In Conversation with Wayne Pretlow – Actor, NY

Wayne Pretlow (WP): I’d like to say thank you to The Actor Factory for this interview. My name is Wayne W. Pretlow (which is pronounced Pret-low) I am an Actor/Singer  born the youngest of 5 children in the United States. I’ve been a professional working actor for 30 years and I’ve studied privately under the late Clay Stevenson in Connecticut, and Wynn Handmann in New York City. I was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for best supporting actor in a musical for the role of Nicely Nicely, in Arena Stage’s production of Guys & Dolls; starring Maurice Hines in 2000.

I discovered a passion for the stage at the age of 5 much to the credit of my older Sister who discovered the twinkle in his eye as I was brought on stage during a High School production. fter several years performing in local theaters in my home state, I went on to establish success working in Industrial films, commercials and voice overs in Boston, Connecticut and New York, But it would be the Broadway try out of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Whistle Down The Wind; directed by Hal Prince that would require me to re-locate to New York’s metropolitan area. 

The production closed out of town and never made it to Broadway, however it did open avenues to Broadway and other work in the industry I always desired. For more information about me and my career to day reader can feel His Broadway credits include; Madison Square Garden’s A Christmas Carol, (understudy to Ben Vereen), The Civil War and Off-Broadway in City Centers Encores season of St. Louis Women, Starring Vanessa L. Williams; House of Flowers, and Golden Boy.  I am currently in rehearsal for another production for the show in which I was nominated; Guys and Dolls.

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indieactivity: How wuld you describe your acting?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): LOL, I would definitely say that I am a Character actor. By that I mean I am not your leading man, or the guy who gets the girl. In Film and Television I am usually cast in roles that are authority figures, the best friend of the leading man, and in musical theater I am usually cast as the comic relief or the fun guy.

indieactivity: How did you get into acting?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): Acting for me seems to have been a natural progression. Like I said earlier, I was 5 years old when I first stepped foot on any stage. I was pretty shy as a child, and I went to see a production of Hair, which is an American musical which was on Broadway in the 60’s. I’m very close to my older Sister, and during the big production “Let the Sun shine” the ‘Cast” stood on stage and encouraged the audience to stand and dance along with them, which they did.

I asked my mother if I could get up and dance along with everyone else and she gave me permission. Shortly after I started dancing I felt myself rise from the floor and in the air. The next thing I know I was on the shoulders of one of the cast member and brought on stage. It was a very surreal feeling. Actually as I go back to that time in my mind I can see it in my mind’s eye.  That would be the first time I would very first time I was ever on stage.  There is a saying in America, “And a Ham was born”.  Lol Meaning I loved the attention I got.

From that point forward my desire was to be on stage and entertain people. I joke with my Sister often and say couldn’t you have encouraged me to become a lawyer or doctor. Lol I know that is perhaps a very long answer to a very shot question. But there is no short way to retell the story.

Did you study acting?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): I have no “Formal” training as an actor. I guess I should explain what I mean by that. I did not attend University and train formally as an actor or singer. Much of my training was received by private coaching. The major theater in my hometown which hires professional actors from New York for their normal production schedule, created a summer training program which did professionally directed and choreographed productions, auditioned and hired local High School students interested in the arts to receive experience of putting a professional production. We were mentored by those who worked in theater for a living. Every aspect of the productions was build and or created by students.

The Director of this program, Clay Stevenson, became my mentor and acting teacher from 16 years of age to I believe 22 or 23. Some of his more notable students at that time where Eriq LaSalle, Howard E. Rawlins, Tanya Pinkins to name a few.  Because of his reputation as a Director and Teacher in the industry, I studied with him until he died of a brain tumor in the late 80’s.   Since that time I have studied with Wynn Handman, who is a renowned acting teacher her in the States. Some of his former students include Denzel Washington, John Leguizamo. Those are some of the “Big” named actors I know of personally.

Do you operate on instincts when acting?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): Honestly, I believe instincts are always the first, and often the correct, first approach to my acting technique. As I read a script I often begin with first impression or…instinct about the character I am playing. In my opinion, it is often when we become overly technical with the process and throw instincts out of the window, that we kill instincts and thereby have regimented and sterile characters that often lack layers and complexity the way we do in “reality”. So yes I operate on instincts often, and apply technique to shape the characters life.

What acting techinique do you use?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): I use a combination of Method Acting, since that was the way I was trained. Specifically, Uta Hagen’s technique initial resonated with me. However, I also use Constantin Stanislavski’s technique as well. I don’t stick to one technique over the other. I use a combination of several that allow me to arrive at what I hope to be an authentic performance.

Describe a few wrong impressions actors have about acting?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): This is perhaps the best question I have ever received about acting. For the novice or beginning actor, I believe they have the impression.

A. That it’s easy; just say the lines and be loud when you do or act like a clown and make them laugh. No work involved. NOT TRUE! Every aspect of acting is about work. Work to recreate an emotion (honestly) is anything but easy.

