Student Highlight: Andy Hankins
Posted on October 14, 2013
Andy Hankins keeps bringing in the wins! What a year for Andy, not only is he currently in several commercials including spots for Connect for Health Colorado, Dellenbach Cadillac and Furniture Row but he has also landed a feature role in the feature film “Estranged” due out next winter! He’s also wrapping up some projects which are in post production for the amazing students at the Colorado Film School. Those projects are “The Fantastic Finneas Frook”, “Crustacean” and “The S-Word”. Wow! Keep the wins coming Andy!
Next up on his plate are the indie and student films “Popsy”, “The Performer”, “La Maison” and “North Branch Creek”.
Andy hails from Yuma, Arizona where he was born into a military family of 5. “This probably initiated my lifelong need to stand up and yell, “Mom! Look what I can do!”
Indeed!
He’s been in Denver for 53 years and acting wasn’t really on the radar until December of 2007 when his wife decided to surprise him with a gift certificate for acting classes at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
“I was petrified when school day finally arrived and I actually called in to cancel the day of the first class. Fortunately, I was coerced over the phone into attending despite my reservations.“
Once he attended class he met Benjy Dobrin and the rest, as they say, is history.
Prior to that, he was no stranger to audiences. He had made his living as a working musician which is where he discovered that performing to audiences of all sizes was absolutely thrilling! He played rock and roll for 25 years until he retired from the industry in 2011. Andy played drums and various forms of percussion, piano/electronic keyboards, guitar, ukulele and harmonica.
“I like to try new instruments to see if I can tease anything remotely musical out of them. My last attempts were the saxophone, trombone and flute and I can say with great confidence that I do not play these instruments.”
Doesn’t hurt to try does it, Andy?
Andy’s raw talents shine through and his creativity is endless! He is inspired by watching good performances from others and he enjoys watching particular scenes from movies or TV shows multiple times to figure out why they were appealing to him and what the actors did to bring the roles to life.
Ever the student, We sure are glad Andy found his way to acting and to our acting community at Benjy Dobrin Studios.
“Giant kudos belong to Benjy Dobrin for his ability to help me develop my strengths, identify my weaknesses, and teach me specifically on a level that is unique to me. Attending BDS workshops has provided me with a solid foundation to pursue the art of acting in any venue, and these ongoing workshops continue to help me hone the skills I need in order to pursue my personal dreams and goals. Benjy has nurtured my ability to apply my craft, and he has been instrumental in teaching me the distinct skills that win at auditions. It was a stroke of pure luck to have been channeled into the realm of BDS. Benjy is able to be gentle and persuasive when I am vulnerable and exploring delicate new roles, and at the same time he's strong enough to deliver a swift kick to the backside when I am in desperate need of motivation. I've benefitted from his career guidance as well, and Benjy brings out the best in me professionally and personally. I have trained under a few other teachers, but I find that I always return to Benjy Dobrin Studios. This is home base for me, and I am proud to call Benjy my favorite coach.”
Thanks Andy and we look forward to seeing you on screen!