UT grad Mindy Raymond Benson has spent time acting in both NYC and LA. But Austin is where she decided to settle down and really pursue her passion.
As an Austinite, she has booked commercials, voiceover work (DC Universe Online as voice of Wonder Girl) and most recently two feature films.
We asked her to share her acting experiences and give a little advice to other actors hoping to make it in the Austin area.
How did you get started acting and what projects have you worked on?
Honestly I started acting at a young age. My best friend and I would memorize the Catholic sermon and then come home and have “church” for my parents and grandparents. As the “priest” I would have the whole thing completely memorized. My grandparents weren’t sure whether to be impressed or appalled since this may be sacrilegious. Performing was something I always did and have always loved. It wasn’t until after college that I really starting pursuing acting professionally. I moved to NYC and attended a one-year acting conservatory and from then on, I knew this is what I wanted to do in my life.
I have been fortunate to work on stage, in voiceover, commercial, tv and film. Performing improv in NYC and Los Angeles; I am the voice of Wonder Girl for DC Universe Online and as of this past year I completed two feature films; Bigfoot Wars starring Holt Boggs, C. Thomas Howell and Judd Nelson, directed by Brian Jaynes and Adventures of Pepper and Paula starring Donny Boaz, Jon Michael Davis, Allie DeBerry & Holt Boggs, directed by Kevin and Robin Nations.
 Holt Boggs, Raymond Benson and C. Thomas Howell on the set of Bigfoot Wars. |
What’s your favorite acting job you’ve ever done?
As any actor would say, that is a tough question since each project is so unique in and of itself. However, a film that really sticks for me, being that it was my first lead role, was a film I did in NYC called Menage A Trois. A very sweet love story about a girl, a boy and her cell phone. Kimberly Wetherell wrote and directed this and Reed Morano was the DP. It was a dream come true shooting on film in New York City, creating this great story and collaborating with the cast and crew.
Who are some of your favorite co-stars?
All of them of course! I have been fortunate to work with Holt Boggs on two very different projects (and soon to be three projects!) and he is the epitome of a great collaborator. Very open to new ideas, always there for his co-stars, honest in his reactions and super funny! So you know you are going to have a good time if he is on set.
What cities have you worked in before and how has it been transitioning to Austin?
I started my professional acting in Dallas, TX, then moved to NYC for seven years. The last two years in New York I was going back and forth to Los Angeles, and then had a stint in Seattle at the Seattle Film Festival. The transition back to Austin was easy. I was here for undergrad and when I left I knew that I would eventually come back. I knew that my time in Austin wasn’t quite through. Fortunately my husband got a job transfer and we were able to here. Our family has thrived and since we have moved, our in-laws made the move too! Austin is the perfect place for family and film.
What’s your favorite Austin shot movie or TV show?
I fell in love with Friday Night Lights, the TV show. Peter Berg is an awesome director and really gave his actors the freedom to play. I am a huge fan!
What advice do you have for Austinites looking to get into acting?
Do student projects, extra work, short films, attend classes, workshops, seminars, network with those in the industry and really see if this is something you want to pursue. An acting teacher once told me, “It takes at least 10 years of struggle and thousands of no’s before you become a working actor. If you don’t see yourself in this for the long haul, then get out.” And it’s true. I have been acting for 10+ years and am at a point where I am a working actor.
I have met some of the most amazingly creative and optimistic people and have formed life-long friendships through my acting. There has also been a lot of heart ache, struggle and questioning in my life. This job isn’t for everyone, but those of us who are in it for the long haul wouldn’t have it any other way.