B. That it is the venue to make them a household name, in some cases this is true, but the larger percentages of actors live in obscurity.

C. That they will become rich and buy a big house and drive fancy cars.

And finally that it is a glamorous life. I would have to say there is very little about acting and the lifestyle of the actor that is glamorous.

Do you often take courses to improve your craft?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): When I am not working…yes. However there is a reality of the actor that many not in the business understand. When you are not working taking class can often be very difficult because you obviously can’t afford it, and when you are working you are not in a position to attend class. But I also believe that living is a course within itself;  If you observe life, Live life and become part of the process of life you can also use the “As if” technique when working.  Not that I discourage taking class because I don’t. I’m saying that when I am working it makes it very difficult to do so.

What books do you read?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): You might be surprised by my answer, but the Bible has a lot of really good character studies in it. You read about murder, Ghost, treason, War… and as you read you can find characters traits that cause people to respond the way they do. I also read plays, self-help books which help me to renew my mind when the industry beat me down with rejection and criticism. You may most times find me reading books that lift my mental spirit. Because the industry can bring a person to tears, for some of the reasons mentioned, but generally it can take a toll on your confidence.  Surprised by that answer I’m sure. But acting is about truth.  I want your readers to know the truth about the art form that we don’t see on television, read in the papers, or on the tabloids; that would called fabricated truth.

How do you keep in shape as an actor?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): WAYNE: I have a personal trainer and I walk about 1.5 miles a day to keep in shape. Because of my type I don’t really believe it would be in my best interest to lose too much weight. But I can however, stay fit for my type.

When you are offerd a rile, how do you prepare? Wayne Pretlow (WP): Once I am offered a role the first thing I do is read the script. Second thing I do is read the script, Third thing I do is read the script and find out who my character is, their motivation, what is said about them, what they say about themselves and others. Then I begin researching more of their life. Using the internet if needed.

How do you take a character in a script from to an honest, believabe and breathign person?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): Because every character is described in the script and you are cast in the role it’s important to find out what you have in common with the character. Sometimes you have nothing in common, but that is when you use as IF to help flush out who the character is and try to stay away from general ideas. That can be dangerous to the craft and to the work. The actors job is to be as specific about the character as humanly possible.

How do you remain fresh on a film set?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): Well, I’ve done more television than films, but when on set because you may sit for hours before you ever get on set, I usually meditate throughout the process. That rejuvenates me and keeps me alert when I am on a set for 13 hours.

What helps your character during a production?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): Focus.

Explain a creative choice you took on the set of a production?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): Well if I am working on a project for a period of time, I’ve found a good director works in a collaborative way. Meaning they don’t treat the actor like a puppet, but allows the actors interpretation of the character to be flushed out. One example I can think of is being on the set of the Good Wife. It was my first guest starring role for some time and I was nervous about being on set again. My decision was to use the nerves I was already feeling as part of the character who was being questioned in a court trial.

What is the most memorable screen character yo have played?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): My most favorite role? Wow I have a few, but one that stands out for me was for an independent short film a friend wrote and directed. The film is called In Retrospect. I played Yardbird Houston a Jazz musician who chose his love of being a musician over the love of his family. He was confronted with his decision after the death of his wife and was attempted to make a mends with his daughter who was grown once he saw her again. It was a very good script. I’ve included a image of the advertisement of the film.

What do you want from a director during a production?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): Patience, guidance and open mind to allow me to flush out the character.

How do you prefer to work with a director in a production?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): Collaboration is always the best for me. We create together and he guides me from the outside and points me in the direction that makes the character live and breathe. I don’t ever like to feel like a puppet. I am an actor and deserve as much respect as I give.

Do you get offers from hollywood, bollywood, or nollywood?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): I’ve not gotten offers from Hollywood in the sense that they see my work and ask me to be part of a project, however I have been offered roles that are part of the Hollywood network.

What do you think an actor can do to get into the film industry?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): Persevere, and attempt to do good work at all cost. You never know when or if the film industry will open its doors to you, but you can continue to market yourself, do sound honest work and hope for the best. I know actors who have been in the industry for years and have never done a film. I consider myself very blessed to say I have done the few that are on my resume.  Another thing an actor can do is see themselves in film. We can attract what we desire if we don’t judge according to appearances. Also study and stay sharp so if/when the doorbell rings you are ready to answer.

Who is your favourite actor?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): Dustin Hoffman, Denzel Washington, and many of the older classic actors who many don’t recognize any more.

Why?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): I love their dedication to the actors role in the business. Time has proven them to be excellent at what they do.

What advice would you give amateur actors?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): Realize that this craft takes time to master; and just when you think you have got it, you realize you know nothing at all. Study the craft. Act because it brings you fulfillment, and not because of the riches others say you can gain. But also realize it is called show BUSINESS, so make sure you handle the business as much as the show!

Briefly write about your career?
Wayne Pretlow (WP): I guess the best thing to say is visit my website. There your readers can find out all about me and also view my film reel of my work.

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