Chicago P.D. | Dayton937

Miami Valley actor scOtt summitt represents the Gem City on national television when he co-stars on the primetime TV crime show CHICAGO PD, airing at 10pm, Wednesday, September 28 on NBC.

“It’s so exciting to have an opportunity like this,” summitt says. “The cast and crew were so professional, just an incredible team. It’s truly an honor to work on a TV show of this calibre.”

The Dayton native plays a character named “Eric Sadler” who becomes involved in high stakes action that sets up the episode’s plot line. “He’s in the wrong place at the wrong time,” summitt explains. “But he helps launch an exciting story line on the show with a bang!”

Devin Bundrent, one of summitt’s agents who represents him in the region at Cincinnati- based Heyman Talent Agency, celebrates his client’s casting on the popular crime show.

“We are overjoyed when one of our clients books any role,” Bundrent says, “but a role on a primetime network television show is especially sweet when it’s someone like scOtt who feels like family.”

Over the years, the hardworking actor has appeared in standout co-star and guest star roles on Comedy Central, UPTV Network, feature films and web series. With his role on CHICAGO PD, summitt can now add primetime TV on his acting resume.

“I couldn’t be happier to tune in and watch scOtt on Chicago PD!”

Bundrent says. “He has worked diligently and made the most of every opportunity — and there have been many — we have thrown at him!”

summitt continues to practice his craft as a professional actor and build his career role by role, but he always comes back to his hometown roots in the Gem City.

scOtt took the time to answer some questions for us:

What made you return to Dayton from LA? “I’d lived there for nearly 4 years, and I’d gotten to a point where I was burned out from the hustle. LA is definitely a different world, and if you’re working to make it in the industry, it can really do a whammy on your self confidence. So many creative folks get lost out there or we lose them to drugs, alcohol, or suicide. Just so sad. I just wanted to get back to where I came from and get centered & grounded again, regroup and get a dose of reality.”

Photo credit: Taren Frazier Photograph

Is getting great roles while living in Dayton hard? “I think the electronic age we live in now has definitely leveled the playing field, geographically speaking. I was an early adopter of self-tape auditions. I’ve been able to audition from my bedroom and get cast in projects shooting all over the region. Actors from all over the world are auditioning for roles, so in that sense, being tech-savvy is a good skill that every actor should master.

But keep in mind, most of the leads are already cast in LA and NY, even when a big film may be shooting in Ohio, for example, the producers may cast supporting roles and day players locally, so there are lots of opportunities to audition for big projects in our region.

And there are sooo many independent filmmakers in our region, making great indie shorts and features where you can audition to play great roles in interesting stories. Film and content is always being created, so there are a lot of opportunities to get yourself in front of the camera as an actor.”

Share some advice for folks wanting to become be tv actors? “First, be clear on WHY you want to be an actor. If it’s something you just want to do for fun, there are lots of community theatre & student film opportunities open to you. But if you aim to work professionally, being clear on why you want to pursue an acting career is the first big step. You have to really love what you do and be prepared to take classes, train and learn your craft.

When I was starting out in Dayton, I had to create my own opportunities. It was a great place to live cheaply and start creating. I did community theatre, small film projects, took every opportunity to act and grow my talents. Now, up and coming filmmakers and creatives have wonderful resources and organizations like Film Dayton to help folks to learn and connect with one another to foster film collaborations.

Advice for beginning actors? Read plays and scripts. Do stage plays. Make your own short films with your iPhone and put them on YouTube.

Network, network, network! Collaborate and support your fellow filmmakers. Build a team of creatives who can help you in your own projects.

Remember, it’s a journey, so be patient, be professional and be persistent in working toward your goals.”

scOtt summitt plays characters who are smart, funny and a little quirky. An accomplished film, TV, stage & voiceover actor, scOtt appears in standout co-star and guest star roles on NBC, UPTV Network, Comedy Central, feature films & web series. On- camera, on-microphone, or on-stage, scOtt’s dedication and commitment to his craft, coupled with his focus and lively energy, always leave you wondering what’s next from the guy who’s offbeat, smart, and full of heart. scOtt is a proud member of SAG- AFTRA.

*Editorial Note: That’s not a typo…his name is actually spelled that way (all lower case with a capital O).