By Katie Winch

Layout Editor

Getting into the acting business is difficult, and to attest to that, actor Darien Willardson and his manager, Wayne David Gasser, came to Warren Hills in December to share the trials, triumphs and tricks of the trade with Film and Theatre students.

Gasser, a Warren Hills alumnus (‘73), is a Casting Director, Personal Manager, and acting coach in New York City and Los Angeles and has gained over 30 years in the entertainment industry. He has worked with stars like Lucille Ball, Bob Newhart, Dan Rather, Vincent Price and many others.

Accompanying Gasser was one of his pupils, Darien Willardson,  a 24-year-old actor and director.

Gasser works with Willardson and other aspiring actors to get them into the acting business.  Willardson was catapulted into acting after his first audition landed his first feature film, “Storm Rider.” After that, Willardson played roles in seven other films. 

Following Willardson’s introduction, Gasser spoke about the difficulties of the entertainment industry.

“The hardest part about the industry is finding the right people to work with,” said Gasser. “As a manager, it is my job to get these guys out there, into the eyes of people looking to hire them.”

The duo stressed the importance of creating a brand for one’s self.

“Marketing yourself is very important, if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will,” said Willardson. “The advice I have is to focus on skills, talents, hobbies and what makes you unique and capitalize on that.”

Gasser gave helpful tips about the online presence of aspiring actors.

“If you want to be an actor or model, do not ever post anything that you wouldn’t show your mama,” he said.  “A casting director once told me, ‘I would never hire an actor based on the number of followers they have.’ ”

Following the presentation,  the showcase opened up to a question and answer session. Many asked questions about Willardson’s acting career and moments he had while filming, but Gasser closed the show with a final piece of advice:

“Whatever you decide to do in life, stay with it, do it, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,” he said. “Don’t ever let anyone ever tell you you’re not smart enough, pretty enough, or talented enough, because you are enough.”