David Simmonds
As a kid, I loved movies. The Saturday morning cartoons and the serials at the Savoy Cinema on Holloway Rd. were a highlight of my week. Along with the knack for memorising song lyrics and creating imaginary ‘hits’. However, discovering what I loved to do looked greener elsewhere, I tossed a coin and left London in my twenties for Toronto. After relocating to Vancouver in 1971, I found work at a recording studio writing lyrics for ‘jingles’, A-Z. (you name it). Chocolate, burgers, real estate, global airlines and corporate anthems. Which led to penning song lyrics recorded by B.T.O, Bryan Adams, Lee Greenwood, and Michael Buble, among others. ”Ordinary People” by The Bootleg Band, won B.C. song of the year. Another gig of note; were lyrics celebrating the Jim Pattison Group of companies. Recalling roles in stage productions from my school days whetted my appetite for performance. Enrolling in classes at the Firehall Group with Mallie Bowman from N.Y.C. provided intensive training in movement, improv, voice and scene work. Followed by being hired as a paid contract player for the Firehall Performance Group, acquiring an agent, and being cast in professional film and television projects. I was realising a future where the dreams of a kid could become a reality. The next chapter found me moving to Victoria B.C. where, I set up, owned and operated The Screen Actor’s Studio for over 30 years. Developing knowledge of script construction, character analysis and objectives. During that time, it has been immensely rewarding to recognise and encourage people with dreams of their own to move into the spotlight and enrich their daily lives.
People I Have Worked With
Madeleine Sherwood
Jonathan Mason
Claudia Ferri
Shimon Karmel
Ryan Hesp
Naomi Simpson
Joanne Wilson
Mort Ransen
John Emmet Tracy
Aliyah O’Brien
Mallie Boman