Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marty Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Marty, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Training, training, training in all things acting. I have studied method acting from Meisner to Stella Adler. I have done scene study classes with many coaches. I have invested in casting director workshops in NY. Coaches include actors James Dumont, James Ciccone, Steve Blackwood, Natalie Roy, Denise Simon, Sarah Baskin, Joe Smith (for commercial work) ,and Jay street. The key is learning to analyze the script to answer questions about what the obstacle of the scene is, what’s the character’s motivation?, where are you? , creating that space. It has been said that a great actor isn’t afraid to show their ass on stage which simply means being vulnerable, getting out of your head and allowing those lines to live in you to bring the story to life in the most real and authentic way. Not being contrived and pushing to make it something it should not be or wasn’t intended to be by the writer.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello, My name is Marty Smith and I have been pursuing acting more seriously the last 10 years since my children are grown. I was born and raised in York PA, then moved to Northern KY in the Cincinnati area and then to the Indianapolis area and then finally and currently Foxboro Ma ( south of Boston.) I truly enjoyed all things acting related in high school and college and then I made the decision to commit to a more traditional career path since it is drilled into creatives that only a very few make in the biz so to speak. I devoted myself to my job as a buyer for dept. stores but never stopped longing to be an actor. I gave all my energy to being a good mother and left the frivolity of pursuing acting tucked away in the back of my mind. BUT, that feeling just keeps resurfacing to wonder what if I tried I mean really tried to figure this out as a now middle-aged woman?? Yikes !!!!First up I created a profile for actors with Boston Casting to secure background work and learn what I needed to do to grow in the craft. Seeking the advice of local actors, what steps made sense for me, getting head shots and attending classes and developing relationships with industry people. I brought no ego and knew I had so much to figure out. It can be rather intimidating as a newbie and also an older woman but honestly it did not matter. I had to continuously pep talk myself, C’mon Marty you CAN do this. I began to get feedback from instructors and peers in acting classes , ” great work” but of course realized these weren’t auditions after all so it was time to begin learning the nuances of auditioning which is a different skill set altogether . Today many auditions have moved from being in person to being online via creating self tapes to submit. The rollercoaster of ups and downs has always followed me. It takes a fair amount of determination to not give up altogether. Slowly I have gotten better, I seek out people who inspire me. I believe having a trusted tribe of creatives to learn from and encourage is essential .I am now at a place where I have been involved with a program called the 2% Collective which is based out of NY and involves multiple mentors who help to find my branding and marketing and all aspects of an acting career. It has helped immensely. I am most proud of who I am in the community and on set. I celebrate the success of fellow actors. I let go of any ego years ago. This is strictly about collaborating with other creatives to bring a story to life. I have also developed a talent for writing for myself as well as other actors based on their typing as an actor. This is not easy in any way. So many circumstances so far out of your control… But when you book and can be on set and perform it is one of the greatest feelings in the world. It’s my definition of BLISS. I thrive on Improv and being unscripted. One of my most favorite tv shows is Curb Your Enthusiasm with Larry David. That is my dream gig. I even created a professionally made video to send to Mr. David about a concept for his show I could guest star in. Many people would say chasing this is crazy, and my reply is “You’re right, but I don’t care” I am making up for lost time and I am unapologetic about it. I have nothing to lose. We get one life and I am going to do all I can to find success with it. I am equal parts comedic and dramatic. My typing is a few main things including 1)”wife of a cop who holds the family together” 2) Suburban housewife who is repressed and religious and ready to go from being vanilla to cutting loose like Party Marty 3)Blue collar waitress in a small town bar where she gives great advice, is funny and street smart and lastly 4) Unapologetic rule breaking mom. I am so grateful to have a very supportive family who always cheers me on.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I think many non creatives believe that actors pursue this path out of ego and honestly I do not find that to be true at all. Granted there can be some yahoos out there but for the most part it is the perfect community. Does not matter your age, your size, your ethnicity, religion, any of it. All that matters is bringing your true self to inhabit the character and serve the story,period. People can spot phony a mile away. I will not be that person. My age and weight all of it is who I am. I get that most people in their proverbial right mind would not pursue this. So many things are out of your control and the rejection is never ending and then just when you may be ready to quit or throw in the towel , a door opens and you book. I am a firm believer of visualization and seeing that success for myself. The path though is assuredly not a straight line. But I’m ok with that, I think my path is different and circuitous. I will speak for the community as a whole, the number one thing that many actors get frustrated about is trying to prove their talent to someone. If someone asks, “what do you do”? you may hesitate and say, ‘Oh I’m an actor” which immediately leads to “what have I seen you in. and many many times they are plays or shorts or background or student films that no one has seen and that can leave you feel defeated. But you can’t stay in that mindset. This is not about impressing people. This is seeking out opportunities to just “play” and that sense of “ Make believe”allows you to tap into your inner child and that space is magical.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
My story about social media? That’s a tough one, I get it, SM can appear to promote ego and narcissism BUT when done properly it can inspire, encourage and support. I post and look for ways to share genuine comments on the posts of others whether a friend or stranger. I try to meet people where they are in life. Honestly, we all struggle with insecurities. We all need affirmation that is genuine, right ? I believe most people that are FB friends or followers on IG know I mean what I post and it comes from the heart. The world can be lonely and hate filled so I want to do what I am able to do to create positivity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.actressmartysmith.com
- Instagram: actressmartysmith
- Facebook: Marty Smith Actress/Writer Boston and NYC
Image Credits
Image credits Nile Scott