The Details that Matter and the Details that Don’t: A conversation with Burgess Jenkins about knowing what’s important in our preparations Part II

Are all the details in our backstories important? Are they all helpful in creating a fully fleshed out character? Do they all make us more connected, more present, more alive?

Burgess Jenkins, actor and founder of Actors Group, says no. He has talked in class about the difference between specificity and minutia. In the second part of our conversation he says it’s important to ask yourself, “How have you changed the specifics that are on the page so that the page isn’t bullying you? So that you’ve got the specifics that work for you.”

He goes on to explain that, “you are the instrument and you have to figure out the key to unlocking you.” So, of course there is no simple answer, you have to decide what are the details that you need to fulfill the role.

Burgess has been in a myriad of projects ranging from arthouse independents to blockbuster films. He is best known for his role as Ray Budds, in Remember the Titans, opposite Denzel Washington. He was Hilary Swank’s husband in The Reaping and most recently worked with Shirley McClean and Mira Sorvino. He’s had several recurring roles on such shows as the Young and the Restless, Army Wives, and One Tree Hill.

When he is not acting, he is an instructor at the Actors Group studio in Winston-Salem, which is a training ground for film and television actors.

If you want to chat or ask questions about the episode go to FB: https://www.facebook.com/tarmeydanielle/ and visit the group site.

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Find out more about Actors Group: https://www.actorsgroup.net/

Find out more about Burgess Jenkins: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0420792/