Quick Chat: Rasell Holt

Get ready for the latest Quick Chat, because today we're ecstatic to talk with Rasell Holt! We're talking about this summer, making great theatre, and what songs are on Rasell's personal playlist. Read on for more!

Mr. Holt is a Chicago-based actor by way of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You can see him this season staring as Ogun Size in The Brothers Size, Mr. Palmer in Sense and Sensibility, and George Murchison in A Raisin in the Sun.

APT: Hey, Rasell! How has your summer been going?
Rasell Holt: This summer has been incredible and it means a lot to be back here among great people and artists.

APT: You were a part of the Acting Apprentice Company in 2019! How does it feel to be back at APT? What was one of your biggest takeaways from that experience?
Rasell Holt: The apprenticeship left me hungry for more, which is why it's such a pleasure coming back to these stages in a larger capacity. I feel like, in some ways, the work I've done in between being here was getting me ready to do this. Basically getting my reps so I don't carry any notion of "imposter syndrome" while I'm performing with people who feel like real veterans.

APT: You’ve had a really busy summer! While working on and performing in The Brothers Size, Sense and Sensibility, and A Raisin in the Sun, have you had a favorite moment in the creation process?
Rasell Holt: So far, I feel like this field is chasing after moments and also truly living in them while they are here, which has not been something I've done previously, always looking for what's after. This summer, I'm in a room with my brothers and that doesn't happen too often. The space that Gavin created and the ensemble of people across the board has solidified The Brothers Size as being one of my greatest career memories.

APT: You have a personal motto and goal: “BE HELPFUL. DON'T BE A DETRIMENT.” Can you share a little about what that means to you?
Rasell Holt: Truth be told, I don't ever want to be in a room where I can't contribute to making it better.

APT: When not working on the next project or performing onstage, what do you like to do to recharge?
Rasell Holt: I like my quiet time so I'm usually just looking for that. I'm either working out, playing video games, or watching anime more times than not. Shameless plug (I guess) but all actors should watch anime and all humans should watch Attack on Titan. It's the best storytelling across mediums, so do yourself a favor!

APT: Wild Card Question: Director Gavin Lawrence put together a Spotify playlist for The Brothers Size. If you could put together a playlist to describe you as a person, what are three songs you’d have on the list?
Rasell Holt: Off the cuff, I know my top 5 favorite songs so I suppose I'm just gonna share those.

1. Somewhere Out There (An American Tail)
2. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Whitney Houston)
3. Thong Song (Sisqó)
4. Gonna Fly Now (Bill Conti/Rocky Theme)
5. Not Going Back (Childish Gambino)

APT: Anything else you'd like to share?
Rasell Holt: [ BE HELPFUL. DON'T BE A DETRIMENT. ]