The film industry is on the rise in Alabama, and people from across the state are taking chances for a spot in the limelight. Alabama native Kevin Wayne has spent his life pursuing his dreams and making his mark on the film industry as a full-time working actor. The Shelby County Arts Council welcomes Wayne as its newest acting instructor.
Wayne’s career started when he began modeling at 19 years old. He started taking acting classes through the modeling agency and began to realize he might have a shot at acting with the encouragement from acting coach Tom Barnes.
“His words to me were, ‘You are incredibly awkward and raw at this, but there is something there,’” Wayne says. “His words inspired me.”
Wayne’s first role was as an extra in the film Under Siege filmed in Mobile. After that first movie he was hooked. “I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. This was my passion.”
Since that first movie role Wayne has gone on to work on projects such as Eastbound and Down, The Magnificent Seven, Sinkhole and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip. Recently, Wayne was a cast member in the TBS series Miracle Workers working alongside Hollywood stars Steve Buscemi and Daniel Radcliff. Not only has Wayne acted, but he has spent time behind the camera directing projects as well. The Shelby County Arts Council hosted the red carpet premiere of Wayne’s mini web series Blood Type – a futuristic tale in which a deadly age-warping virus infects a peaceful race of vampires, who have existed secretly alongside humans, only to create a deadly master-race.
Wayne has worked on a variety of projects and invests in his character. He takes his time and digs into who his character is to bring that roll to life. “I ask myself, ‘Is the character a dynamic or a static character? Do they undergo an important change in the story, or do they remain the same?’ After I uncover that, I create an in-depth back story,” Wayne says. “Ultimately, I become the character.”
This summer Wayne will share his talents with young up-and-coming stars. The Kevin Wayne Kids Summer Acting Camp will be held on June 11-15 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Wayne will teach campers acting skills necessary to be a successful actor in the movie business, all in a fun and creative environment. Help your child get a head start in the film industry with a working actor. Parents are also invited to stick around for camp to get an in-depth look at the business side of the industry. The cost is $250 per camper.
His advice for any aspiring actors and actresses? “Put on a coat of armor and a really thick skin. The industry is tough. And lastly, train, train, train.”
For more information on summer camps and classes, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com or call (205) 669-0044.
