Sloane Morgan Siegel is best known for his role of Gortimer Gibbons on the Amazon series Gortimer Gibbons Life on Normal Street. In recent years he has been seen on The Goldbergs, Game Shakers and you can currently catch him as Dwight on BYUtv’s Dwight in Shining Armor!

1. You were in a couple of episodes of Game Shakers this year, what do you like most of doing more comedic roles?
I like that it’s a completely different challenge than drama. Drama is very much like drifting in a river, taking in the view and letting the scene flow, while comedy is like a song with distinct notes and beats. You have to keep up a constant pace and almost musically react in the scene. Ending with an up or down inflection on a line can sometimes entirely change the scene.

2. When working on the show your character had a very distinct hair style, what was the process that went into getting you ready for set?
At least an hour of trial and error with a hot iron.

3. You have been in the business since you were a child, what have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced and what advice would you give to other young actors to handle those types of challenges?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced over the years is staying in it. This business is emotionally draining, challenging, and stressful. Whether it’s giving yourself entirely to a dramatic role or dealing with the constant off screen rejection, this industry can really harm a young mind and its growth. So, I’ve struggled through the years to keep going but, I always remember how much I love being an actor and I stick with it. My advice for that would be, check in with yourself every now and then and make sure that this is the career you want to pursue. My parents always said when you stop loving it stop doing it. But, I guarantee you, that if you truly love acting, if you keep going and persisting, you will succeed. But, also remember that it can have a tremendous negative impact on your mental state and it’s very important to take care of yourself.

4. What are the differences about working on Dwight in Shining Armor verses Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street?
Though they are both half-hour series, they have drastically different tones. Gortimer is very grounded and written and filmed more like a dramatic series even though it was a light hearted family show. Dwight however, is written very snappy with a quick pacing and a constant sense of action and urgency. We will stop sometimes for every other line and do three different readings in Dwight to get a joke to land or improvise for twenty minutes straight. Vs. Gortimer, where everything was a full take through and through and it was more about capturing the heart rather than a laugh, even though Dwight does have those moments sprinkled in.

5. What were your first impressions of your character Dwight when you read the script for the first time?
When I read it for the first time, I couldn’t help but think: “Wow, this is me.” Every line he said is exactly what I was thinking or what I would’ve said in that situation.

6. There is a lot more action in this series, do you do your own stunts and how do you prepare for those types of scenes?
I’ve done almost all of my own stunts. Stunts are one of my favorite parts of working on the show, usually I’m dodging villains or getting thrown around so I get to do a lot of fun falls and hits. They always do a pass with my stunt double or at least they do the wide shot, then I pop in and do a few takes. In the coming seasons Dwight actually joins the fight and I got to do some pretty crazy cool choreography. We usually prepare either a day before or the day of the scene. Our stunt coordinator breaks down the scene and our doubles do it a couple of times for us and then we pop in with the doubles and give it a try until everyone’s comfortable.

7. This is the second series you have starred in; what qualities do you think it takes to be a good lead on a series?
You have to always be 200% on. You have to always know your lines, be the first person there and the last to leave. You should know everyone’s name whether they’re there for a day or a year. Be kind, compassionate, giving, and respectful. When you’re one of the leads on a show, everyone looks to you for how to act on set. It is the series regulars that set the bar for how everything works. So in other words, you’re a leader and an example to all those that work with you. The most important thing though is, egos are toxic, you should never think anyone is above or below you in any level of importance. Everyone is equal and you can’t make a production without everyone involved.

8.With Dwight in Shining armor having an international deal, how would you describe the series to any newer viewers? What do you feel makes this show stand out from other programs?
It’s the family show that’s been missing from the air for many years. It’s the exact type of fun, magical, and intelligent programming that the whole family will enjoy. It’s got a badass warrior princess, a hilarious magician that has a whirlwind romance with a cunning witch, a brawny yet sweet prince, a normal guy that just wants to do the right thing, and tons of medieval characters and creatures stirring up visually stunning and wholesome trouble in a modern day city.

9. Do you have a favorite scene or episode you have filmed for the series so far, and why is it your favorite?
Two words: Tavern brawl. We introduce a new set that has been hinted at for a while in season 3, the Swine and Slosh Tavern. There’s an episode where Gretta, Dwight, and Chlodwig end up in a tavern brawl that was the most fun I’ve ever had on set.

10. Are you able to share anything about what fans can expect for Dwight and on the show in the new year?
The next season of the show will heavily focus on the rising threat that are the Tovanars. They’ve been appearing at the tail end of a few episodes here and there, but our grand battle against them is yet to come. But stay tuned, we bend space and time, talk to birds, and introduce some of our most charismatic characters yet.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I hope whoever is reading this continues to enjoy my work and I thank you all for your continued love and support. I do ask, that you spread love, compassion and positivity into the world by being kind to those around you and doing something kind for a friend or stranger. I always say, if each person in the world made one person smile a day, then everybody in the world would be smiling. So spread some joy, and don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Follow Sloane on social media:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Image by: Benjo Arwas