The great thing these days about being virtual is that I can talk to an actor in Michigan and have the ability to share with others in my network. Craig and I both belong to a Facebook group called Actors Canada. Amazing the way we can all connect and cheer each other on!
I had the chance to chat with Craig recently and he has a lot going-on! I asked a lot of questions and got amazing answers.
What Craig has shared with us:
I grew up loving stories and most importantly storytelling through cinema, so acting became a way for me to explore the medium more. Unlike the technical aspects of cinematography or creativity through writing and directing, acting offered the opportunity to find the emotional connection to a story.
First, my parents have always been a huge support throughout my life. But there are many influencers into where I am now. My wife has been the one pushing my creativity throughout the years, allowing me to continue pursuing this career. Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s “Of Mice and Men” in 2007 is what solidified me getting my undergraduate degree in theatre and film. And the support of renowned actor, Clu Gulager helped me to revitalize my passion for the craft when living in Los Angeles.
Industry fatigue has been the hardest obstacle I have faced, which is very likely to pop up when living in Los Angeles. You find yourself more focused on marketing and promotion than the actual love of the craft which got you there in the first place. You find in places like that there are the two groups, those that love doing it and those that do it because they want to be famous, and unfortunately the latter are the ones better at schmoozing and getting work. Even though I’ve always had a clear idea of my style/type I feel LA was a trial by fire, testing my personal interests. Which I believe I came out on top in knowing who I am and what keeps me going.
I want the challenge of playing all characters, but I mainly as of late focus on dead pan and the subtlety of a character holding all their emotions on the inside trying not to burst.
While in Los Angeles, I mainly focused on a combination between screenwriting, which I am currently in the David Lynch School of Cinematic Arts receiving my MFA in Screenwriting, and working with the LA improv/sketch community.
The two things I found to be helpful is you need to find a life outside of the craft to allow yourself room to breathe, and no matter how desensitized you come to the environment, you must maintain that spark that started you in the first place.
The Second City Conservatory or any improv is a great tool for an actor’s skill belt, especially when they take it seriously. Most major commercial and series auditions ask for improvisation. For myself I think improv cut away a lot of the nerves that I would have before performing when I was so meticulous about making sure all my lines and movements were exact. It gave me the chance to just have fun and even if there is a mess up I can continue and grow from the mistake instead of sulk. Improv is all about how much you put in you will receive. The techniques to improv can be taught, but unfortunately it is an art form which requires trial and error in front of an audience, Miles Stroth owner of Pack Theater (and a famous Chicago improviser) has said “Your first 5 years of improv you’ll suck, but after that you start getting better.” As much frustration, long nights, empty shows I’ve been apart of through it, I think it was a priceless experience.
Craig lived in LA for about 5 years, but recently moved to Michigan to focus on his grad school studies with the David Lynch MFA is Screenwriting, while his wife is applying for graduate school programs in Social Work (University of Toronto, University of Michigan, etc.).
You can follow Craig and learn more about him at his social media links below:
https://twitter.com/craigdraheim personal twitter account
https://twitter.com/showdyshow production company (in progress)
