JJ
Jones
Steering actors through the audition curves.
URBAN trendz, April 2004
John Marshall Jones, best known as the loving father, Floyd Henderson on Family Channel's Smart Guy (and FOX network's John Doe shot here last year), has compiled an impressive list of credits since going to Hollywood from Chicago's Second City Theatre in 1987. Two months after he arrived he booked Good Morning, Vietnam.
Since then he’s starred in four TV series, nine recurring characters (presently on both CBS's Still Standing & Navy N.C.I.S.), over 100 television episodics (both sitcom and one hour), 20 A-list feature films and 10 M.O.W.'s. Needless tosay he is never out of work for long. What's his secret? "I learned a long time ago that scene study, acting technique and, yes, even talent are important factors to some extent but none of them mean anything if you don't know how to AUDITION."
His seminar Mastering the Audition and Other Hidden Secrets to Surviving in Hollywood (April 3rd, 10am to 3pm at The Roundhouse Community Theatre in Yaletown) is JJ's gift to other actors and to himself. "There is no profession in the world that requires more of you emotionally than acting," says Jones. "but your ability to focus your emotions when your nerves and the pressure are screaming at you determines whether or not you get the job."
How do we do that? "By understanding the four P's of the audition; Preparation, Protocol, Performance and Power and by reclaiming our absolute right to be fulfilled in our work and joyful in our lives. No one books every casting but if you can walk out of the audition feeling fulfilled and powerful and knowing that you couldn't have done it any better then you're free and I guarantee you the next job isn't far away."
After graduating from Northwestern U.with a B.A. in Theatre and a two-year apprenticeship with Chicago's Second City Ensemble he knew he was ready for the big time but he had other ideas. "I didn't get into this just to be famous. I had seen so many negative and stereotypical images of African Americans in the media that I wanted to make a difference. I was going to accept only roles that embodied the positive images of humanity."
When asked if his approach could be deemed high minded, JJ replies, "Highminded? Why not? The vast majority of the roles for African Americans were pimps, pushers, rapists, thugs, buffoons and illiterates. I also reconciled that I would probably not have as many opportunities as many of my less high-minded contemporaries. So I came up with a system to make every opportunity count."
Over the past few years Jones has booked jobs in major movies such as Good Morning, Vietnam, White Men Can't Jump, The Doctor, and Sgt. Bilko as well television roles in Malcolm in the Middle, Nip/Tuck, Joan of Arcadia, Soul Food, ER, Home Improvement, Rosanne, and Melrose Place, just to name a few.
Recently
single, Jones has compiled an impressive portfolio of real estate holdings
and the freedom to travel the world as he pleases but acting remains his
true love. "I married acting a long time ago.So even when things
weren't going that great, I knew I'd never leave. I feel like an old grizzled
vet sometimes. I mean, 90% of the actors that started with me quit years
ago", then he adds joyfully, "So when people ask me how my career
is
going I tell them "Well… I'm still here!"
For
more info call 778.895.5972
or log on to
masteringtheaudition.com