to start believing that acting is trying to guess what the people on the other side of the table think is “right” and trying to do that. While we definitely need to study the clues and information in the script about the character and their circumstances, a big part of what we do, as actors, is bring our own interpretation in service of what’s on the page.

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Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Chandra Thomas (CT): Absolutely. Classes are essential. Just finished taking another improv class—this time with the FABULOUS Chelsea Clarke.

What acting books do you read?
Chandra Thomas (CT): Have read so many acting books–one of my classic favs is Uta Hagan’s RESPECT FOR ACTING. This book laid the groundwork for my craft as an actor even years after my first reading of it. But also, especially given the very rapid changes in this industry, i find myself reading many books that inform my work as an actor/content creator.

How do you keep fit as an actor?
Chandra Thomas (CT): I think i do many of the things that my fellow actors do—take classes, workout, do yoga, go dancing, read, exercise self care, give and receive support from other talented artists. Additionally, i find it crucial to maintain a strong spiritual life which has been instrumental for me in balancing the rollercoaster that is being an actor in this country.

How do you prepare for a role?
Chandra Thomas (CT): I LOVE research! I start by digging into the material and the world to see what I can find to help shape the character. I definitely read the script a few times and pull together info not only from the things my character says but what other characters say about my character. Then I try to find ways to get that in my body so I can remain fresh and available once on set.

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How do you create a character from a script into a person?
Chandra Thomas (CT): It all starts with the full understanding of the story. Its not a script. A set of lines. It’s a story. This character has a story and it has come from something. Believing in the characters story is what makes it.

How do you stay fresh on a production set?
Chandra Thomas (CT): It really depends on the project and the set. For example, if I’m coming in as a guest star on a television series I take my cue for in-between takes from the culture on the set. If the work requires heavy emotional lifting, I do tend to stay closer to the character to be ready for the next take. When it’s a project that I’m producing, I like to keep the set feeling collaborative and energized and, as an actor in these projects, I contribute to keeping that ball in the air.

Describe a memorable character you played?
Chandra Thomas (CT): I created a solo show titled “a rhyme for the UNDERground”. In it, I play 17¼ characters (yes, and “a ¼”). The play provided me the space to tap into so many things that i absolutely LOVE to do as a performer—play multiple characters, dive into language on the full emotional spectrum through monologues, spoken word, rap, songs and dance. While I may get to do these things independently with other characters I play, it’s rare to get to do them all in the same project! From time to time I revisit this play and it always brings me JOY!

What do you want most from a director?
Chandra Thomas (CT): Patience and open mindedness. With both, successful playing can occur and magic is more likely to

What actors do you long to work with?
Chandra Thomas (CT): Oooo, this is a hard one—there are many. If I had to answer that today, probably Angela Bassett and Sidney Poitier.

Why?
Chandra Thomas (CT): They are legends. Simultaneously grounded and light. To work with actors coming from this place equals everything.

What advice would you give to actors?
Chandra Thomas (CT): Now this one is easy—the way this world and our industry has shifted, we HAVE to be prepared to make our own work. Even if you think of yourself as “only an actor”, that’s fine! Then connect and collaborate with others who are ready, willing and able to write, direct, produce, shoot, craft service, or whatever is needed to make the project happen. Creating work is now a ‘necessity’ and no longer ‘optional’.

Briefly write about your career?
Chandra Thomas (CT): Steadily starting, always growing.

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