Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dennis L.A. White. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dennis, appreciate you joining us today. 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.
As an Actor, I watched films as a kid. I was the TV kid(one of my favorite books) in my family. I loved watching black n white movies. Fred Astaire, Louie Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, etc. I would re enact scenes that I would watch over and over again. I would perform poetry throughout the city when I lived in Fairfield, Ca. “A Dream Deferred” was my go to during black history month. I evolved to participating in forensics in Jr. High School which is public speaking competitions. I always took an acting class. I felt like it helped me explore the craft and learn the history. After high school, I studied Mass Communication and Psychology in College. Both helped me understand the mentality of an Actor. I subsequently moved to West Palm Beach and studied at the Vinnette Carroll Theater in Ft. Lauderdale. I was always willing to travel to advance my career. I moved to DC to record an album but in the meantime I taught acting at a community center. This was strictly to make ends meet but it sparks an unknown desire to teach.
When I moved to NYC I began taking classes as a way to network and to understand the New York market. I took several classes until I found the one that resonated with me. I learned so much from Tracey Moore. She became a mentor as well.
Most of my knowledge came from on the job experience. I’ve experienced background work, PA work, stand in work, hosting work, day player work, stunt work, series regular work, etc
Dennis, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Dennis L.A. White. I’ve been in over 70 movies and TV shows. I’m known for my portrayal of Damian “D-Roc” Butler in the biopic “Notorious”. I’m also known for my character, “Kennedy” in the Netflix series “The Family Business. Currently, I am in the critically acclaimed film, “Mickey Hardaway” and I just wrapped the suspense thriller, “News Cycle”.
I own the company Act Like You Know Acting School. I’ve been teaching for over 15 years. I coach celebrities, kids, working actors and new actors. As a current working actor, I can give my students real time insight on what is needed to survive in this industry. I’ve worked in NYC, Hollywood and Atlanta. I’ve ventured into the directing space as well. I am in preproduction for my 6th project. I am also in the process of starting my own talent agency.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is seeing how your craft affects and propels others. When I’m hosting an acting workshop and I say things that participants have never heard before it baffles me. I’m unaware of how much knowledge of the industry I possess. Sometimes it feels spiritual the way my words are received by actors. I consider myself a vessel of information to help aspiring Actors visualize their dreams. Working with an actor on an audition and coaching them through the process hits differently when they actually book the role. Seeing their hard work manifest in real time is exhilarating.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
What can society do to best support artists? Of course the obvious is to support their work. Thats the reward for the ingenuity that is developed to make the art unique and necessary. Secondly, I wish that society would give reverence in the regards that we are human just like them. Our art makes us vulnerable and exposed. It’s not a platform to vilify us. We have real life situations that happens in the midst of our creative performances. Life be lifing regardless of your success, talent or appearance. With social media, I think that people feel real entitled to attack creatives, with no remorse, because they can hide behind a keyboard. Being devoid of direct confrontation leads to outlandish statements and attacks that is unwarranted and unhealthy.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.actlikeyouknow.org
- Instagram: @dennislawhite
- Facebook: Dennislawhite
- Linkedin: Dennislawhite
- Twitter: Dennislawhite