If you are thinking of becoming an actor or looking for advice in following a dream into a career, Theresa Bell is a fascinating person to interview. Theresa is the owner of TBell Actors Studio and has so much knowledge and passion in the field of acting. I had the honor of asking her a few questions.
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Did you always know you wanted to be an actress?
I knew it fairly early. I remember a third-grade school assignment that required us to write about what we wanted to be when we grew up. I chose actress. I was incredibly shy and up until that moment, I don’t know that I had given it much thought.
2. What was your first Gig as a working Actor?
The very first acting job I had was a commercial for Radio Shack. The first film I did was a raunchy comedy called Screwball Hotel. It was filmed in Miami and it was great fun.
3. Did you have a favorite Performer or Inspiration?
When I was younger I watched more TV than movies and adored Mary Tyler Moore, and Carol Burnette. Today, there are quite a few performers whom I really enjoy watching. If I have to name one, it would be Dame Judi Dench. I think her journey has been interesting and she is unbelievably talented.
4. Did/Do you have and Acting Mentor?
The largest influence I’ve had as an actor was my coach, the late Roy London. He changed me not only as an actor but as a woman. There isn’t a day that goes by that I am still not influenced by his love and wisdom. He was truly a grand master, a wizard.
5. At What Point Did You Decide to Open up TBell Actors Studio?
It was 2001. I returned to Dallas from LA due to unfortunate family reasons. The move required me to have a steady job so I worked at a law firm. It was a great firm but I knew that I had to do something creative or my soul would die. I also needed a second income and thought I might be good at coaching. At first, it was just six actors in my living room. I finally had enough actors to quit the day job and coach full time by the end of 2010.
6. What Is Your Favorite Part of being and Acting Coach?
There is something truly special about working with an actor who struggles and struggles and struggles, but persists, and then finally they “get it,” It’s often just a moment but when it happens, they know it, I know it, and their classmates know it. It’s very gratifying.
7. If you weren’t an Actress or Teacher is there anything else you would want to do?
I actually started oil painting in 2016 and I absolutely love it. I also find the process very similar to acting.
8. What do you like to do outside of the Acting Studio?
My first grandbaby was born this summer and nothing makes me happier than just being with her. I also still enjoy going to the movies as well as painting and writing. Traveling is also a grand passion.
9. If you could play any living person in a biopic who would you love to play?
That is a tough one. Hm…. Madonna! That would be delicious. However, I can neither sing nor dance so that’s probably not feasible.
10. Is there a book you have read that you would love to make into a screenplay?
I am reading The Cry of the Kalahari by Mark and Delia Owens and I can’t believe it is not yet a movie. It’s incredible.
There is so much more. Check out Part 2 of our Interview with Theresa where she discusses, acting scams, common acting mistakes, and gender inequality in the business. Got a question for Theresa? Drop us a comment and if you are curious about Theresa’s acting classes we’d love to see you, sign up to observe a class today.