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Torry is an actor, comedian, and author that has delighted audiences
with his zany personality and warm heart. His creative way of looking at life
is evident in this recent interview for the Lillenas Drama Newsletter .
When did you first know that drama was in your future?
When I was in third grade I informed my teacher that I had an inoperable
brain tumor which would make it impossible for me to take my spelling test.
I told her that too much thinking could cause my brain to explode and that
my parents would be very upset if that happened again because the last time
they had to repaint the living room. She didn't buy it for a second but
suggested that I become an actor and offered to give me extra credit if
I could spell "inoperable". She then cast me as Prince Charming
in the school production of "Cinderella" and I've been typecast
ever since.
When did you realize that you had
a gift for comedy specifically?
I always wanted attention as a kid and found that comedy was the best way
to get it. I often acted up and had a tendency to shoot sarcastic one liners
which my folks didn't always appreciate. Finally my mother was so upset
with my shenanigans that she attempted to correct my behavior by saying;
"Well, let's see how funny you are when you're standing in a corner."
I was supposed to be getting disciplined but ironically enough that corner
is where I came up with some of my best material much to my brother's delight
and my parents chagrin. You can come up with some pretty funny stuff if
you are forced to stand in a corner long enough. I started to develop characters
while being punished and my parents started to develop an indentation of
my nose print in the corner of the living room. It was a fair trade.
Who has played
the biggest role in your comedy career?
I've been very fortunate to be blessed with a great friend and mentor in
Martha Bolton. She has taught me almost everything I know about the craft
of comedy and has also been a tremendous influence in developing my integrity
as an artist and a person. Martha was one of the first people to ever believe
in me, she's also the person who convinced me that my material would work
much better if I stepped away from the corner and actually turned around
to face the audience. Old habits are hard to break.
What is your
favorite part of telling stories?
Well of course I love to get laughs during my stories but I get a deeper
satisfaction by revealing a spiritual application at the end. Knowing that
I am hopefully drawing people closer in there own relationship with God
through the use of laughter is an amazing thing.
What has the
highlight of your career as a Christian artist been thus far?
Wow, there are so many. Being the opening act for Carman was one of them
and so is writing for "Adventures in Odyssey" along with getting
my first books published by Lillenas. I've also had the opportunity to share
the stage with Sandi Patty, Point of Grace and 4Him. I'm really still just
starting out though and the "highlights" are fleeting. The greatest
epiphany in my life however was when I discovered that God wanted to use
me for His glory in spite of my highly questionable past. Teaming up with
God is ultimately the greatest highlight of my career. He's forgiving, He's
loving and He never steps on a punch line so He's the perfect comedy partner.
How did you come
up with the crazy characters in "What a Character!"?
That's a great question and there are some very humorous origins to these
characters, unfortunately I've already covered that answer in the foreward
of my book. Pretty funny stuff but you'll have to buy it to find out.
Any last words
for our readers before we wind this little interview up?
Yes, book me. Book me now and book me fast. I'm funny, I'm saved and I'm
cheap, which is exactly why I called you back collect for this interview.
Thanks Lillenas.
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