Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin C. Schilling.
Hi Justin C., thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story began late in high school and continued into my college years, when I got involved in theater. I was lucky to work and learn alongside incredibly talented teachers and peers—some of whom have since carved out their own unique paths in the industry. They helped ignite something in me. Without that spark, I would’ve never believed any of this was possible.
In college, I studied Information Systems and Computer Science. While I’m grateful for that education—it’s served me well in many ways—it never quite felt right. Once I entered the “real world,” I quickly realized the traditional 9–5 life wasn’t for me. Acting had always been my true passion.
From 2006 to 2013, I worked at Six Flags Great Adventure. It was where I got my acting fix while going to school and figuring out life. During my time there, I had the chance to write shows, perform in them, and play multiple high-energy characters that required a ton of improv—keeping me sharp and on my toes. I also toured colleges with an improv comedy troupe called Second Place Champions, which was an incredible training ground in itself.
The biggest impact of my life artistically was when I finished the run of a play called BOYS’ LIFE in college where I had a lead role. The director, Jeremy Robinson, gave me a letter afterwards with words of encouragement to continue acting and complimented the natural gift I had to become a substantial dramatic performer. I used to view myself as a goofball, but that play and his letter really changed my way of thinking in what I could achieve.
Around 2014/2015, I finally gathered the courage to take a leap of faith—leaving my small Jersey town for New York City to pursue acting more seriously. It felt like hitting the reset button on my life. It was terrifying but I’m so grateful I did it.
I started submitting myself on Backstage and Actors Access, auditioning for anything I could to build my reel and experience, all while attending networking events and workshops. I searched high and low for a teacher who could really help me navigate the fast-paced acting industry in NYC—and guide me to uncover where I fit in. I was fortunate to find a mentor in Penny Templeton, who instilled in me a strong foundation and shaped me into the actor I am today. I studied with her for several years. Consistent training is crucial—this craft isn’t easily developed, or ever truly mastered without this (at least in my humble opinion). I still make it a point to study with different instructors whenever I can.
In 2016, connections from my improv days with Second Place Champions led me to BATSU!—an improvised, Japanese game show experience—where I still work today as both an improviser and theater technician. BATSU! has grown exponentially over the years and has become my bread and butter while I continue auditioning. If you’re ever in the East Village and in the mood for a wildly good time, swing by and check us out.
In 2017, I was fortunate to land representation with Ingrid French, who has been in my corner ever since. With her guidance—and a lot of perseverance—I’ve continued evolving within the New York acting community. Over time, I’ve expanded my network and built a career as a professional actor in one of the greatest cities in the world.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest obstacles I face regularly—and I’m sure many actors do—is imposter syndrome. It definitely affects me. Even though I constantly hash through those feelings, they can still get in the way of my work at times. If I don’t believe in myself, how can I expect casting believe in me either?
It took a long time to gather the courage to take a leap of faith into uncertainty. In my mid-20s, I finally built up the strength to uproot my life and try my hand at an acting career. I always considered myself a “late-starting actor,” which made it feel like I was constantly trying to catch up. I didn’t have the opportunity or support to attend a prestigious or lengthy acting program, so I had to pave my own way.
I needed the finances and stability to support this new life. I worked hard serving in restaurants while picking up odd acting jobs along the way. Looking back, I still don’t know how I did 10–12 hour night shifts, running around to multiple in-person auditions during the day, and setting up for at home self-tapes. Nowadays, self-tapes are the norm, but before COVID it was a constant runaround. Boy, were those the days. Once BATSU really took off, it became my consistent income and I’m lucky to have a bit more stability today.
In this industry, you have to develop thick skin because rejection can be a lot. Emphasis on a lot. Ninety-five percent of the time it’s not even about your talent, trust me. For example, once, I almost booked a huge film role and the director was kind enough to reach out after my callback to explain that I was very talented and not to give up—they just wanted a blue-eyed guy. Stuff like that really does happen.
All I can say as encouragement is: keep going. I’ve learned that if you’re being called in consistently and being seriously considered, you’re definitely doing something right. I found comfort in focusing on what I can control—my performance—and giving it everything I’ve got every time I step into the room.
A colleague of mine once said, “It’s hard not to feel in a business where it’s our job to feel,” and that really stuck with me. Just remember at the end of the day, the acting world is still a business. When you keep that in mind and focus on networking and strategy while honing your craft, it can take you a long way.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Since getting started, I’ve been lucky to have projects featured in film festivals around the world, including Cannes, Top Shorts, LAFA, MVAAFF, and the Garden State Film Festival, to name a few. I’ve also appeared in roles seen in series and films across major streaming platforms such as CBS, Apple TV, Netflix, Paramount+, and Prime Video.
I’m consistently building my résumé with an array of independent film over the years. One project I’m particularly proud of is LOCKBOX, which earned me an award and several nominations on the film festival circuit. Other projects I’m excited about include Cedric & Alysia, Part-Time, Great Kills, and Jersey Birdies. A project I recently worked on and am thrilled for the waves it will make is Oracle of Delphi, Ohio.
Dark comedy is really my bread and butter. What sets me apart from other actors is my ability to lay the groundwork for a wide range of roles with depth. I can play the leading man, but I can also be a strong character actor. I can play the grounded straight man or the erratic nut. I can lean into subtle, grounded performances or deliver something more explosive and volcanic. I love finding the humor even in the most dramatic of scenes. I love playing with range and variety!
My years of improv blended with years of acting training have helped develop a homemade skill set for building characters in a unique way that I believe makes for a more enriching and engaging performance.
If I really vibe with a director on set, I’ll sometimes ask for a “me take” after the crew gets what they need. I’ll improvise or try something new based on what the scene calls for or what’s already established in the script. Sometimes we stumble onto something really special, and a lot of times I’ve seen those improvised takes make it into the final cut. Pretty cool!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’ve done my share of comedy over the years, but lately I’ve been drawn to dramatic work. I really enjoy it. I’ve been landing more antagonistic roles lately, which is funny because when I was a kid playing with my brother and friends, I had to be the “good guy.” Now I relish playing villains or anti-heroes because I find them more fun. Maybe it’s the mustache.
After seeing me play a bad guy, people will come up to me and l say, “Wow, you’re so nice! The whole time I watched that film I wanted to punch you in the face.” To that I say, “Thank you!” because that means I did my job. Either that, or I have a punchable face. But hey—if it books me work, I’ll roll with it.
I enjoy video games. but I also love to read and study. It’s nourishing to read and learn as much as I can—fiction, plays, how-to books, acting, auditioning, history, anything. Not only does it engage my imagination (which definitely helps when I play characters), but it also expands my general knowledge. The more you know, the easier it is to put yourself in someone else’s shoes when the time calls for it—whether that’s a character from another time period, a tech junkie, someone in politics, or maybe a soldier.
Oddly enough, one of my favorite acting exercises is playing Dungeons & Dragons. Not only is it a great way to bond with friends, it’s also an incredible tool for expanding your imagination and building characters. After all, you’re constantly asking yourself: “What would my character do in this situation?”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justinCschilling.om
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinCschilling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinCSchilling
- Other: https://vimeo.com/511329432
