On September 30th in the Center for the Arts Main Stage Theater, actor/director/producer Tom DeTrinis shared his experience in television, film and theater.
Tom DeTrinis is a 2006 graduate from UB’s Theater Department with a BFA in Music Theatre. He has appeared as a guest/co-star on television shows like Greys Anatomy, That 90’s Show, Rutherford Falls, 90210, Switched at Birth, Greek, Community. In film, he is about to begin production on the upcoming Chaperones and has had supporting roles in films like Pretty Problems, (SXSW Audience Award), Squirrel (New Hampshire Film Festival Best Narrative Feature), 12 Hours Shift to name a few. His theater credits include: Psycho Beach Party,The 39 Steps, I Hate New York, Lottie Plachett Took a Hatchet, Die, Mommie, Die!, The SantaLand Diaries, 30 Minute Musicals (All 16+ of them), Making Friends and more. Tom is also a personal chef, focusing on organic, sustainable delicious cuisine with an influence in food as medicine.
What made you want to decide to visit UB on September 30th? How important is it to talk to others who are in the entertainment industry?
Since I don’t have any family in the Buffalo area, I am rarely in that part of the country, but a job is taking me to Toronto and I figured why not stop by to see my favorite professor Maria Horne, who inspired me so much during my time at UB, and also chat with the students to let them know what it has been like working in the arts post graduation. Actually, this school year will mark 20 years since graduating, so might as well come back to where it all started. I very much remember all the alumni who came to discuss working in the arts during my time at UB, and some of them greatly influenced where I went post graduation. College feels long, but it is truly a BLIP in the grand scheme of your career, so beginning the process of next steps as early as you can is imperative for longevity in the arts.
What was your educational background and how did it influence your career path?
I received my BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Music Theater, but most of my work beyond college has been creating my own work, making my own way in this world and building off of my skill sets that I honed beyond school. Although I didn’t pursue higher education, real life experience and navigating a quickly changing arts landscape post 2006 graduation was my education. I had to pivot constantly to where I could work and how I could work.
How important was networking to your career path?
It is the only way forward in an arts career. Nearly every job or opportunity I have is because of networking. You cannot work in entertainment without networking. Sorry.
What are the biggest challenges that you typically face in your career?
See also the last question. Hahahaha, networking! It is a challenge for me at times to sell myself the way I should be selling myself. It is also hard not to have any doors already opened for you as you step into the professional world from the educational world. More on this as well during my talk…we will get very honest in the room.
What advice do you have for anyone that would want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
KNOW THYSELF. And if anything else brings you joy…do that. This is not a joke, and everyone tells you this. It is real. And it is a hard pill to swallow.
If a UB student wanted to talk with you, what is the best way to reach you?
I am on Connect-a-Bull.
