Tell about yourself and your background! *
I found stunt performing by way of a rather long an winding road, which started back in a former life, when I was a Nationally-ranked competitive cheerleader. For me, cheer was a completely unique sport in that it is extremely physical and competitive, yet also collaborative and performative. I'd never experienced that type of camaraderie before - and after my time as a cheerleader ended (because, yeah, it's hard to do much with cheer skills after a certain age), I never expected to find it again. I first entered the film world around 2014, as a wardrobe stylist and makeup artist - but quickly fell down the rabbit hole of narrative film once I was introduced to The Acting Class in Hollywood (helmed by the incomparable Gale Hansen, of Dead Poets fame) in January of 2019. Since then, I have been practicing Meisner Technique and performing weekly with our beautiful troupe of actors. When Covid hit in 2019, my husband and I made our great escape from Los Angeles and landed in Kansas City, unsure of what the entertainment industry might hold for us here. To my surprise and great delight, the film community here has proven to be extremely passionate, supportive, and productive. I've had the opportunity to work with several talented directors in town, land representation with Moxie Talent - and miraculously (providentially?) Ronin Stunt Company. When I auditioned for Ronin, I saw the opportunity to transfer my gymnastics & acrobatic skills, combine two of my major loves in life, and (most importantly) be once again part of a collaborative athletic community. I'm excited to build my stunt reel and start a new chapter as a Ronin stunt performer.
What inspired you to become a stunt performer?
I've always loved action films and admired the actors who put in the time, blood, sweat, and tears to execute convincing battle scenes. Many of my actor, director, and DP friends are also Veterans, and I want to do my best to represent them well if I am ever cast as a law enforcement or military character. Action sequences also represent the inner struggles of the heroes and villains, and I'm passionate about executing those scenes with the ferocity they deserve.
What is your greatest skill as a stunt performer, is there a stunt behind it?
My current strengths are probably tumbling and underwater work! I'm also working hard to develop my firearms and hand-to-hand skills.
What is the best part about being a stunt performer?
The best part about being a stunt performer is being able to represent a character, its background, and any of its affiliations with accuracy and respect.
Tell your all-time favorite stunt story!
I don't have many personal stories yet, but here's one that I do feel is related! When I was in college, I used to coach cheer at a local middle school. The day I started, the girls had already self-identified which ones of them would be the "fliers" (the ones at the top of the pyramid) and the bases (the bottom people who lift up the pyramid). The little girls swore up and down that they were too weak to lift, and the larger girls rabidly denied that they'd ever be able to fly. But after showing them the proper grips, postures, and techniques, every single girl got to fly, and every single girl got to base that day. As a female athlete, it's obviously important to me that stunt performers can come in all shapes and sizes. But more than that, I love the way that proper technique can stretch anyone's capabilities, helping you lift more weight, hold positions longer, fall more safely, and endure more takes... because there's always another take.
What advice would you give other stunt performers?
I've always been taught to practice the way you are going to perform - then you never have to worry about "turning it on" for the camera or when you're doing a more dangerous stunt. Go full-out every time.
Please share your social media handles and how we can follow you!
Instagram: @rachelklewicki_film
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranksubjugation
Please include any links to stunt reels or videos you'd like to share!
https://rachelklewicki.square.site/acting
