We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Bethune a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chris, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I’ve learned everything by taking classes at the Actor’s Gym in Hamden, CT with Reno Venturi. There is where I learned the foundation of acting. Many of his techniques infused Meisner, Udall Hagen, Adler and etc.
I would have began taking classes sooner and incorporating them into my initial stages of my acting career.
The most essential skills of acting is learning the emotional journey that every character is on. Each character says something because they mean it. Every word has a meaning.
There are times when having a full time job drains your creativity. You have to have a second gear in order to invest the same amount of work as you.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
At one point I was on acting websites, “Paying to play”. I did not know any better so I paid for the websites as well as the agencies that promised to teach both acting and modeling. I was promised an audition but there were no slots available. I accepted a background roll then met Eli Escobar who invited me to a class with Ericka Derrickson teach the business of acting. From there I was recommended to meet with my mentor, Reno Venturi at the Actor’s Gym. Simultaneously, I began applying to multiple modeling agencies until eventually I was signed by Maggie Inc out of MA as well as FFT out of NY. Through those two agencies I’ve been able to be in commercials for Weight Watchers, LL Bean, Helen of Troy (parent company to Vicks) Staples, Food Ninja, Home Depo, Bob’s Discount Furniture and etc.
My proudest moment is when my mom was getting ready for work and saw me in a commercial.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I first got started I literally spent 40 hours a week researching for modeling agencies until I got signed. I had to call agencies, send emails, send pictures, go on interviews and etc. I learned this IS a full time job.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I’ve had multiple pages on social media hacked or shutdown. I’ve learned the key to having an audience is being true to yourself. Everyone had a lane, when you find your ride it to the best of your ability. People may never tell you but know they are watching and often they will let you know one way or another.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Mrbethuneenterprises
- Facebook: Chris.bethune.90
Image Credits
Maggie Inc LL Bean Batman: Riddle Me This Open Jar Studios Divided Loyalty