Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Robb Sapp

We got to chat performer and author Richard Phillips about his book Learning with RAZP and being cast in Caroline OR Change.

What initially sparked your interest in performing?

What initially sparked my performance interest was a movie I saw, with magic and cool costumes and amazing CGI. And I remember thinking “WOW I wanna be a part of that world and have magical powers.” That led me to where I am today.

How did it feel to get cast in Caroline OR Change? What drew you to the project?

When I first found out I was actually in the middle of getting a COVID-19 test, so there was a sense of disbelief, but I had been wanting to be a part of the cast for so long. So finding out that I would be in a show that Tonya Pinkins and Anika Noni Rose was once in was life changing.

Broadway has been going through a lot of ups and downs due to the pandemic. During these times how have you kept yourself feeling creative?

During the beginning of the pandemic there was definitely a lack of creativity, but as we got more into it, there were lots of trips to Michaels and I got into crochet, knitting, embroidery and now I am knitting hat’s whenever I can. 

Tell our readers about your book Learning with RAZP. What motivated you to create it?

Learning with RAZP is an automated book that includes physical interaction that can accommodate language learning for all ages. The idea that led me to create Learning with RAZP, began when I went on tour with Disney’s The Lion King. I was worried about the education of my younger sister, so I thought it would be a wonderful idea to create a reading and listening book that helps others learn Mandarin Chinese. 

In the future would you be interested in working on foreign language films or television shows?

I would definitely be open to it, because being on culturally diverse sets and having different cultural experiences can be very impactful and educational.  I would be happy to learn to be on a set.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

For an aspiring actor,  I would say never give up no matter how hard it gets because if you love it, it will not be a burden and your work will pay off in the long run.