Surfing Creative Waves

Artists in Conversation: Talking with Actor & Musician CECIL BLUTCHER

Cecil Blutcher is an actor, musician and writer. He received a Masters of Fine Arts from Penn State University. His regional theater credits include Petrol Station at The Kennedy Center and The Hot Wing King at Signature Theatre. Film and TV credits include The Game on Paramount+; The Good Fight on CBS All-Access; and Random Acts of Flyness on HBO.

Renika: Is there a specific memory of the moment you knew you wanted to pursue acting?

Cecil: I was cast in a musical when I was in college. I was on the speech team, and had an interest in acting but decided to take classes to gauge if my interest and aptitude would match. This play came about a semester later and was a very unique challenge because I had to sing a lot. I love music but it was a lot. Once I finished the process, I wound up enjoying it so much that got excited because I realized straight-acting would probably be much easier for me.

Renika: Your resume has quite the range. You’ve performed in off-broadway and regional theatre plays, in films, and on television. But you also write, perform, and produce music. How do you balance the different hats you wear?

Cecil: That’s a dance I’m still trying to figure out to this day. I think creativity comes in waves and I just try to ride the wave that I’m on in a particular moment. I’ll set aside different days for different tasks. Or even within a day I often switch between mediums. If I can really catch a flow, they tend to talk to and inform each other.

Renika: How do you take care of yourself outside of work? What other interests do you have and why are they important to you as a person?

Cecil: I love sports. I’m a lifelong athlete so moving my body is one of my favorite things to do because it accomplishes so many different goals for me. For example: Pick up basketball serves as self-care, social activity and exercise. Sports make me very happy. I love watching them, too.

Renika: If you could name one person who has made an impact on your artistry, who would it be and why?

Cecil: Steve Broadnax. He taught me many things. Namely, that I can record music from my home and no one will know the difference.

Renika: What are you currently reading?

Cecil: “The One Year; Uncommon Life, Daily Challenge” by Tony Dungy.

Renika: I always end the blog with something called Word to the Wise where an offering of wisdom, advice, lessons is left with our readers. What is your Word to the Wise, Cecil?

Cecil: I don’t do this enough: I was once given the advice to make my bed every day. They told me that might be the one thing I can control during the day, and I can definitely make sure it goes correctly.