Sheila Ball – Bringing my true self to the story

1. How did you prepare for the emotionally challenging role of Heather in “Anno 2020,” particularly considering the character’s struggle with cancer and separation from her daughter?

I always like to begin work on a character on the macro level; I did a lot of research on Leukemia-the various stages, effects to the body and mind. I then took into consideration COVID and the isolation we all felt and the separation I had with my only family member, my daughter. Then I delved in deeper on a micro level: I lived “Heather” tapping into my own sense of devastation, separation, loss. I integrated what I have experienced in my own life into the circumstances of the film using both my personal life and my imagination.  It is vital for me as an actor to always circle it back to at core being authentic-I want my character to be deeply grounded, fundamentally me. I need to find personal connection. I believe we ALL share humanity. We share the same emotions and many of life’s circumstances. The circumstances may not be exact but the experience is often similar enough to understand and empathize: loss, celebration, desire, greed, love, jealously, longing, hope…we all share these. In our scenes, I felt I was “Heather” going through her set of circumstances. By the time of filming, I understood “Heather” deeply.

2. Can you share any insights into the collaborative process of filming “Anno 2020” during the global lockdowns of 2020? How did you navigate the unique challenges of being physically separated from your fellow actors and the director?

 I have to hand it to James and Gil for having this vision during such a precarious time. To be honest, it was exciting. Turmoil and uncertainty surrounded us in the world and yet, we were still creating art. James proposed the idea to me initially and I thought, wow, here we go…this is a new chapter not only in our day to day lives but also on a larger scale as a new form of film making, of art. Art should always be reinventing and looking to expand and this was just that. I LOVED THE PROCESS. It was new and cutting edge and collaborative-unlike anything else I had ever experienced. I was alone shooting at times but it never felt like I was alone. I still have yet to meet James or Gil in person but I feel I know them, we are kindred. 

3. In what ways did the character of Heather resonate with you personally, and how did you approach bringing her to life on screen?

I have never had Leukemia but I have been gravely ill before and understand the physical pain and mental anguish that go along with a life threatening illness. I share this with “Heather” and we became one together because of this common denominator. The underlying theme of the film of uncertainty also resonated through me and correlated directly to the circumstances “Heather” was facing. I also have two daughters in real life so the “mother hen” in me was a knee jerk reaction, a true understanding I was able to bring to the role.

4. With a career spanning stage, film, and television, how does your experience in each medium inform your approach to acting? Do you have a preference for one over the others?

For me, the initial work is the same whether it is for theatre, film or TV. It is about bringing my true self to the story, the script. I look closely at the circumstances and try to decipher how I can physically feel what is really going on, how can I as Meisner states: “live truthfully under imaginary circumstances”. I obviously adjust to the medium. If I am working in theatre, one needs to project and have a larger physical presence to fill the stage/theatre. Film and tv are more subtle forms as the framing is often up close so too much movement is distracting and overblown. So much can be conveyed without movement, through just feeling the emotion of the moment, through one’s eyes. In all three mediums I ask: how do I connect my soul with the character I am playing. Authenticity. 

5. As someone who has been labeled a “young actress to watch” earlier in your career, how do you feel your acting has evolved over the years, particularly in the context of your recent projects such as “Anno 2020”?

Since that time, I married my husband of 27 years and raised two daughters, taught theatre in NYC for 21 years and started my own Acting Troupe for Children entitled THE ACT II..GETHER ACTING TROUPE. I took time off to do all of the above which I would not change for the world. The very fact that I have been able to reignite my career (a little later in life) it is so cool to me. I am BEYOND THRILLED to be working so much and to be involved in such creative, masterful projects as ANNO. I feel extremely lucky. I LOVE what we do.

6. You’ve mentioned that you’ve been working non-stop in recent years. How do you maintain a balance between your acting career and your personal life, especially with such a demanding schedule?

 As I mentioned above, I took 17 years off to raise my girls. I did not know if I could ever re-enter this world (I was told by my agent at the time, it would not be possible if I left). My criteria for pursuing an acting career again was IF it would not impinge on the well being of my family. Both my girls were in my acting troupe and so when they were old enough to explain my own desire to act, they understood. I am lucky I have a family that understands my passion and I think passion is something we all seek. No matter what is, I tell my girls to go and find your passion; it may take a long time to actually realization but ultimately, even in the difficult pursuit, personal happiness will be found.

7. Could you tell us more about your involvement in coaching and teaching NYC actors? How does mentoring others contribute to your own growth and development as an actress?

Actually, I never imagined I had the patience to teach. To my surprise though, I discovered that teaching was really offering, imparting my knowledge of what I love most (acting/theatre) to others.  Acting itself is connecting: connecting to other actors, to the audience. Teaching to me is another avenue for connection. There is no greater joy than to see a young student light up with excitement and enthusiasm when they understand a role or even just are having fun!

I had a little girl in The Acting Troupe who initially would not take her coat often when she came to class; through gently offering her a little at a time, she began to unfold. It gives me chills to this day because she went on to become a great actor! If acting is from Self, teaching is giving what one has discovered through Self to others. Full circle. It is connection human to human and the result is a powerful shared experience.

8. Your character in “Anno 2020” has been highlighted as a favorite among viewers. What do you think it is about Heather that resonates so deeply with audiences?

Human struggle is universal. No one gets away…we all know our own personal obstacles and the ups and downs of life. We are all more alike than we give credit. True, “Heather” has a set of circumstances I have not actually lived but I have lived enough to know “Heather”.  Anyone who sees ANNO will identify with “Heather” too because of our common denominator: humanity. I believe ANNO, shot all over the world, points to this very fact. No matter where, or what culture, race, creed, we all struggle to find meaning, purpose and a sense of belonging. We all want peace, happiness, LOVE. COVID was terrible but I think it brought a mirror up to our world saying once again, why can’t we all just accept each other. 

9. Looking ahead, what are some of the roles or projects you’re particularly excited about exploring in the future? 

This past year has been busy (I worked on 8 different Film/TV projects and did a play in New York). I love that I was cast in a myriad of roles: a nurturing mom, an evil racist, a woman with dementia (who is smarter than everyone thinks), an owner of a gas station that runs the town, a rich self-absorbed matriarch etc. I identify with all sides of life, of myself. I find understanding for each and every character and why they act the way they do. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to represent so many types, circumstances-to bring myself. And yet, this is a crazy business and one thing is certain, there is no certainty. This year was amazing but I have had years where work was scarce. I have learned to lean in regardless and live by the motto: “Just keep going” I love to do what I love to do each day no matter what. Of course, I hope the jobs come. But if not, I am not going to let that stop me from acting. Thank you ANNO-what a great acting experience!

More information:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0050462/  
https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/sheilaball 

THEATERS/STREAMING:
ASSAULT ON VA-33 opposite Sean Patrick Flannery (Amazon, Roku)
BLOOD HARVEST opposite Jason London (Amazon)
BY DECEPTION (Peacock, Roku, Amazon)
A PRINCE & THE PAUPER CHRISTMAS with Tom Arnold (Hallmark)