Young actor, Travaris Spears, sees the world as his stage

Known to his family, friends and fans as “Varis” or simply “V,” Travaris Spears was born on October 20, 2000 in Rochester, New York. At a very young age, he developed a charm that was engaging and magnetic. His energy and passion for performing led him to sing, dance, and even imitate his favorite artists and celebrities. Using his gift for communicating and interacting with people from all walks of life, Travaris creates opportunities to make lasting impressions and sees the whole world as his stage.

Since 2007, Travaris has been busy at work while simultaneously maintaining excellent grades in school — something upon which his mother insists. Professionally, the ninth grader has appeared in a Siri/Universal Record music video, in print ads, in several indie films and, in 2012, he landed a prominent role in the blockbuster film Admission.

Travaris’s charisma is contagious, and he quickly is becoming a rising star to be reckoned with. Here, he talks about his new movie, Freedom, an historical drama starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. about an African-American family’s attempt to escape from slavery.

Kam Williams: I know you are an excellent student. Did you have a good school year?

Travaris Spears: I had a great year in school. I learned a lot and discovered much more than I did in 8th grade about my learning style and myself in general. High school is different, more challenging. For example, I was scared of not understanding algebra but it turned out to be pretty simple after I realized that asking questions doesn’t make you stupid, and understanding how important notes are. I also learned how to speak Italian which is similar to Spanish. My freshman year was definitely a year I won’t forget.

KW: Are you still studying guitar, dance and boxing?

TS: I am still studying all three. I have always taken private tap dance classes with the wonderful and talented Francis Bradley. I am also taking hip-hop classes now, at the Broadway Dance Center. I have always boxed at Gleason’s gym, and I will never stop because I am actually very passionate and competitive when it comes to boxing. And dancing? I love it.

KW: What interested you in Freedom?

TS: I have always been interested in history as a whole, but I love hearing about slavery because it’s a reminder or a wake-up call that I need to take my freedom seriously. I also think about how we take our freedom for granted and not celebrate the people who sacrificed and died for us, to get it. Also, freedom was very interesting because I knew I would learn a lot acting and education wise, so I knew this would be a great opportunity.

KW: How would you summarize the film in 25 words or less?

TS: It’s a flashback film showing a young man, enslaved in the 18th Century, who had hopes of seeing his great-grandson and other descendants freed a century later.

KW: Tell me a little about your character, Fassena.

TS: Fassena is the great-grandfather of Samuel, who is played by Cuba Gooding, Jr. In the 1700’s, he had a very rough life as a young boy in slavery after his mother passed away. Fassena’s survival and hope of being free one day are dependent on the fate of Captain John Newton [played by Bernhard Forcher].

KW: What would you say is the movie’s message?

TS: I think there was more than one message … One goal was to educate people who might not know much about slavery. Another was to show how many lives were sacrificed during that period, what slaves actually experienced, and how mothers, fathers and young children died while hoping and fighting for freedom.

KW: What is your next project?

TS: I recently shot an episode of Law & Order SVU which will be the first episode of the new season in the fall. I am so excited and cannot wait for it to air. I’ve had a lot of great experiences during this terrific pilot season. I feel confident that I have a very bright future ahead. You’ll see more of me soon!