Published: February 16, 2010 12:17 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., BGS, MBA (Juniorscave.com)
JC Interview Exclusive (Celebrity Interview with Rising Actor) (February 2010 Edition) Simon Burzynski
Simon Burzynski
This next interview comes from the rising talented young actor Simon Burzynski who notes in this spotlight that he became interested in acting after he watched several performances when he was just a young child and thought that he would enjoy creating and re-creating personas too. After completing his Bachelor of Arts program at Central Washington University and Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting at the University of California, Davis, the trained actor took a big gamble by relocating to Los Angeles in 2003; a bold move that has paid off for the entertainer. In this spotlight with our Webzine, we take a look at Simon Burzynski's success in theatre, television, and films as well as get to know a little more about this performer. Here is what formulated.
Isaac: Hi Simon, I wanted to first thank you for taking the time to complete this interview with our Webzine. Let's talk a little about what led you to want to start acting?
Simon: When I was growing up, especially in high school, I had a passion for watching actors perform - in film, television, and theatre. Whenever I watched a story that really moved me, or made me think, or somehow made a connection to my own life, I would analyze and think about it for days! During that time, I would daydream of how wonderful it would have been if I was a part of that story - more specifically, if I was that character!
As I was getting older, the urge to be a part of these stories and to play these influential characters became stronger. It became so strong that I decided to pursue a career in acting to possibly someday be able to be a part of a story or stories that would be so powerful and influential, that it would affect others the same way it affected me.
Isaac: What do you think is the one aspect about performing that you are enjoying the most?
Simon: The one aspect that I enjoy most about performing is the ability to engage my intuition and imagination to create characters that are both unique and interesting to watch.
Isaac: You actual went to college and study your craft which led to you receiving your Bachelor of Arts from Central Washington University and Master of Fine Arts in Acting from University of California, Davis. How have studying and receiving your degree helped prepare you for being an actor?
Simon: While I was in college and grad school, I learned many different techniques to help my performance come alive (whether on stage or in front of the camera). I learned acting theories and approaches that can help a performance be more dynamic and interesting to watch.
Isaac: You moved to Los Angeles in 2003. Why do you feel it is important for actors/performers to connect to major cities like Los Angeles and New York City? What have
been some of your biggest advantages as an actor living and working in Los Angeles?
Simon: I moved to Los Angeles for the purpose of possibly getting a chance to work with all the actors and directors I have admired when I was growing up. I felt that moving to Los Angeles would give me a better opportunity to be a part of projects on a grand scale. With that said, some of my advantages of being an actor in Los Angeles, are being able to audition for big budget films, meet powerful producers, and explore the nature of the business.
Isaac: You have performed in several successful projects. Name one of your favorite projects you have worked on and why?
Simon: One of my favorite projects that I worked on would have to be a theatre performance of "BLOOD IS MY LEGACY!" This particular show gave me an opportunity to portray a character 180 degrees from who I am as person, both physically and psychologically. I am often drawn to projects that enable me to completely transform myself into another human being (both psychologically and physically).
Isaac: How do you handle rejections when it comes to not getting a part that you really work hard to pursue?
Simon: I work hard to pursue every part. When I don't get the part, I am usually disappointed, but I concentrate on what is coming up next, as opposed to living in the past.
Isaac: Great answer!!
Isaac: Are you looking for fame and fortune? Or are you looking for something completing different?
Simon: I am just looking to be a steady working actor, and work with knowledgeable, powerful people that will challenge me on many different levels.
Isaac: What is your ultimate plan/goal that you want to achieve in the entertainment business?
Simon: My ultimate goal is to be a working actor. I would love to have a career of longevity that compares to those of Robert De Niro and Betty White.
Isaac: Name one movie that you recently have seen that you would have loved to worked in and why?
Simon: I recently saw "V for Vendetta." I really liked this film, because you never saw the leading actor's face (it is rare that this happens in cinema today). The actor/character was wearing a mask throughout the whole film! First, I find this very interesting, and second, I find it very challenging. I find it interesting, because the only movies I have seen actors wear masks and deliver an exciting "edge of your seat" performances have been in the horror slasher films such as Friday the 13th, Halloween, etc. However, none of these characters spoke. Their performance relied only on the physicality and appearance of character. In "V for Vendetta," the lead character, wearing the mask, uses voice, language, and diction to transcend a believable performance that is simple yet dynamic and powerful at the same time. I find this very challenging, because with mask work, an actor must find other ways to express their thoughts and feelings without using their face to do so.
Isaac: When you are not performing, what are some other things you enjoy doing?
Simon: I love to exercise! I like to keep myself in shape. I want to be ready to take on any persona, and not feel physically overwhelmed. I also love to travel. One of my passions is to visit as many places in the world as possible.
Isaac: What are some current projects that you are working on and in the next few years?
Simon: Currently, I am not working on any projects at the moment. I am steadily auditioning.
Isaac: What advice do you have others that are trying to pursue a career in acting?
Simon: My advice would be to stay in school, and get your education first - get that degree. Then, I would advise to first finding a job in Los Angeles BEFORE moving down here. Everything in Los Angeles is very expensive - rent, gas, etc. You have to be prepared for this type of "standard of living."
