Today we’d like to introduce you to Perris Drew.
Hi Perris, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
So I am a kid from Delaware. I grew up in a small town called Middletown, where at the time, were nothing but acres of land, a few school districts, and not nearly as many home developments as there are now. Let’s just say my hometown has expanded beyond my imagination.
Playing sports and going to school was routine, for I played football and basketball for most of my grade school years and a little during my high school experience. My parents always taught my siblings and me to put our best selves forward in whatever we did. I may not have been the most talented athlete but where I excelled, was a high degree of work ethic and discipline.
One thing I loved the most, was watching movies with my family. Every Friday night was our movie night, we’d rent or buy the hottest movie(s) out and watch them on our HD Tv. My dad always kept up with the newest updates. That weekly tradition is one of the main reasons I wanted to be on the movie screen.
At 12 years old, I knew I wanted to be an actor. I specifically remember the moment I got the inclination, it was the first play I’ve ever been in, at my church. I was delivering a line in a scene when I got the feeling that this is what I’m meant to do for the rest of my life.
My parents were so supportive of this career path and got me prepared to audition for Delaware’s ‘Cab Calloway School of the Arts’. CCSA is where I received my training in Theatre and Dramatical Arts. Funny story, I thought I’d be free of academic classes and would focus strictly on the major (acting) that I was there for. I learned fast that I wasn’t Troy Bolton and this wasn’t ‘High-school Musical’.
It wasn’t until my Junior year that I started to buckle down and take such opportunity seriously. Prior to, I was very afraid to audition for the school plays and musicals because my focus elsewhere. My focus was on things like girls; making basketball practices on time, and other elements not in support of my dream.
The last two years of high school, for me, were my favorite. Not only was I getting cast in majority of my school’s productions, I had the opportunity to tour around the east coast with a local production company–performing hit stage plays. I’ll never go without mentioning the support of teachers and theatre mentors I had, pushing me and training me to grow in the craft.
After graduating, I couldn’t wait to go to college and the continue the growth as an actor. I was accepted, on scholarship, to a Conservatory of Performing Arts program at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pa . I remember the first day of one of my acting courses when my professor, John Amplas, expressed to the class–“Forget what you learned in high-school… today is the beginning of your Actor’s journey”. From that day on I began learning the essence, fundamentals, and techniques of the craft of Acting. I learned Theatre is the foundation of every actor, regardless of those of us wanting to become Hollywood’s established. It was instilled that the divine work of Shakespeare should be well appreciated and studied, rather than feared because of how intimidating his text may seem. In my four years of college, I was trained and prepped by whom I deem to be great thespians and seasoned vets in the industry. I also never would’ve imagined in a million years getting the chance to work with Denzel Washington, in what felt like a week-long masterclass. Again, I wouldn’t be where I am without the help of my gurus. One of them being, Monica Payne, the reason I would make a big step in moving to Atlanta, GA after I received my degree.
My college sweetheart–now wife–and I moved to Atlanta back in 2017. It was ATL that I would continue my journey. At the time, it wasn’t an easy decision to make, for I was torn between taking my talents out west (LA) or move to a city whose market was on the rise for black artists. As mentioned, my mentor, Monica, helped me see the bigger picture–move to ATL, build your network and resume, LA will always be there when it’s time. Not to mention, the low cost of living here was a huge factor to consider.
Moving to Atlanta was the best move I could’ve made for my career. Though it hasn’t all been peaches, I am so proud of the accomplishments I’ve obtained, building credits in both Film and Television. I couldn’t have made such accomplishments without the assistance of my wonderful agency, 22Talent.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My journey has been filled with many obstacles and challenges, and though it’s all a part of the process, I’d be lying if I said I never personalized such. Being an Actor isn’t easy, in fact it’s one of the hardest professions to be in. You’re constantly faced with rejection and feeling like you’re never good enough. Spending hours preparing for an audition, then connecting with script and putting your best foot forward, to then only feeling like you failed because you didn’t book the role auditioned for. Now, imagine that recurring a thousand more times, it’s extremely taxing on one’s mental. With all that being said, I mentioned earlier that I was prepped for this career. It seems like I constantly find myself in these low moments, but I just have to center myself again and remember that I’m in the right place, and this wasn’t all for nothing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional Actor and I specialize in Film and Television. My career started to build momentum when I booked the role of “Landon” in BET’s “The Bobby Brown Story” (starring Woody McClain), back in 2018. I have booked more episodic roles since then and have booked a couple of feature films along the way. I am most recently known for my role of “Kensington Straterly” in the Ebo Sister’s “Honk For Jesus, Save Your Soul “(starring Sterling K. Brown and Regina Hall), released in September of last year. I must say, I am so proud of the experience I am having so far, every day is a teachable moment. One thing I am most proud of is having a dream come true last year. I booked roles of characters in the DC Universe and both projects will be premiering this year, so stay tuned!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I want to thank God, first and foremost. Secondly, I want to give huge credit to my agent, Susan Fronsoe, she was the only agent to take a chance on me when I moved here to Atlanta. She’s been so intentional and has always pushed me to put my best foot forward always. Susan invested a lot in me as an Actor and I’m forever grateful. My wife sees my highs, lows, successes, and learning moments firsthand. Her support and efforts in making me better as a person is big reason I’m the person I am today. I’m super blessed to have her by my side. I would like to give my great friend, Nick Fraser, a huge thank you as well. He is a Writer/Director/Producer here in Atlanta and has kept me busy the last few years, casting me in his films; playing fruitful characters, whilst challenging me to be better. Though he’s one of my closest friends, Nick respects my profession as an Actor and never fails to keep me motivated in this business. Lastly, I want to thank my parents, Patricia Glasco and Paul Drew, for their incredible support. They both invest in my journey in their own ways, and it’s truly made me who I am today. Also, to my family and friends, thank you for the consistent love and encouragement shown over the years. It’s because of you all that I’ve stayed persistent and stayed in it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perrisdrew/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perris.drew/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Perris_Drew
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKb8kxuhN-uJ24lW0I1yd-w?app=desktop
Image Credits
-Dwayne Boyd Photography -Sunny Apricots -Chase Anderson Photo -Jy’Ron Barclay
