The Prize Guys: An Interview
By porschesrule on May 14, 2011
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Sky Kid: Tommy, how is it you happened to get involved with The Prize Guys project?
Tommy Batchelor: Thommie Retter, who I knew well through our mutual involvement with Billy Elliot the Musical on Broadway, had read the script and thought I would be perfect for the part of Tommy Kelly. He and Anthony Giunta, the Writer/Director, discussed the idea of me playing the lead role and then sent me the script. It is an amazing script that transfixed me to every page. I decided that this would be a very good experience, so I came up to New York to do a reading with Anthony and Thommie. SK: Tommy, you are 15 years old and most known, at this point in your entertainment career, for playing the title character in the very popular Billy Elliot the Musical, both on Broadway and in Chicago. Could you share with the readers of theskykid.com what your training in the performing arts consists of? |
 Photo: http://www.theskykid.com/news-random/the-prize-guys-an-interview/ |
TB: In Florida where I live, I took acting, singing, and dance classes at both U.B.Kinsey/Palmview Elementary School of the Arts and at B.A.K. Middle School of the Arts. I also took extra dance classes at Palm Beach Ballet Center in Lake Park. As for my training with Billy, I had acting, singing, dancing, gymnastics, boxing, and dialect training. I also learned a lot about time management and how to take care of my body.
SK: But Tommy, your experience thus far has been in the “live” entertainment area. The Prize Guyswill be your first feature film. How do you think your skills, honed in live theater/dance, will translate to performing in front of the camera?
TB: I do a lot of silly films at home so I am kind of used to being in front of a camera, but I know it will be different on an actual set. I can incorporate my live theater skills with everything that Anthony teaches me to perform well in the movie.
SK: But Tommy, your experience thus far has been in the “live” entertainment area. The Prize Guyswill be your first feature film. How do you think your skills, honed in live theater/dance, will translate to performing in front of the camera?
TB: I do a lot of silly films at home so I am kind of used to being in front of a camera, but I know it will be different on an actual set. I can incorporate my live theater skills with everything that Anthony teaches me to perform well in the movie.
