ACTORS
MICHAEL C WILLIAMS
Michael has been a professional actor for over a decade. He received his Bachelor’s degree in theatre from SUNY New Paltz and has since gone on to work in theatre, film and television. Most notably, Michael has starred in films such as THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, ALTERED, and THE OBJECTIVE. He also recently shot the title role in the indy film TOM AND MARLO. He has had numerous guest starring roles on primetime television.
WHCC is proud to have the talented and professional actor Michael C Williams as our Director of Acting. Michael has been teaching acting for the past five years and is excited to be a part of the WHCC. Michael believes that the study of acting is essentially the study of the self and others and how we, as humans, relate to one another. Through his classes, students will enhance their interpersonal skills as well as develop a sense of community, something that goes hand in hand with the mission of the WHCC.
SACHIN BHATT
Studio JnS proudly presents the interview with the amazingly talented actor, Sachin Bhatt. With acting experiences in films/plays such as, Bombay Dreams, Ode to Lata, The Love Guru (just to name a few) Sachin has proven himself to be well on his way to some great things. Visit http://www.vimeo.com/8047173 for Sachin's Reels.
Studio JnS: When did you first know you wanted to become an actor?
I think it was something I always knew but I believe in middle school was the moment when I truly made the decision. I was in a musical playing a surfer dude and I thought I was God's gift to acting. Unfortunately, years later I recovered a video tape of the infamous
event. I had major work to do! And I haven't stopped.
Studio JnS: What was the first show you ever did?
The musical was called "Last Chance High" and I played this surfer dude which is hilarious because I was this skinny nerdy Indian. However, I had the vocal skills to pull it off.
Studio JnS: Do you prefer acting for film or for the theatre?
Theres something about theatre that is truly amazing with all of the spontaneity of each performance and the dedication to make each run a new experience. That is something I'll always treasure; however, my passion is for the camera. I love the process of film-making and having a physical documented source of the art. Giving the same amount of passion and energy as in theatre but honing that craft for the camera.
Studio JnS: What role would you love to play?
In the era of twilight and vampire mania I would love to play a vampire. I welcome the opportunity for a big blockbuster project but I think i could settle for a role that would push my creativity and the acting chops in a dramatic dark film. I love playing dark characters.
Studio JnS: What is the scariest part of an audition?
I think the scariest part is AFTER the audition. The waiting and not knowing if that portrayal of the character you put so much time and passion in is what the producers were hoping for. The hardest part is to calm the mind and leave it up to the universe and be ok with the decision whatever the outcome may be.
Studio JnS: What is a show you would never do again?
I'm not sure there is one. I've been happy with the work and experiences I have had since I've been in the business. What i will say is it would have to be an amazing play or musical for me to go back on tour. I love LA and NYC too much to be away that long.
Studio JnS: What show could you do for years?
Scrubs. That ridiculous humor would give me the greatest pleasure. To be on set with that material would not feel like work. I love that show. I also have a weak spot for some CW programming. Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl. Don't judge.
Studio JnS: What are you auditioning for next?
That changes daily. Living in LA there's always something I'm going out for. Today I auditioned for a Tostitos commercial. I had be a real enthusiast of dipping that chip in the salsa. Pilot season is ending so the goal is pick up one of those series!
Studio JnS: What is the strangest thing a role required you to do?
I don't know if that's appropriate for this interview. I'd say watch
"The Ode" to find out that answer.
Studio JnS: Besides acting, what other training have you had (voice, dance, etc.)?
I actually went to school for Voice, not acting. Music has always been a part of my life and something that i have been equally passionate about. I went to Indiana University which is the top music school in the country. I was classically trained and studied vocal performance.
Studio JnS: Have you ever forgotten your lines, or a prop, or choreography during a performance? What happened?
Ofcourse! Its actually quite freeing if you can be open-minded about it and not stress. It just happens when you are doing the same show day after day. Sometimes you just loose a line and you have to improv and lean on your stage partner to help you through the trudge to get back on track. That's whats so great about live theatre. You never know what is going to happen.
