The Law of the Process with Cornelius Wyatt, Jr.

How important are the arts to our culture? 
The arts are extremely important to our culture because we matter, and our stories matter. The arts display the unique and abstract parts of our culture. Through the arts it allows us to bridge the gap between different groups and perspectives. In addition, the arts allow us to communicate, document, and preserve the most important things to us, such as our emotions, values, cultures, and histories.
 
How do you prepare for an audition? 
Preparation for an audition is critical. I typically start by reviewing the script and trying to develop an understanding of my character. I tend to go further in depth of the dialogue while trying to bring a personality to the character. I seek to memorize the material or be familiar enough to come across as natural and believable when auditioning, while making eye connection with others. I believe this makes it appear more authentic. Last, just having confidence to trust in yourself. Trust that you will give the best performance you can without any regrets.
 
Tell us about your first role and how you have grown from it.
My first acting role was a supportive role in a 2014 theater production. I was asked last minute to fill-in for a supportive role which I played a part-time Reverend whom dealt with substance abuse. I recall being a bag of nerves, yet excited leading up to the production. I was committed to taking on this opportunity and would devote endless hours per day developing my character. My confidence in performing has allowed me to take on lead acting roles in theater and has opened up opportunities in film and television.

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What is the ideal role for you and why?
I’ve always wanted to play a cop or attorney. I developed a passion for facets of law early on working in such field for over two decades. It was a privilege to be cast as a background tactical officer by Thea Washington Casting in the 2022 – HBO Crime drama We Own This City. Executive produced by George Pelecanos (The Deuce) and David Simon (The Wire). The cast included many great actors such as Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead, Show Me a Hero), Josh Charles (The Good Wife, In Treatment), Wunmi Mosaku (Lovecraft Country), and Jamie Hector (BOSCH, The Wire). To help showcase my acting role in law enforcement, I created a scene reel which I play A Detective Interrogates The Wife Of A Cult Leader.

Tell us about your next project. 
I’m currently filming a television series titled ZION, playing the character of Attorney Raymond Johnson who is one of the five main lead cast members. In addition, I just completed filming my first holiday movie titled The Christmas Room, which I play a college Professor.
On August 5th and 6th, I will be back on stage for two separate theater productions at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts. On Aug 5, for two shows I take on the lead character role of Seven Ford an educator in the comedy stage play The Emergency Room, written produced and directed by Antonio Ford AKA The Food Lord. This is a comedy-based off the experiences that people are going through with food-related diseases. The play offers, in great detail, foods that remedy many of our health problems.
On Aug 6, back for an encore performance, I play Attorney Tony Johnson in LIFE “The Diary of a Broken & Healed Sinner.  This dramatic play was written, directed, and produced by Elder Chanté Thompson.
In this production you’ll be introduced to seven dynamic women who are faced by life challenges and end up incarcerated for various reasons. The truth about truth is that it lies in the power of those who experience it. By playing Attorney Johnson, I focus on bringing justice to those whom received injustice, highlighting legal flaws, seeking to set the innocent free.