'The Self-Isolated Artist' Series: Toronto Profile of Neil Bennett
Information compiled by Joe Szekeres, Chief Toronto Critic, Twitter: @szekeresjoe
From my involvement in the world of community/amateur theatre to now reviewing and dialoguing with those from the professional world, I’ve always found it fascinating to watch how the actor becomes just themselves and who they truly are when they are not on the stage or on set. Sometimes it’s a surprise, sometimes, I’m not surprised and sometimes I would love to speak to this person more.
Neil Bennett was one of those individuals who I met last summer at a barbeque at the home of a common friend. Sure, the conversation did turn towards the common business as it always does when likeminded people are gathered. But when the conversation turned to world events, what was going on in the community, Neil added a great deal of interest on his part to the conversation at hand. I thought, “Here’s a guy who would be really be intriguing just to talk about anything except the industry.”
Some of his responses to the questions below made me want to speak to him further. I hope I get that chance sometime.
Neil and I conducted our interview via email:
1. How have you and your family been doing during this period of isolation and quarantine?
We’ve been good during the stay at home order. Not too much has changed for my wife, Leslie, and myself. We both already work from home and we make sure we know each other’s schedules at the start of the work week.
2. Were you involved or being considered for any projects before the pandemic was declared and everything was shut down?
I wasn’t involved or considered for any projects.
3. What has been the most challenging part of this period of ‘staycation’ and isolation?
The most challenging part has been remembering protocols when I leave the condo. I find that when I do go out, I need to remind myself of the new protocols. I find that when I spend most of my time inside the condo, it’s easy to forget the new way of being.
4. What are you doing to keep yourself busy during this time of lockdown except for essential services?
I am doing a rewrite of ‘Whale Tale’, a children’s book I have written. I’m continuing to write my ‘Breaking into the Business’ book. It’s my take on what it takes to break into the acting business. I’ve continued my work outs which has been more about managing my workouts in our living room. I make sure to practice my on-camera skills each day. I read, watch TV, meditate, and find something to be thankful about every day.
My family gets together each Saturday via Zoom and we do a play reading. We are spread out from Duncan, BC to Toronto, ON to Chislehurst, UK. The plays are written the week before we meet up. They are written either by my niece, Coralie, or my nephew, Francis or myself.
My dad and I collaborated on a play one week. I wrote half and he wrote half. It’s been a lot of fun doing these reads. My mom and dad get parts, so does my sister, Jacqueline and my brother in law, Steven, and Leslie gets a role as well.
5. What advice would you give to other performing artists who are concerned about the impact of COVID-19?
Keep your tools sharp and be ready to get back at it.
6. Do you see any positives coming out of this pandemic?
A new respect we should all have for our doctors, nurses, and hospital staff. The new respect we should all have for those front-line workers who have continued to work so we can have some sense of normality. When it comes our industry, once we start to get back at it, we will see more of a push towards Canadian made productions with full casts of Canadian actors.
7. Do you believe the Canadian performing arts scene will somehow be changed or impacted as a result of COVID – 19?
Yes, I do. Smaller sets, smaller crews, the need to shoot locally, the need to hire all local actors and crew. Self-taping will become the norm. You’ll be asked if you are comfortable working in scenes where close contact is required. I think you’ll see live theatre and live concerts move to some sort of online pay per viewing system.
8. Many artists are turning to streaming/online performances to showcase/highlight/share their work. Any advantages to doing this? Disadvantages? Are you doing or will you be doing any of this?
The advantages to streaming and online performances means you are staying ready when we are needed for filming again.
Disadvantages? I don’t see any. If the product is good and showcases what you can do, it’s worth getting it out there.
I am not doing anything like that. I am always open to try something new.
9. What is it about performing you love?
I get to drop the everyday mask I wear and become free to just be what has been written for me. I love getting to find the character in me. I love that someone has trusted me to bring the character they have written to life.
As a nod to ‘Inside the Actors’ Studio’ and the late James Lipton, here are the 10 questions he asked his guests at the conclusion of his interviews:
a. What is your favourite word? Booked.
b. What is your least favourite word? No.
c. What turns you on? The love and support my wife, Leslie, has given me over 20 years of being together.
d. What turns you off? Self-righteousness.
e. What sound or noise do you love? Our coffee brewing at 5:15 every morning.
f. What sound or noise bothers you? Loud chewing
g. What is your favourite curse word? Fuck
h. What profession, other than your own, would you have liked to attempt? Police officer.
i. What profession would you not like to do? Politician.
j. If Heaven exists, what do you imagine God will say to you as you approach the Pearly Gates? As an atheist, if gods exist I imagine they would say “Welcome”.
Head shot photo of Neil Bennett by Stephanie Beeley.
If you wish to contact Neil Bennett:
imdb.me/neilbennett
vimeo.com/neiljbennett
Twitter: @neiljbennett
Instagram: @neiljbennett