Alex Ruiz

[on preparing for a role in an existing show, movie, or stage play] I don't ever watch shows or movies or plays before or afterwards because I want to give my own interpretation, unless, of course, I'm asked to. I feel it's best if you come with your own idea and choice for the part without any prior knowledge. Only if you have pure understanding of what's being asked of you. Show less «

[asked if there's a trick to acting] The only trick to good, solid acting is to listen. Other than that, there are no tricks. Just do the work. Do what's asked of you. Show less «

I feel like I learn something on every set that I'm a part of. I'm not sure if I can pinpoint exactly what that is but I know it and utilize it the moment I'm there. I think it's really just listening. Not only to the director but to everyone around you. Literally everyone. The sound guy putting the mic on you has heard a billion things about everything that's happened on every set he's worked with so I listen to what (s)he says. On break I'm drinking coffee and the lighting guys talk about work and I infiltrate their conversation and just listen. I try to learn every facet of my job as possible by listening and being aware of how everything works. From the director, they're all astronomically different and if you listen carefully and adapt to his world then you've got another little safe of knowledge stored in your brain that you can open up and use in another situation. The entire process is learning so I can't really give something specific when it's there from beginning to end. Show less «