Texas Frightmare Weekend: Acting Tips with James Hampton!

Texas Frightmare Weekend is an annual convention in Irving, TX that brings your most beloved horror stars together for a little Q & A and photo/autograph opportunities. This year James Hampton (Teen Wolf, The Longest Yard, F Troop, Gunsmoke) hosted a workshop on acting. Co-hosted by Mary Deese Hampton, the two of them told stories and gave advice to those who are looking to get in the business.

James seems like such a nice and endearing man. He started off by telling everyone how he got into acting and half way through he blurts out, “You know what, I’m nervous!” After he paused for a moment, he continued to tell about how he dropped out of college, got drafted in the army, and ended up putting on plays for the soldiers. He continued doing plays and live theater until he moved to Hollywood and booked a role in Gunsmoke.

One thing that helped James decide to put himself out there and really concentrate on an acting career was a post he saw that read, “Ships are safest in port, but that’s not what ships are for.” Seeing that boosted his courage and got him where he is today.

James and Mary Hampton

Another piece of advice that James and Mary shared was to surround yourself with like minded people. Making friends with people who are also interested in acting, etc can build a mutual beneficial relationship. You encourage each other, help each other practice, and gain connections to other helpful people in the business. They said, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Mary went on to explain that if you’re interested in acting to check out what your community has to offer. Take acting classes and check out the local theater group to get experience. Then you can venture out from there and try to get commercials, etc.

Thanks for all the advice Mary and James!

This is the Action Flick Chick, and you’ve just been kicked in the ass!