Introduce Yourself : 2021 by Blake Robbins

Hey, Blake Robbins! Good to see you again, sir! Wow... what a lineup of scene partners you've had! What's up next for you? Are you hoping to do more directing?

I'd love for you to post in the Acting Lounge - maybe you could talk a little about your preparation when you work with a new scene partner? https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting Looking forward to hearing your stories in the lounges!

Hey Karen - I've been very lucky...as well as very persistent. This month i was fortunate to work on a film opposite Andrea Riseborough (who was wonderful to act with and to observe), Allison Janney, Owen Teague and Marc Maron are also in the film. As for directing - I've got two scripts that are rounding into shape (in fact both placed in the stage32 contests - New Blood and Features)...fingers crossed I get to direct one or both in the next year or two.

Thanks for asking about my approach - it would feel awkward to simply write about myself in the lounge - but love to answer any and all questions. So as a "lunch pail" character actor I feel its important to be very prepared (so no time is wasted- i save the project money, not cost them money), but at the same time be completely flexible (because as a director myself- i appreciate the value of being able to pivot at a moments notice) ...I also think trust your ability. stay present is always great advice on set and in life. if the director isn't saying anything to you its a positive thing - you are doing your job and thats what matters..... Read the room - many times the person opposite me is a name or a star of the tv show/film. I follow their lead - I'm there to support and elevate them - i take pride in that. also I give myself permission to bring my gift to any character I play....I think that's why i'm hired - so I don't look to the other actors (even the really famous ones), director, producers, my parents, my wife or anyone else to give me that permission. that's what i've learned from doing this for so many years. thanks for checking out my reel and wishing you a wonderful holiday and even better 2021!!

I love this term "lunch pail" character - what does that mean? And don't feel bad about writing about yourself! You're sharing your experience and insight!

That is sound advice, sir. I remember working opposite a lead actor on a TV show, which as an extra is an unexpected surprise, but I was not as prepared as you so wisely suggested LOL! Good learning experience, though!

Thanks so much, sir! And a happy holiday to you and yours as well!

Lunch pail character actor - is my way of describing just a guy/or woman who comes to work each day. a working class actor- not a celebrity but shows up in a lot of different roles here and there and almost always does the job. someone you can count on. someone who doesn't bring the baggage (either good or bad) of other performances- can slide into many genres and many characters.