By Brady Ratzlaff

Local actor returns home to share wisdom at Peace Wapiti Academy

Oct 10, 2018 | 12:38 PM

A Grande Prairie performer considers himself a ‘jack of all trades’.

Grant Landry recently made a visit to the Peace Wapiti Academy, his old high school, to talk about everything and anything performance arts related.

The actor/performer/photographer says he remembers one moment early on his career on the BBC America show Copper, with veteran actor Donal Logue, who starred in Sons of Anarchy and Blade.

“Five minutes before we were about to shoot the scene. Donal put his arm around me, he said, ‘I heard that you are new to the industry and this is your first on-camera gig. So, what’s going to happen today is we are just going to be with each other. We are going to listen to each other, and that’s it. We’re just going to do the scene. I got your back and you got mine. So, let’s go do this.”

He adds it was the confidence given to him from that experience that let him know that he could succeed in the industry.

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Landry who now calls Toronto home has a message for the people of the community.

“I would like everyone to contemplate something; If we didn’t have the radio, the country music festivals, paintings, the photographers in your life, life would be extremely dull for all of us because we all look to arts and music for an escape or some form of expression. Art mirrors what’s inside of us, which is why it resonates with everyone. So, thank you for your continued support.”

He also shared some advice for those living in the Alberta Peace Region who want to pursue a career in the performing arts.

“Now if you are passionate and serious about acting, singing, dancing or being a professional musician move to Vancouver, Toronto, Los Angeles, or New York where the culture of being an artist is super vibrant. You will be able to surround yourself with more artists like yourself who are constantly creating, going to live events every night of the week, seeing different types of art, and also being able to audition for professional theatre, and film, and TV.”

Landry adds he got some of the best advice early on in his career that was summed up in a quote, “There is no need for Plan B because it distracts from Plan A. So, what are you waiting for. Get out there.”

Highlights of Landry’s career include West Side Story, Once the musical, The National Theatre of Great Britain’s War Horse, Grease, as well as Copper.

For more information on Landry’s career click here.