Jonathan Majors approaches every performance with a “tabula rasa,” or blank slate, mentality. “You do so much work creatively, emotionally, physically, spiritually, to prepare for the role,” he says. “But then when you get there, it’s go time.” And only with a strong foundation of training and life experience—knowing one’s craft and oneself—can “go time” be achieved on set.

Raised in Texas and discovering theater as a creative outlet while a teenager, Jonathan studied acting at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and Yale School of Drama. Since his big Hollywood break on the limited series “When We Rise,” he’s appeared in films “Hostiles,” “White Boy Rick,” “Out of Blue,” “Captive State,” “Gully,” “Jungleland,” and the award-winning “The Last Black Man in San Francisco.” This year he starred in Spike Lee’s Netflix film about Black Vietnam war soldiers, “Da 5 Bloods,” and led Misha Green’s HBO horror drama “Lovecraft Country” as Atticus “Tic” Freeman. Read more of Jonathan’s words here: https://bit.ly/36RFI46

Working actors should also stay tuned for audition prep tips from our casting insider, who also recommends Backstage’s guide on auditioning: https://bit.ly/3nGlK3j
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Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Jack Smart, Awards Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: https://bit.ly/2OMryWQ

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