"Anything's Possible When It's Unpredictable" - Chatting with The Unpredictable Times Actor Todd Bellamy II!
Todd Bellamy II is an actor you always dream and hope for in your cast. A true superstar on and off the stage, when someone like Todd is in your cast, you truly know you're in for a treat. Todd will be playing the role of Jake in the upcoming regional premiere of The Unpredictable Times at Rise Above Performing Arts in Sarasota, Florida. Todd just finished his sophomore year at Florida A&M University (FAMU) where he is studying Theatre. At FAMU, Todd has performed in Bob Marley's Three Little Birds and The New Black Festival's Hand's Up: 7 Plays, 7 Testaments. Some of his favorite credits include - Children of Eden (Noah), Fences (Cory), James and the Giant Peach (Grasshopper), Bob Marley's Three Little Birds (Dr. Bird), and Black Nativity (Chorus).
Todd is a young man that truly hasn't even scratched the surface of his Black Excellence and potential. I am so happy to have the chance to feature him in my interview series!
Do you have a favorite play or musical and an artist you are strongly influenced by? Why?
My favorite play is Fences, and my favorite artist will always and forever be Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick always went beyond what the script provided and proved that his craft was being trained every day. He did what he had to do in order to play the characters that he has played, and I respect and admire the passion that he demonstrated throughout his career and late life.
You are currently attending Florida A&M University (FAMU) studying Theatre. How has your time been and what are some of your favorite moments (personally and theatrically) so far when it comes to attending one of the best HBCU's in the country?
My time at Florida A&M University has not only been an eye-opening experience, it has been very beneficial to me growing up as a young black man and an artist. I get to experience the culture of the campus, meet many people from different worlds, and work more on my passions. I would say that my favorite moments so far have been accomplishing many things, such as being chosen as Mr. Essential Theatre, and performing in the FAMU Connection.
After 20 plus years Scott Keys has decided to hang it up as head of the Theatre Department at Booker High School. What has Mr. Keys meant to you when it comes to your development as a performer?
Mr. Keys always taught us to explore the character and find ways to emotionally and artistically drive the character that we played to move our audiences. He taught us to not only see what’s in the script, but work outside the box. He directed us with passion and worked so hard, giving all of himself to make sure that the performances directed by him on the Booker High stage were phenomenal. It was always on us to do our part, and we understood what he trusted us to do. I think that worked for us, and that’s what made our shows amazing.
How do you relate to the role of Jake in The Unpredictable Times?
I relate to the role of Jake for the fact that we both don’t want people to worry about our personal lives, so we keep it under wraps. I just try to represent a good vibe. Even through tough times, I try to help the people closest to me more than I try to help myself. Also, Jake has that kind of “funny guy” persona that I can relate to.
Why should people come see the regional premiere of The Unpredictable Times at Rise Above Performing Arts?
This cast and crew are full of talented, aspiring, young actors who have all gotten to work with Kevin at some point in our lives. Kevin is a very passionate and hardworking man, and this play represents his vision, his creativity. We all are coming together to present his work visually because I honestly believe that this is a good play about a group of young adults in Minnesota.
The Unpredictable Timesis a coming-of-age drama opens on June 18th and will running through to the 27th. For more information about the play make sure you visitwww.riseabovearts.comorwww.theunpredictabletimesplay.com
Check out the promo video -https://youtu.be/Z3xziK8lL_Y