“The thing about acting is, you show up on time, hit your marks and speak the truth.”
Those were among the words of wisdom multiple-award-winning actor John Tench brought to second-year acting for Film and Television students on September 28. As special guest in their Up Close and Personal class, he gave students an inside look at the acting industry, and an opportunity to ask him questions during the two-hour period.
Tench, who has appeared in movies such as Brokeback Mountain, Shooter, Watchmen and The Colony, as well as television shows including Gangland Undercover, Murdoch Mysteries, Psych, Stargate SG-1 and Andromeda; has also worked extensively in the theatre and as a producer, writer and director. He well known as legendary character T Bone Grady in Ubisoft’s award-winning video games, WatchDogs, and Watchdogs Bad Blood.
Actor John Tench is at the head of the class on September 28, speaking to second-year Acting students as a guest in their Up Close and Personal class.
Tench spoke about everything from the challenges of breaking into the industry and landing roles, to what it’s like to play ‘the bad guy,’ to working with actors such as Heath Leger, and the power of storytelling actors possess.
“I get goosebumps when I go to the movies,” he said. “It’s a magical place … a place we all go as humans.”
Professor Barbara Mantini noted that in preparation for the visit, students researched Tench’s work and prepared questions to ask him during class about his acting process and approach to the work.
“John is a wonderful example of a working actor. He has done so much TV and film work. He works constantly,” said Mantini.
Mantini noted guests from the professional acting industry are invited to speak to classes to enhance the applied learning experience that students gain in the program. Tench was invited due to a connection he has with Acting professor Lori Ravensborg, who worked with him at the Toronto Film School and in the TV series Blackstone.
Ravensborg, who also attended the class, said she felt the students gained lot from Tench’s visit.
“What I always appreciate is that they hear the same things coming out of the guest’s mouth that we are busy preaching day in and day out – things like l hard work, diligence, doing your research, being professional, showing up on time; things we feel are important in the program,” she said. “They tend to have lightbulb moments of stuff they’ve heard before but it gets delivered in a new way or a different way. However they get the info, it’s information they need.”
Students valued the experience.
“It was inspiring. I feel like I gained a lot of information about what it’s like to be in the real acting world,” said student Emily Hutton.
“He had a lot to say and I learned a lot,” said Sierra Adams. “I wrote a whole bunch of notes. I’m going back to this later. I feel it will help me moving forward.”
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