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Advice, Acting, and Ambition: A Chit Chat with Barry Anderson

8/1/2017

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​Barry Anderson is an actor, singer, dancer and client of The Price Group Talent Agency.  Some of his credits include the Broadway productions of Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde, and 30 Rock on NBC. Here we have The Price Group’s interview with Barry where he chats with us about his first big performance, when he decided to become an actor, and his biggest obstacles. 
​
  • When did you decide you wanted to be an actor (and/or singer, dancer, etc.)?
​
I've always known that acting was something that fueled me beyond belief, even as a kid doing community theatre. During my college years, I began to focus more on the specific career aspects of acting, and I decided to dive in fully as soon as I graduated. 

  • What has been your favorite show to do? Why?

As cheesy as it sounds, I think it's important to make each project I'm doing at the present time my favorite one. It's really difficult for me to pick an overall favorite, since I've enjoyed and learned different things from each experience. I just finished a 6-year run in Jersey Boys playing Bob Crewe. It was amazing on so many levels. On the other end of the spectrum, I once got to do an original show playing George Gershwin in Charleston, South Carolina. That was a unique and incredible experience in an entirely different way. Likewise, when I get to do on-camera work that suddenly feels like my favorite. There's good in all of it. 

  • How did your first performance go? Were you nervous?

My first performance in a "big" show was when I was 12 and I got to do a summer stock production of Peter Pan. The entire experience for me was thrilling. The rehearsals, the work, the play... I am sure I was nervous on opening night. But overall, what I remember is the excitement.

  • What is your pre-show ritual?

It tends to change a bit depending on the role and what I need to do to warm-up. No matter what the performance, I always try to grab a little time just by myself right before the curtain goes up. I like to focus and quiet my mind a bit before letting the floodgates open and hitting stage with castmates to create that awesome stuff called organized chaos!

  • What inspires you?

Veteran performers doing what they love inspire me. I love seeing actors who have been around a long time and are still in the business, still creating, still working, still playing. 

  • What has been your biggest obstacle or challenge in your career thus far?

The instability of an acting career is one of the aspects that's hardest to deal with. There are dry spells after shows close, or projects that take you out of town and away from home and loved ones. It's a huge sacrifice. But keeping busy is always an option, whether that means creating one's own work or taking a class or doing research for the next role. In the end, I really believe that obstacles are as big as we let them become. It all depends on our state of mind. 

  • How has The Price Group Talent Agency been helpful to you in your career thus far?

It's been greatly helpful to have Lisa on my side when it comes to negotiations. It's so nice (and necessary) to have a team behind you when looking at the trajectory of your career. I like how accessible TPG is to me and I value our long relationship. 
​
  • Any words of advice to people who would like to pursue a career in the performing arts?

Know that it is hard work. More often than not, it is not glamorous work. Know your type. Know that you have qualities that NO ONE ELSE has. And know what those qualities are. The sky really can be the limit, but it all depends on your mindset and approach to the business. Take risks, say yes, and get as much experience as possible. We learn by doing. And hopefully, we never stop DOING. and 30 Rock on NBC. Here we have The Price Group’s interview Barry where he chats with us about his first big performance, when he decided to become an actor, and his biggest obstacles. 
​
  • When did you decide you wanted to be an actor (and/or singer, dancer, etc.)?
​
I've always known that acting was something that fueled me beyond belief, even as a kid doing community theatre. During my college years, I began to focus more on the specific career aspects of acting, and I decided to dive in fully as soon as I graduated. 

  • What has been your favorite show to do? Why?

As cheesy as it sounds, I think it's important to make each project I'm doing at the present time my favorite one. It's really difficult for me to pick an overall favorite, since I've enjoyed and learned different things from each experience. I just finished a 6-year run in Jersey Boys playing Bob Crewe. It was amazing on so many levels. On the other end of the spectrum, I once got to do an original show playing George Gershwin in Charleston, South Carolina. That was a unique and incredible experience in an entirely different way. Likewise, when I get to do on-camera work that suddenly feels like my favorite. There's good in all of it. 

  • How did your first performance go? Were you nervous?

My first performance in a "big" show was when I was 12 and I got to do a summer stock production of Peter Pan. The entire experience for me was thrilling. The rehearsals, the work, the play... I am sure I was nervous on opening night. But overall, what I remember is the excitement.

  • What is your pre-show ritual?

It tends to change a bit depending on the role and what I need to do to warm-up. No matter what the performance, I always try to grab a little time just by myself right before the curtain goes up. I like to focus and quiet my mind a bit before letting the floodgates open and hitting stage with castmates to create that awesome stuff called organized chaos!

  • What inspires you?

Veteran performers doing what they love inspire me. I love seeing actors who have been around a long time and are still in the business, still creating, still working, still playing. 

  • What has been your biggest obstacle or challenge in your career thus far?

The instability of an acting career is one of the aspects that's hardest to deal with. There are dry spells after shows close, or projects that take you out of town and away from home and loved ones. It's a huge sacrifice. But keeping busy is always an option, whether that means creating one's own work or taking a class or doing research for the next role. In the end, I really believe that obstacles are as big as we let them become. It all depends on our state of mind. 

  • How has The Price Group Talent Agency been helpful to you in your career thus far?

It's been greatly helpful to have Lisa on my side when it comes to negotiations. It's so nice (and necessary) to have a team behind you when looking at the trajectory of your career. I like how accessible TPG is to me and I value our long relationship. 
​
  • Any words of advice to people who would like to pursue a career in the performing arts?
 
Know that it is hard work. More often than not, it is not glamorous work. Know your type. Know that you have qualities that NO ONE ELSE has. And know what those qualities are. The sky really can be the limit, but it all depends on your mindset and approach to the business. Take risks, say yes, and get as much experience as possible. We learn by doing. And hopefully, we never stop DOING. 
1 Comment
Belinda link
12/17/2020 05:35:45 am

Goodd reading this post

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    My name is Lisa Price and I am the proud founder and president of The Price Group! 

    The Price Group is a talent agency located in New York City. Here at The Price Group, we are dedicated to encouraging our actors to live up to their full potential by helping them continually and consistently book high profile acting jobs in both Film/TV and Theater.

    I attended the The United Nations International School (UNIS) and am a native of New York City. I am a S.U.N.Y Purchase grad with a major in Theatre Studies I worked and interned for Universal Studios, and have directed in California, New York and Pennsylvania at Penn State's Centre Stage Theatre. I also resided three years in Casting at The San Diego Repertory Theatre and mentored as an agent for Beverly Anderson - the longest running female independent, agent in New York City.

    View my profile on LinkedIn

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