Kindred Connect

Let's connect with ... Phillip Wheeler

Feb 22, 2022

Happy Tuesday! Welcome to Acting Class Daily. Each week we make a Kindred Connection with new members of our community - learning about formative moments, experiencing a few of their favorite things, tasting their artistic heart, and getting a look into their very soul.

Share Your Kindred Spirit

#KindredConnect … Phillip Wheeler

I grew up in rural Washington and was bullied harshly. As a result, I developed empathy. When I finally garnered the courage to risk and pursue acting I moved to LA and was for the first time exposed to "real diversity" and came to recognize how conservative my upbringing really was. I also realized why it always disagreed with me so much. I believe we all deserve to be seen and accepted for who we really are. I believe in a world of infinite diversity in infinite combinations as Gene Roddenberry once said. Now I try to be a voice for the voiceless and depict a reflection of the world as it is (and how I would like it to be.)

Connect with Phillip: Facebook or Instagram.

#IAMELYSIUM

Open Windows

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Here’s an unguarded, unedited, uninterrupted minute with the windows open.

My Artistic Heart

Revealing the truest, rawest taste of your creative soul through any form of live expression.

My Elysium Artist

The “reputational quote” you’ll earn when you’ve reached your potential.

Phillip is a craftsman. He shows up ready to work-using rehearsal time to always be fine tuning.

What about Elysium feels kindred in spirit to the artist you are today?

The desire to be better tomorrow than I am today! To strive to be more than I am today, tomorrow.

#FearlessFavorites

Movies

TV Series

Songs

Books/Poems/Plays

Foods

#TheInnerView

What role would you most like to live-through … and why?

I have been drawn to the role of Richard III for sometime and have become even more fascinated as I have read the plays Henry the VI part 1, 2 and 3. There is something of the man made into the monster that appeals to my imagination. Richard didn't have to become the tyrant he did had he been treated differently in his earlier life.

Tell us about a life-shaping moment.

When my partner and I first connected it was almost a missed connection! We were working together on a project in the Seattle Underground in complete pitch black darkness, you couldn't see your hands in front of you and we literally ran into each other. After the rehearsal my partner saw me at the bus stop and offered me a ride but not wanting to inconvenience her I turned her down. But something happened that day at an emotional level for both of us and planted a seed that has blossomed and grown into the only really healthy relationship I have had romantically.

Share a moment when you experienced the best of yourself as an artist.

When I was doing scene work in school I did the Anne and Richard scene when Richard courts Anne over her recently deceased husband’s corpse. My teacher handed me a handkerchief and told me to use it somehow. Oddly it never came out but what did happen is it forced me into the moment. By the time Richard is wooing Anne I truly believed everything my scene partner was saying and doing. She believed everything I was saying and doing and the class was mesmerized.

Where have you travelled … and most want to travel?

I have been all over the United States. West Coast, East Coast, Middle America, oddly haven't really spent anytime in the South.
Canada and hopefully headed to Europe soon. Particularly Italy.

What does your perfect day-off look like?

Playing video games and winding down. Particularly a really immersive and story driven RPG.

Did you know…?

I have an identical twin...

Kindred Spirits. Connect.