10 THINGS - Corbin Reid | REGARD MAGAZINE

10 Things about Corbin Reid

You’re originally from Minnesota. When did you know that acting was your passion and how did you initially get your start?

I started out in community theatre in Minneapolis. I was led to it by my sister, whom I sort of followed to whatever extra curricular she was compelled to try. After piano, horse back riding, figure ice skating, modern dance, ballet….theatre was the one that really stuck for me personally. Believe it or not, I used to be really shy, and it helped me come out of my shell. My first play ever was “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”, and I loved the feeling of being on stage. So, I stuck with it and did school plays from grade school to high school, and then went on to major in Musical Theatre at The University of Michigan.

You have an impressive background in theater. What were some of your memorable moments from being on stage?

My first Broadway show was Green Day’s AMERICAN IDIOT. I was an understudy for the lead role of “Whatsername” and a swing for 2 other lead roles in the show. It was A LOT of work. At any given moment, as I was waiting backstage, and the show was in progress, they could call me to the stage and let me know I have to get dressed and go on. And, you just had to be organized enough in my brain to know exactly where in the show that particular role was song, dialogue, and blocking wise. It was crazy. I was the first new person to join the cast after it moved to Broadway from Berkley. I loved doing the show, and felt like after that, I could do anything. I stayed for a year and a half. And, on my personal closing night, I remember I thought I would just leave quietly to move onto my next show, and that it was just another curtain call where we all come out with our guitars and perform Green Day’s “Time of Your Life”. But, that night they surprised me and put me center stage and sang it to me instead and brought me a signed drum set top from the whole cast. I was so moved. Being an understudy and swing can be hard work and easily overlooked. But in that moment, closing the chapter on my first Broadway show, I felt like it was all worth it. I felt so loved and so seen, I’ll never forget it.

Which actors body of work has impressed you and made a positive impact on your career?

I think Regina King is incredible. She has told so many stories by starring, directing, executive producing, and even writing them. And she has done it at the highest level, executing the roles and the stories masterfully. Especially in the last 5-10 years. I want her career. I aspire to be as multi faceted and exceptional at story telling as she is.

Currently, you’re on the Starz! series, “Run the World”. How were you first introduced to the project and what was it about the script that made you excited to jump on board?

Kim Coleman was the casting director on Run The World, and her office was one that I was frequenting often. I was so grateful for that because the projects she works on, are always so unique and interesting. I had been auditioning as an actor, but also recently finished directing, writing, executive producing and starring in my first short film BLIND SIGHT (available on Amazon Prime wink wink) that I was also making the rounds on the film circuit with. I was very focused on creating stories, that I felt were authentic to the black experience. When this came across my email from my agent’s Via Kim Coleman, I read it and was delighted. I felt like I had manifested it because I was so focused on trying to create it. All four women were written with such artistic nuance and there was a lovely balance of both comedy and drama. I felt like they were women I knew as friends or family. I was so in love from the first read, I was prepared to play anyone they asked me to.

On the show, you play the role of Sondi Hill. What can you tell us about Sondi’s personality and what do you enjoy most about bringing her character to life?

Sondi Hill is 32 year old who is getting her PHD in African American studies with a focus on mass incarceration. She’s navigating work, life and love with a lot of help and support from her 3 best girlfriends Ella, Whitney and Renee in Harlem, NYC. She is also studying under her dissertation advisor Matthew Powell, while in a clandestine relationship with him that could get her kicked out of school and him fired. She is highly intelligent, honest, nurturing and outspoken. Despite those traits, she has found herself both personally and professionally falling into the trap of becoming a people pleaser. She spends the season navigating her way out of that trap but not before she squirms a little.

What can viewers expect to see from Sondi and the rest of the cast in this first season?

You can expect to see Sondi figure out how to ask for what she needs, to get what she wants and deserves both personally and professionally. With her personality type, it’s something one would assume comes second nature to her. But she, like many women, sometimes forgot to be selfish and take care of themselves and get caught up in being a giver and nurturer to a fault. You can expect to see her support her friends with tough love and advice that pushes them to be the best version of themselves. And, you can expect to see all of the women laugh and cry and slay all the fashions and be fabulous together all at the same time.

When you’re not working on set, what do you typically do to relax and decompress?

When I’m not on set, I am usually working out. I’m an avid long distance runner, and in the last year, have gotten really into lifting weights with the help of Peloton. I also smother and play with my new Whoodle puppy, and always enjoy a nice evening out with my fiancée or my girlfriends. I am also a writer, and find the process of expelling my creative energy on a page to be very cathartic.

If you weren’t working on you acting career, what other careers would you consider?

I would definitely be a director or in a writer’s room somewhere. I would still be telling stories. I would also have been ok with being a journalist!