Max Parker, a third-year student at Brock University, is making his Hollywood debut in a new musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The musical, titled Juliet & Romeo, will hit theaters across Canada later this month, featuring Parker in the role of Benvolio.
The film is directed by renowned filmmaker Timothy Scott Bogart and includes a star-studded cast, with Rebel Wilson portraying Lady Capulet and Jason Isaacs as Lord Montague.
Parker, who is majoring in Studies in Arts and Culture (STAC) with a focus on Dramatic Arts (DART) at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), credits his time at Brock for refining his acting skills. He explained that his classes helped him develop the physicality needed for the role of Benvolio, a character known for being anxious and cautious. “I wouldn’t have been able to play this role to the best of my abilities without all the training I received at Brock,” he said.
Signed by an acting agent in 2022, Parker was thrust into the world of audition tapes while balancing his full-time studies. Alongside his acting career, Parker has made significant strides as a musician. His debut album, which featured a hit single, was followed by the 2024 release of “Rush.” Parker is currently working on a self-written and produced project, collaborating with top producers like Derek Hoffman (Arkells), John Nathaniel (OneRepublic), and Justin Gray (Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne). Gray, along with songwriter Evan Bogart (Beyoncé), is also working on the Juliet & Romeo soundtrack.
Sharing the news of his film role with Brock professors Danielle Wilson and Gyllian Raby was a memorable moment for Parker. The announcement meant he had to step away from his role in Brock’s DART mainstage production that year, which saddened him. However, when he told them, their overwhelming joy and support lifted his spirits. “They stared at me for a minute before erupting with joy and said, ‘you are going to act in a movie!’” Parker recalled. “I’m forever grateful for their positivity and confidence.”
While filming on location in Italy, Parker relied on the lessons he learned at Brock, especially breathwork and meditative techniques from Wilson’s voice and speech class, to stay grounded. “Professor Wilson was just a phone call away, and that really shows how caring Brock is,” he said. “It made me feel comfortable, safe, and supported during this life-changing experience.”
Parker’s academic background in STAC also played a key role during filming, as he immersed himself in diverse readings that enhanced his connection to the craft. “Seventy-five percent of acting for film is waiting in your trailer. Breathwork, meditative exercises, and reading kept me ready to perform when I was called to set,” he explained.
In Juliet & Romeo, Parker portrays Benvolio, Romeo’s peacekeeping companion, who is cautious of the feud between the two families. Drawing on his theatre training, Parker used movement and facial expressions to express heightened emotions, saying, “My theatre skills gave me the foundation to make creative choices and channel those emotions for Benvolio.”
Parker also credits his experiences at Brock for teaching him the importance of human connection. He recalls bonding with Jason Isaacs on set over a game of tennis. “I told him I’ve played tennis since I was a kid, and we ended up playing together off set,” Parker said. “You quickly learn that human connection is what brings artists together.”
Looking back on his journey, Parker believes that his confidence, bolstered by the support of his Brock community, was crucial to his success. “Knowing my Brock family was in my corner gave me the confidence I needed,” he said.
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