Today we’d like to introduce you to James Burleson.
Hi James, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story started with my family. My father served for 26 years in the United States Air Force and eventually retired honorably. I always knew I wanted to be an Actor since I was about 5 years old. I did not have any connections in the industry, so I knew if I really wanted it bad enough, I was going to have to take charge of my own destiny. I never thought first that I’d enlist into the military after High School. I even turned down a 4-year ROTC scholarship to LSU that I received while attending Bossier High School in my Junior year. Before my father retired in 2004, after working temporary GS and NAF jobs at Barksdale AFB after High School, I realized that perhaps going into the military was my best way out into entering into my twenties and making a living. My instincts were right. I never knew how self-actualized I could be with drive and initiative while adapting to a new code of conduct within the UCMJ.
Following my military service of 8 years, I came to a crossroads in whether or not I should reenlist. My major conflict was that I still wanted to act, but I found it very challenging to be in the military while acting at the same time. As an Actor, you must be present in a moment’s notice for auditions, call times, and rehearsals. After careful and thorough thought, I decided to not reenlist. Every ounce of my heart is grateful for the standards I learned while serving. I have and will always hold any branch in the Armed Forces sky-high in value.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge was not reenlisting in a secure job as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force whilst transitioning to an insecure world as an Actor. What has comforted me over the years is knowing you have to take risks to reach success. I thrive well on that.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My acting career is what I am most proud of. The fact that I can celebrate life by stepping into a role to widen empathy for others to see is what electrifies my energy in what I do. I necessarily do not have to like or agree with the character’s choices in the script every time. If it’s a role that I’ve never played, I am up for the challenge in that adventure in transforming myself in the lens of the character. I do not thrive on staying in my comfort zone, as I have found that my best roles existing within the “good kind of uncomfortable”. My overall goal is to create intuitively transformative escapes that audiences can see, identify with, overwhelm, and get lost with.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
No one else is going to do this for you. If you want this career bad enough, do your research. Do not keep putting it off, as that can get increasingly comfortable, and it’s possible your desire might decrease, and you get too used to not trying. Then, you might dwell on the “what if” too much in your later years, and that will lead to the risk of regret.
Here is a quick order to help guide you to the start of your journey: Search for strong photographers in your area to gather professional headshots. Research workshop and/or acting instructors, even if you feel confident in your craft. Seek reviews and professional opinions to ensure you are receiving the highest quality service. Practice with scripts and film yourself in various roles with opposite readers. Professionally record various scenes with strong performance value and customize your first demo reel. Once you are confident with gathering a few strong headshots and a reel, search for various talent agents within your area (check for reviews and review any references). Inquire and/or research if there are any available open slots within a strong agency that can help you book auditions. Sign up for Actors Access! Continue to stay on top of your craft, and do not be afraid of rejection. Even A-listers have been rejected, and it’s through that unfailing resilience that creates success. If you do not book an audition, use it as an impactful learning experience in your journey, and move onto the next. If you do not do that, you’re not trying hard enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3160499/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jburlesonactor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesburleson
- Twitter: https://x.com/jburlesonactor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jburlesonactor
- Other: https://www.jamesburleson.com/
