Actor and athlete: Elijah Roberts embraces passions at Academy of Art

Academy of Art high jumper Elijah Roberts still remembers the day he fell in love with acting. Performing a monologue at an audition in front of nearly 100 people, he remembers receiving a standing ovation and bringing tears to the eyes of members of the audience.

Those reactions served as the catalyst for passion that has guided Roberts throughout his life and recently landed him a role in the film "Night Swim," which was released this year by Blumhouse

"I remember I thought, 'What if I really try to learn the craft and see what I can do with it?' And it became an obsession starting from there," Roberts recalled.  

This obsession played a large role in Roberts' college decision. Describing himself as "an art and theater kid at heart," Roberts, now a junior, knew he wanted to attend a program that would allow him to work on his craft and develop as an actor. However, his decision was complicated by another passion: track and field. 

A successful high school high jumper, Roberts received numerous college athletic offers, some from Division I programs. He thought he would have to choose between acting and sports. When he discovered the Academy of Art, he realized he could pursue both. Offering about 130 art degree programs, the school is the only higher arts education institution in the U.S. to have a Division II athletics program. 

It was as if Roberts had struck gold. 

"My mom always told me your gifts will always make room for you," he said. "So I didn't dismiss track and field. I knew it would make room for me, and it did. I found a school, Academy of Art, that had both things." 

After expressing his interest to the jumps coach, Roberts found himself on a Division II track team that boasts numerous All-Americans, while also having the opportunity to major in acting. Using skills he developed in his acting classes, he began working on various projects and landing roles. He won his first acting award at the NXTUP2023 Festival for his work in the short film "The Way It Use To," directed by his friend and former Academy of Art track and field athlete Elliot Slade. Roberts eventually found his way to Hollywood and to his film debut, landing the role of Ronin in "Night Swim." 

"This is my first movie, which I'm very proud of," Roberts said. "It's been a great learning experience. I'm experimenting with different tools I'm learning from school and just applying them where I can." 

Managing his commitments to school, acting and athletics can be challenging at times. Often having to leave campus for long periods to pursue acting opportunities, Roberts is not able to practice as consistently as other members of his team. However, this lack of practice time has not held him back in his sport. Despite leaving campus for three weeks last year, Roberts was able to return and earn a third-place finish at the 2023 Pacific West outdoor track and field championships. He credits the coaching staff with supporting his passion for acting while still providing opportunities for him to experience athletic success. 

"My coaches have been really patient with me," he said. "I try to communicate as much as I can, and that is very challenging. As an actor, everything is so up in the air. So I just try to communicate and be as calm as possible." 

Remaining calm is just one of the many strategies that have helped Roberts find success in different areas. Throughout his career, he has realized that skills he uses as an actor can also benefit him as an athlete, and vice versa.  

"The biggest pattern is the need to adjust and think on your feet," he said. "When you have auditions, you have to be calm, collected and focus on the work. And when you have big meets, (in high jump) you only have three shots at it. So it's about embracing those moments and making the best out of those moments. Learning to be calm, collected and trust the process is very important." 

Though there are many differences between the work he does as an actor and the work he does as a student-athlete, the two present the same meaningful quality for Roberts: a sense of community. 

"I love the community," he said of his acting experiences. "We are all able to collaborate and build relationships. And with sports, I really appreciate the community as well. I really like coming together and trying to accomplish something." 

As Roberts looks forward to continuing his career as a student-athlete and Hollywood actor, this sense of community is what motivates him to work hard and continue chasing success. 

"I think greatness is really just how you contribute something bigger than yourself," he said. "While people look at (track and field) as an individual sport, to me it's just a team sport. I'm trying to contribute to my team and trying to win championships. Acting is the same way."