Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Shoop
Brian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a boy, like any child, playing “make-believe” was a daily routine. A cowboy, an explorer, a detective, a deep sea diver, a spaceman – typical day in my life. Whether I was alone or with friends, I was living an adventure somewhere. Puberty, the great creativity vandal, crept in and made me worry about whether or not I was cool. What will everyone think of me? Layer by layer, clothing, hairstyle, skin care, knowing which cars, musical groups, or movie stars were cool became the impenetrible mask behind which I hid that love of creating those fabulous adventures. I wondered about being in the school plays, but… what would my football buddies think? It wasn’t until I was married with children and living in another state that I dared to participate in a church play. And the fire burst into life again. I was cast in a play at the local community theater. I enrolled ina class, was noticed by an agent, booked my first commercial audition, my first movie audition, and I was beyond recovery. That was 35 years ago, and today, I’m a professional actor with 50 movies and television shows under my best.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve learned (or rather am learning) that obstacles, seen in life’s rearview mirror, are often yust the things needed at the time. Obstacles force a different direction, and sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed. Other times, what seems like an obstacle might actually be an asset. For example, my first challenge to overcome was my age. I began this journey in my late 30’s. Submitting for roles appropriate to my demographic, I knew that stack of resumes was (and still is) made up mostly of guys with 20 plus years more experience – more credits. Consequently, getting a foothold required a few casting directors taking a risk by putting the new guy forward. However, the advantage of starting later was – I had a home, a bank balance, my two boys were well on their way to being the fine family men they are today, And my wife (who had a great job) was totally committed to my career change. My family’s encouragement was key to the perserverance and sacrifice that was needed, not only to get things rolling, but throughout my career.. Another example is the pandemic. While it undoubtedly caused so much upheaval and tragedy, it was the reason auditions are now, for the most part, self tapes. For us actors who used to drive all day for a five minute audition, and even so were limited to a particular region, we can now audition all over the country – indeed the world – from our own studio. It’s not unusual to have multiple auditions in one day. My career expanded from the midwest, to a coast to coast, border to border reality. All because an obstacle forced a change. Checking the rearview can sometimes improve your attitude about what’s ahead.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My “work” as an actor I find completely fulfilling. That is not to say it is easy or demands no effot from me. It involves long hours, diligent study, and no small amount of tedium. But in the end, I get to act, and that is when I feel most purposeful and productive. It is my design, therefore, my designer and I are most in tune while engaged in that activity. My days are varied. Obviously, the best days are on set somewhere – staying in nice hotels, driven to base camp, shown to the trailer, hair and make up, climbing into wardrobe. Then, delivered to the set and introduced to the other actors, discuss the project, the shooting schedule for the day, the week, etc. That’s all great fun, but then, “Action,” and, as Jack Lemon used to say, “the magic” happens. That other reality becomes the only reality and the story comes true. But, not every day is a shoot day for someone of my station. So, there are many days of preparing and taping auditinos, reading for other actor’s auditions, updating resume’s and promtional materials, and so on. I also continue to study, so I’m always preparing a scene for class, rehearsing with partners, or practicing an accent. I also consider my physical health and fitness a part of my work, so my time in the gym counts as part of my job. And, in case you haven’t picked up on this, I love my work.
What matters most to you? Why?
A friend and mentor of mine makes choices based on consulting his “deathday self.” Not a morbid or hopeless conversation, but a conversation that might begin with, “Would I do that over if I could…” Good advice because it helps me view decisions I make today – even seemingly inconsequential ones – in light of what I believe to be truly important. As I consider then what I value most, my mind rushes past my being a good actor, my friendships, my grandkids, my boys, my faithful wife of 53 years, and eventually ends with the next life (which I firmly believe in) and my maker evaluating how I’ve done in his view. So maybe my conversation should be with my “the-day-after-deathday. self.” What did my designer think of my performance? In my desire to make that a good report, I back up through the other items: Did I treat my wife well? Was I a good father to my boys? Whas I a loving Grandfather? Was I a friend my friends could count on? Was I a dependable worker and was my work good? So, with that kind of evaluation tool, I will apply myself to what matters today. If I’m working, I want to do my absolute best work. If I’m helping a friend, I want to do so selflessly. If I’m meeting with grandkids, I want to give them my undivided attention and make them know they’re loved. If I’m talking with my sons, I want them to know how proud I am of them both. If I’m spending time with my wife, I want to listen well, and make her know she’s the most important thing in my life. That reduces it to simple instructions, steps I can understand, and, if my motive is pure, will ultimately result in a “Well done,” from my maker.
Contact Info:
- Website: brian shoop.com
- Instagram: brian.shoop.90
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.shoop.90
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0794865/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_5_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_briansh
