By Saskia Wiley
Although many students within the Department of Theatre may be very familiar with the head of the Actor Training Program, most CFA students can find a lot to learn from Robert Scott Smith.
Photo courtesy of Robert Scott Smith
Interest in Acting
Growing up in Twin Falls, Idaho, Robert always knew that he wanted to pursue acting, but he didn’t have the right resources to see what was available for him at the time.
After attending a community college for a few years, he found himself at the U in the BFA Actor Training Program “all by luck.” He explained how coming to the U “changed the trajectory” of his career because he saw the potential of all the things he could do. “I saw the world differently. I saw opportunities that I just wouldn’t have known about.”
After attending The Old Globe in San Diego for his MFA from their graduate theatre program, he spent 11 years in New York. Yet he has “always had a homebase here in Salt Lake,”
inspiring him to move back and continue working with local artists.
Robert loves being a teacher, believing that mentoring students is a gift, and giving him passion for his job. He gets to see beautiful life-changing moments in his students’ lives in real time, all while having financial stability to pursue art how he wishes simultaneously.
He hopes to grow the Actor Training Program in the coming years, using the flexibility and skills from his career as an artist to do so.
Flying Bobcat Theatrical Laboratory
As the co-founder and co-artistic director of Flying Bobcat Theatrical Laboratory, Robert has had the opportunity to blur lines in art and create his own work. Initially created in tandem with the late SLC museum, The Leonardo, the company’s intent was to bring in artists from various disciplines and function as an artistic laboratory.
“The laboratory style just allowed us to have a little more openness in what we did, as opposed to a more traditional theater company or a producing entity. We were inspired by Leonardo and his work and how he was always rediscovering art from his perspective.”
Robert helped create shows that dealt with topics such as the senses, love, and the mind, with his favorite being Climbing with Tigers with the Salt Lake Acting Company–a unique blend of theater and animation based on a children’s storybook. Ultimately, the FBTC split from The Leonardo and now works with different groups, especially locally, to create innovative art.
Photo courtesy of Robert Scott Smith
On Being an Artist
“Be an artist who knows how to make work happen for you and for other people because if you lead with that, you’re always looking for opportunities to network. You’re always looking for opportunities to be involved in something and make connections that are true to creating art versus, just, I need a job, I need a job, I need a job.”
Robert explains that artists must take the reins of their career instead of waiting for people to hire them. Art students should “take advantage of every opportunity to fail” because it shows you what you’re capable of and brings success. “If you don’t try, you’ll never know. The failure just invites the discovery.”
In addition, he encourages students to find a mentor to learn from. It doesn’t have to be someone older or in a high position; it can be a peer, someone from your cohort, another artist your age. It is essential to listen and be open to guidance and criticism. “I’ve learned I’m not for everybody and I know that and recognize that. I often make sure they find people to help them along the way because that’s just how life works.” We need other people to help support and guide us, especially as growing artists. As Robert said, it takes searching to find the right mentor because sometimes people work better with some and not others, but the searching it worth all the effort.
He doesn’t live with any regrets in his life because he knows that “all the choices were necessary in order for me to be in the place that I am now.” Every decision and opportunity led to something else or taught him something that makes him the artist that he is today.
He did, however, wish that he had been “more of a sponge” when he was the rehearsal room, the classroom, or any opportunity where he could learn. “I would’ve been a little more focused on taking in what was being offered. Maybe taking more notes so that I could remember what was being imparted to me.”
Thankfully for us, we can learn from Robert Scott Smith’s amazing career and soak in his advice now. Being students, we have the incredible opportunity to take in the advice that our professors wish they had learned when they were younger.
“There is something within your generation right now where there are people that are wanting to get together and make things happen, and they’re doing it. They’re not waiting to be told. They’re making it happen and that’s exciting. I am noticing that right now is the time where I think you’re all ready to find some likeminded people and create some groups and start making work happen.”
Key Takeaways
Take the reins of your career and throw yourself at any opportunity that comes your way. Find a mentor because they can teach you more about yourself than you think. Be a sponge and take advantage of spaces where you can learn from others. Maybe even take notes!
Now is the time to fail and get back up. Don’t forget that being an artist means taking creative steps that may not always feel comfortable at the time.