Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alan Smyth. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Alan, thanks for joining us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
There are any number of obstacles on any creative journey. It feels like once you’ve acquired that compulsion to pursue that passion, then that should be enough. It feels clear and right to start down that road. But, you are subject to a myriad of roadblocks: Theres not enough work; you are the wrong “type”; you’re too young, you’re too old: you sound funny! So many decisions are made by so many people that have ZERO to do with you, but can affect you deeply.
Other peoples perceptions are some of the most unexpected problems. I’m Irish, living in Los Angeles. I know what it’s like to be Irish, to live in Ireland, to be in the world as an Irish person. Very often, none of that matters when being asked to fit in to someone elses idea of what it is to be Irish. The accent, in particular. We have some quaint, old fashioned dialects in Ireland, but for the most part, nobody sounds like the ‘Lucky Charms’ leprechaun, or Darby O’Gill’s little people! Yet, I have literally been kicked out of an audition where I was reading for a character from my hometown, because those in charge had never heard the authentic accent and thought I was trying to dupe them. I have been attacked online for having a terrible Irish accent. I did not see that coming!
Another unexpected problem were the negative voices in my head, but I truly feel every actor has that battle with themselves on an ongoing basis. If they don’t, (in my experience) they are usually…inauthentic.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I grew up in Ireland. I studied acting for two years and was lucky enough to start working right away. My first 2 or 3 years were spent mainly in the theatre, touring with several companies. I played a lot of schools in those years, which is quite the baptism of fire, but certainly makes you quick on your feet. I then started working in the main theatres in Dublin, subsequently around the country, to then playing in spaces as far afield as the Opera House in Cairo, and Lincoln Center in New York. I dipped my toe into the field of theatre producing for a few years, then appeared on a long-running television show for 5 years, which gave me a real taste for camera work.
What sets any actor/artist/person apart is themselves, their own individual lived experience. My favorite performers, visual artists, authors are all unique, they do it their way. Its always a leap-of-faith to put anything out into the world, especially something that comes from you and you alone. It’s also what keeps an artist hooked, because the rewards can be indescribable. And, there is no end. The world provides creators an endless path, so along with the feeling of a job well done, there is also the endless frustration/curiosity of what is to come.
I work as an actor, writer and director. Continually working at the various disciplines is the only way to get oneself into a place of providing help and problem solving for others. I have experience and knowledge in as much as I have learned, and am always happy to share. I enjoy trying to help fellow travelers. It feels good.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn to do what I was told. In the early days, I wanted to be told what to say, how to say it, where to stand etc. I had absolutely no confidence in my abilities. I always questioned why I was pursuing this life, I felt that I was an imposter with nothing to offer. Mostly, it was me telling myself that. Don’t speak up, don’t draw attention to yourself etc, etc.
I was very overweight when I was younger. I think this had several effects on me: it pushed me to overcome my lack of confidence that being a big kid can give you, by being a smart-ass, seemingly out-going. or what have you. It also made me more introverted, which in turn brought me to movies, TV, books…into a fantasy-type world that was sufficiently far enough removed from my own. Which I think, in turn, drove me into being a part of telling great stories for other people. It was a salve. Continues to be.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I want to do good, meaningful effecting work. It’s crazy looking back at work I did, even 5 years ago, and think “I know so much more now”. The more you know, the more you experience, the better able you are to approach the work. Of course, you need the ability to access it all, and then communicate it. When I started out years ago, I had no clue about anything. I just thought it was enough to learn the lines, and get through it. I was too nervous to let it in. Now, I want to live it, I want to be changed by it. Now I see it as a valuable commodity. Just took 30 years or so to understand that.
***Alan Smyth appears in ‘A Night in November’ by Marie Jones, September 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th – The Pico Playhouse, LA
September 13th -The United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco
September 25th – The Ould Sod, San Diego
A National tour follows in October.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810770/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanspics?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.smyth.7524?mibextid=kFxxJD
- Twitter: https://x.com/AlanGSmyth
Image Credits
Peter Konerko
Tim Redmond