Meet Robyne Richards

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Robyne Richards. Robyne was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Elizabeth Ayodele.

Robyne, can you walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hi! I am a working actress in Arizona. My full time “bread and butter” job is working admin for a public affairs firm but my passion and what I feel is my calling is telling stories. I knew I wanted to be an actress when I was 8 years old. When I was a kid, I would tape record my favorite TV shows (The Bionic Woman was one), I would play it back a hundred times to write down the “script”, then stand in front of my mirror and practice acting. I knew it was on my heart and what I wanted to do. I thought film – like books – are gifts that help us see things differently, we root for the good guy and hiss at the bad guy. We fall in love with the characters and become invested in the story. Maybe come away with new knowledge or questions. I knew I wanted to be part of creating and giving that gift. But I lacked the self confidence to take theater classes even well into high school. Then, at 24, I found myself married to the wrong guy, divorced with two kids at 29, thought, “Well, that ship has sailed.” But then, at the age of 35, I auditioned to be an extra in a church production, but was actually cast in a supporting role. That experience lit the fire and I started studying at various acting studios around the valley. I found I had self confidence after all.

Alright, so we’d love to learn more about your acting career. What should we know?
After the play, I continued studying. I auditioned for films. I was cast. Then cast again. I got an agent. To date, my resume consists of 18 indie films, 3 stage productions, 3 episodes in various TV shows, and several web commercials, as well as voice over work. I have realized it is never too late to take your dream and create a plan. Do what your heart calls you to do. Even when life throws you curveballs. Last spring, I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. I fought and I beat it and am in remission and currently working on another production. I am more grateful than ever for more stories to tell. Acting – bringing characters to life, just feeds my soul like nothing else. My husband and children are so supportive and very happily hold down the fort at home during my trips back and forth to work on projects in Los Angeles and Hollywood. What I enjoy most about acting is the magical transformation that takes place once I take on a role. The more diverse the character, the more I enjoy the role. The magic happens internally but wardrobe and makeup are the finishing touches that help me transition. I bring a little of myself to each of the roles I play.

As you know, we’re big fans of Elizabeth Ayodele and Orange Sky Grace Films we know you’ve worked with them quite a bit as well. We’d love to hear about your experience working with Elizabeth Ayodele.
Elizabeth is an absolute joy to work with. I have had the privilege of working with Elizabeth on three of her films and she is always really enthusiastic and supportive and wants to make the best movie possible. Every time. She is very clear in her vision so you know what she expects of you. She isn’t particular about sticking to the script verbatim and allows for a lot of organic expression, which is a beautiful gift to give an actor. She is an actor as well so as a director, she understands being on the other side of the camera. Orange Sky Grace is about redemption and many of her stories are especially timely with the current world environment. I always enjoy working with Elizabeth and hope to collaborate with her again.

Instagram: @robynerichards

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robyne.richards/

Other: IMDb https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5725810/