We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brian Landis Folkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brian below.

Alright, Brian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Being a character actor, I seek out stories that matter to me. Subjects that are difficult, that challenge ideas and the way we think. I like characters that are difficult and roles that scare me. I am currently in a production of Samuel Beckett’s ENDGAME. This play takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. It is theatre of the absurd. My character, Clov, is the only character that moves at all during the show. It’s physically demanding and emotionally challenging. It’s a story about finding yourself and one’s purpose. What It means to be alive. One’s relationship with god, each other, and ourselves. It’s timeless. These are the stories that move me. It’s why I do what I do. I want to continue to do work that effects people deeply and makes them think long after the leave the theatre or turn off the TV. And I want to push myself and grow as an artist. Deepen my understanding of the human experience.

Brian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My entry into this business was on the stage. I started acting at 5 and pursued it all throughout my school years. But I started working as a professional Actor at 20. I’ve done stage work for 30 years now and find it keeps me on my toes and sharp. Not to mention you can’t get that exchange of energy anywhere else. Some of my favorite theatrical experiences have been at Curious Theatre in Denver, CO where I have been an artistic company member since 2011. Some Curious credits include: Hanratty in THE MINTUES: Poot in AMERIKIN: Lorrin in GLORIA; Lefty in THE HAPPIEST SONG PLAYS LAST; CW in DUST (Wonderbound Dance company Collaboration); Kenny in DETROIT; and Philippe Petit in UP. I got to do Stanley in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE for the Tennessee Williams Festival in Mr. Williams’ birth town of Columbus, Mississippi. I played both parts in rotation in Edward Albee’s THE ZOO STORY in Ireland which was a magical experience. I taught acting and juggling at The Denver Center for over 20 years. I have been exploring Film and TV more the last several years. In 2020, I had the lead in the film RENT-A-PAL which received critical acclaim. In 2022, I made my Network Television debut with a 3 episode arc on ABC’s BIG SKY. I enjoy doing Performance capture for Video Games and voice over when I get the chance.

I’m known to most simply as The BLF. I have gotten the reputation as a complex and exciting character actor with an extremely broad range of roles and heart-felt, in depth performances on stage and screen.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I believe the most rewarding aspect of being an actor is being able to touch people’s lives through this work, the stories I tell and the character’s I create. I love being able to walk in someone else’s shoes for awhile, to do things I would never do in my regular life or to explore different perspectives of the human experience. Every time I do a project, I learn something about people, about myself, or a different path in life. I also hold the collaborative process close to my heart. We don’t create these stories on our own. It takes a team of incredibly talented people to tell a story of importance. And I value everybody that chooses to do this on any level. It is not easy. It’s often ridiculously long hours, challenging conditions, and sometimes unrealistic expectations. But we all come together and find a way to do it. And these are some of the best people I have ever meet . You make life long friendships with incredibly unique individuals. And it deepens this journey that we are all on. It’s an absolute gift to be an artist. I feel so grateful even when times are tough. I wake up everyday and get to say I do what I love for a living. Not many people can say that.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think it is crucial for society to support artists and creatives. It can often be the most important thing in a small town or community. It ignites conversation and gives an outlet for people to express themselves. It brings us together and fosters connection. Art and creativity is sustenance for the soul. When we are at our lowest or our highest, we need ways of expressing those emotions and to be witness to other people’s stories because by doing that, we begin to truly see and care about each other. It’s connection. It’s sharing. It’s healing. It’s…living. So, get involved in your community. Give money to art organizations and artists. Donate your time, resources, and connections. Experience the work and encourage your circles to do the same. See local theatre and music, buy local art, reach out to the artists you know and see if they are doing ok. Vote for people that do the same. And for programs and institutions that fund the arts. Because if we lose art or cut off avenues for the creative, we will lose ourselves…

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @brianlandisfolkins
• Other: www.imdb.com/name/nm1870529

Image Credits
Jason Coviello Michael Ensminger Sam Ferguson Jeffrey Burton