Bulldog actor home to talk shop

Fresno State theatre graduate with Hollywood experience will offer advice to local thespians at Sunday's acting seminar

By Catherine Ragsdale
The Collegian

It was easy for James Runcorn to get roles in Fresno State’s plays.

He had attended Roosevelt School of the Arts when he was younger, and had quite of bit of acting experience. That didn’t prepare him for Hollywood though.

“The theatre department is great at Fresno State,” said Runcorn. “It was misleading though in terms of what I expected in Los Angeles.”

Runcorn moved with his family to Los Angeles in January 2001. A good year and a half went by before he got any type of work.

Since then, he has made appearances on “Mad TV,” “The District,” and, most recently, on FOX’s “Vanished.” Runcorn has also had roles in several films.

Runcorn’s son, Elijah, who had been acting since he was four, faired better and was able to find work much easier. “Finding work is easier for kids, but I don’t really know why,” said Runcorn. “The competition is just as fierce.”

Elijah, now 11, has had recurring roles on CBS’s “Listen Up” and Nickelodeon’s “Avatar.” He landed a role in a national Polaroid commercial within four months of the family moving to Los Angeles.

This Sunday, Runcorn will be holding a seminar from 3 to 5 p.m. at Dianna’s Studio of Dance, located at 726 N. Fulton Street. “The seminar is a reality check for aspiring actors before they really delve into it,” said Runcorn. “This industry is not for the wary or faint of heart.”

Runcorn mentioned that in 1991 only 5 percent of Screen Actor’s Guild members were earning more than $50,000. The other 95 percent earned below $5,000. “Work doesn’t just come by being a member of the Guild,” said Runcorn.

Acting is not all about glamour, said Kathleen McKinley, theatre arts department chair.

It’s really about hard work. Opportunities come suddenly. An actor must be able to take advantage at that moment. That’s accomplished with training, education and experience.

Runcorn’s seminar is geared towards adults who want to make acting a career choice, and will educate them about the reality of that choice.

Runcorn will share several tips on how to get a foot in the door. “You don’t need to move right away to get started,” said Runcorn.

There are viable and legitimate casting Web sites where actors can post pictures and resumes for themselves that casting directors scour everyday, Runcorn said.

Runcorn and his son, Elijah, have pages with photos and extensive resumes on IMDB.com, one of the most popular Internet movie databases.

Runcorn will also address issues related to child actors, work permits and bank account laws.

Aside from the business aspects of the seminar, attendees get a chance to pick the brain of a seasoned actor with strong roots in Fresno.

“James is certainly one of the most talented student-actors I have worked with,” said Professor Kathleen McKinley, theatre arts department chair. “We’re proud of James.”

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