Action! Inside the Method of Acting Jamil

Winfield

by Paul Seiple photo courtesy of Smokestack Theatre Co

full steam ahead.” Winfield said he doesn’t have a specific dream role but would love a part in an action movie. “I’ve always been an athlete, so I feel that would be a perfect role for me.”

For aspiring actors, Winfield offers this advice. “Go for it. When you let go of whatever you might be holding on to and just go for it, the sky’s the limit.” figure out my ‘whys’ — like why is he saying this or why does he move there after such-and-such and not before?” Once Winfield has a solid grasp on his role, he answers those questions to build out the character. “Then I run lines over and over again,” he added.

Winfield is looking at 2023 as a year of personal and family growth. He hopes to expand his acting abilities and those of his children who act with the Smokestack Theatre Company. Speaking of growth, he is looking forward to Smokestack’s future, too. “I feel with having our own space and being able to make our stage how we want, it leaves us with more options in the long run. I really want to see what’s next in the journey Smokestack is on as well.” Winfield concluded.

Knowing your character is only one trait in nailing the role. Next comes winning over the audience. Winfield said to make your audience believe in the role, you first have to believe in it. “You have to ‘be that’ in that moment. If you’re not, people will see through it, or it won’t come off quite right.”

So far, Winfield’s favorite role has been Glenn Cooper in Neil Simon’s Rumors. “It was the opening show for Smokestack Theatre Company’s building. It was also my first role in a stage play in 14 years. I was just extremely grateful at the shot. Everything worked out great and now there’s no looking back —