We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Royce Hall. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Royce below.
Royce, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
The first moment that I knew I wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally, as an actor, was in 2013. As a musician/recording artist, I knew such when I was a teenager. As an actor, during my childhood and even into my collegiate years, acting was not an interest of mine. I valued the art form, applauded the gift within other people, and was even cast in my first stage play around 10 years old as a main character however, my interest pursuing acting didn’t peak until adulthood. Many years into enjoying the talents of Tyler Perry, I realized acting was a path I desired but initially I simply wanted to be cast in his productions. At the time, I was living in north Florida and traveling to Atlanta to perform solely as a recording artist. Per the suggestion of a friend to a screenwriter/director, I was cast as a series regular in a digital series filmed in Atlanta. The moment I decided to enroll in acting classes led by Terry J. Vaughn and Tommy Ford, before relocating to Atlanta and drove here a few times a week for months, and soon after relocating, was cast in a stage play (Lying in Bed), yet again at someone’s suggestion to the director (Cole Thomas), along with every moment I entered every class session and with every rehearsal and performance, I knew I truly wanted more from acting. I wanted to dive into this craft full-time and professionally. My desires to be cast as a series regular in as many Tyler Perry productions as possible has not swayed but my appetite and passion for acting were conceived or shall I say explored, discovered, and embraced and there are now a myriad of other amazing directors, actors, screenwriters, etc. that I desire to and will be cast alongside. Driving back and forth from north Florida to Atlanta in just enough time to nap for an hour before work, or return to Atlanta sometimes on the same day that I left, to participate in a class or even my risk in moving to Atlanta with two duffle bags and having not confirmed place of residence was not only an indicator of my passion to pursue my creative/artistic career professionally but, to also be obedient to my gifts and purpose.
Royce, 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?
Initially, I got into the entertainment industry as a recording artist. My craft naturally progressed and evolved over time. It expanded and continues to do so. With that being said, I allowed myself to grow from a musician, singer/songwriter, recording artist, MC, poet/spoken word artist to an author, actor and now screenwriter and community activist. By posturing myself in my gifts, I provide an intersectional experience that not only creates conversation but also allows those who come in contact with my art to see the connections in our humanity and our experiences. As a Black trans man, my ability and opportunities to share life experiences through art, place me in a position for others to see our commonalities, our option to pursue whatever we desire, our one-of-a-kindness, how we are all connected. Providing this type of engagement may not solve every problem but it’s an additional vehicle to move us forward in dismantling systems of discrimination and even oppression through art. I am most proud of believing in myself and my own liberation, not giving up on myself, learning my crafts, studying to become one of the greatest to do this, sharing my story with others, being visible for and active in my community, knowing that my gifts are needed and using them. My creative works are mine, yes, but they have been given to me for a purpose much larger than me and even my wildest dreams. My art aids in my own healing and liberation but I constantly hope that it aids in the healing and liberation of these who witness my journey.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
A story from my journey that illustrates resilience is finding the courage to continue even in quiet moments. In these moments when auditions or performances may not be as frequent or book sells as consistent, that is when I choose to not sink into a pit of despair but to reflect on my journey thus far with gratitude. I use these times to dive even deeper into studying, enrolling in now classes, working on new projects of mine, RESTING, researching, reviewing or making a check-list for my goals, applauding myself for how far I’ve come and what I’ve accomplished and enjoy life. Sometimes, those “quiet moments” can create a mindset that tells you no progress is being made or dismisses all that you’ve overcome and accomplished and disconnects you from the joys of relishing in the beautiful moments of everyday life. I had to teach myself that success is so much more than tangible moments of achieving goals and to not rely on that being the center of or only catalyst to usher in joy or happiness. Life is a ride that includes smooth courses and humps and bumps along the way but perspective is what allows me to know how to maneuver and navigate through each day.
Is there a mission driving your creative journey?
The particular goal or mission driving my creative journey is rooted in purpose and obedience to my passions and gifts. Yes, I want to reach all of the wonderful levels of elevation on my path as an artist but in addition to, I also want our Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ youth witnessing my journey to know that they can do and become anything that their hearts desire. To know that the gifts they possess are a necessity to this world. To know that their existence is on and in divine purpose. To share their stories. To walk in their light and shine. To stand in their authenticity with liberation and love as their compass. To know they are a gem, priceless. To live intentionally and follow their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.theroycehallexperience.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/iamroycehall
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/roycehalltheartist
- Twitter: Www.twitter.com/iamroycehall
- Youtube: Www.youtube.com/roycehalltheartist
Image Credits
Headshot photographer: Michael Justice of Hollywood Headshots Still shot in hospital scene: Tajir Hawkins/Queenie Norris Only Girl In the World poster: ielevate TV+/BD Watkins Army base outdoor basketball court still shot: Queenie Norris A Trip poster: Tajir Hawkins, Queenie Norris and ielevate TV+ Car scene still shot: Queenie Norris/Tajir Hawkins Audition Self-tape still shot: Jermaine Duval
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