Local Actor's First Role Puts Him on Screen with Hollywood Stars and Rush Legends
/By Scott Arnold
A local actor is still soaking it all in after making his acting debut in a video that helped launch legendary Canadian rock band Rush's latest tour.
local actor and model david spence made his acting debut with a role in a rush video that will be played at every concert during their fifty something tour (photo by Scott Arnold)
For most actors, sharing the screen with major stars would be a career highlight.
For 21-year-old David Spence, it happened in his very first acting role.
The former Crestwood student appeared in Rush's new tour-opening hype video, which debuted Sunday in Los Angeles as the iconic band kicked off its Fifty Something tour. The nearly eight-minute video featured appearances from well-known actors Paul Rudd and Jason Segel, along with Rush members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.
Spence said he landed the role after his agency, Strutt Central, submitted him for an audition. While details about the project were kept under wraps, he was told it would be a major production that would be shown in front of a large concert audience.
david spence with his co-stars kate and taylor during shooting of rush video (photo provided by david spence)
After submitting a self-tape audition, he was cast without needing a callback.
The surprise didn't stop there.
Spence said he had no idea Rudd and Segel were involved until he saw the finished video. During filming, the production team kept most of the details secret, something he said is typical of Rush projects.
the rush video was the acting debut for local actor and model david spence (photo provided by david spence)
Making the experience even more memorable was the fact that it marked his first acting job.
His first scene involved improvising alongside Lee and Lifeson, with no script and little time to prepare.
"It’s still completely surreal," Spence said. "I don't know if it's fully set in yet."
Spence joined Strutt Central after submitting photos from creative shoots he had organized with friends. He credits the agency with believing in him and helping open the door to opportunities in the industry.
Before pursuing acting and modelling, Spence had originally planned to become a kickboxer. A change in direction eventually led him toward creative projects, photography and, ultimately, acting.
The Rush video will continue to be shown throughout the band's tour, meaning audiences across the world will get to see the local performer on the big screen.
david spence landed the his first acting gig through his agency, strutt central, founded by peterborough’s christina abbott (photo provided by david spence)