Studio JnS: If you could choose, what three actors would you really want to work with?
This is easy. Johnny Depp, Edward Norton, and Sean Penn.
Studio JnS: What's the worst part about being an actor?
The worst part about being an actor is if you doubt your self-worth. In this business you are constantly being judged and rejected. You hear a lot of "No's" before that Yes and you have to take it with a grain of salt. Learn from the experience but don't take it personally. This is a business and there is a lot of competition. Basically to know you are good and talented enough is a must!
Studio JnS: What's the best part of being an actor?
To play. When acting even if its a heart-wrenching scene or slap stick comedy. Its exhilarating and just plain fun to exist in a life that isn't yours. And to bring a part of who you are to each life you play.
Studio JnS: Do you think you really understood what you were in for when you decided you wanted to become an actor?
Ha. I think I learned along the way this isn't going to be any easy task. For some actors you have a quick big break. For most its a lot of time and commitment. But for me it isn't scary because I know what I want and I'm working for it. Its just a matter of time.
Studio JnS: What is something embarrassing or unexpected that happened to you on stage?
When I was on tour with Andew Lloyd Webers musical "Bombay Dreams" there is one particular number that there were 3 extremely quick costume changes. They are so fast that if you mess up putting a shirt on incorrectly you will miss your next cue. Which happened to the leading actress who played opposite of me with her second outfit. When i ran back on stage and wasn't greeted to do our dance together it was time to make up a solo routine. haha. It was amusing for everyone on stage to see what the hell I was gonna come up with. I like to think I rocked it out.
Studio JnS: What is your professional philosophy?
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Visit http://www.vimeo.com/8047173 for Sachin's Reels.
SACHIN BHATT
Janina Gavankar
Actor. Musician. Geek. That’s what the gorgeous 26 year old Indian/Dutch all American Janina Gavankar calls herself. Best known for her role as Papi on Showtime’s The L Word, Janina has made appearances on several of TV’s most popular shows, starred in movies, been signed to a major label in a girl group and blazed the trail for South Asians looking to make a mark in Hollywood with every step she has taken. Her versatility as a performer is
groundbreaking and setting the entertainment industry on fire.
Growing up with parents who were ardent supporters of the arts, Janina was fully immersed
in pursuing music. Classically trained as a pianist and as a percussionist, she says that if you an hit it, she can play it. Vocally, Janina studied opera first, but when she discovered she couldn’t actually sit through an entire opera, she shifted her focus to broadway, rock, and
pop.
So, how did acting happen? She didn’t grow up as a budding ingénue with stars in her eyes,
but when she landed the role of Maria in West Side Story – her fate was sealed. "I had an
out of body experience where I was living in a character. It sounds cliché, but it changed my
life." Janina says that acting is “a high I've been chasing since”.
After high school, Janina was living three lives. She was studying theater, music and
psychology at University of Illinois Chicago; auditioning for everything she possibly could
and was a member for Endera – an all girl musical group signed to Cash Money Universal.
All of that work led her to Los Angeles. Janina graciously admits that she found work right
away. "I think I had only said 4 lines on TV when I got my first series." She joined the cast of
The L Word in its 4th season with the breakout role as Papi, and has done a myriad of TV
shows like NCIS, The Cleaner, Grey's Anatomy, Dollhouse, and many others. "I've been
infinitely lucky. Hollywood has allowed me to play a wide variety of walks of life."
Janina is a strong creator of various forms of expression and believes in art for art’s sake. As
a anomaly amongst the generation of South Asian actors who have had to first pursue
traditional fields and put the arts second, Janina can’t wait to see what sort of talent is
nurtured from the coming generations who are given the freedom to nurture their passion
the way that she was. "They're unstoppable."
Currently Janina is shooting “The Gates” which will premier June 20th on ABC and will take
the Desperate Housewives timeslot of Sundays 9pm.
JANINA GAVANKAR
MICHAEL C WILLIAMS
STUDIO JnS "...Connecting Artists to the World."
