Actors rolling with improvising in Disney series

ANAHEIM, Calif. — “Just Roll With It” star Tobie Windham admits that he is a little bit out there. An actor would have to be to take on the unpredictable format of the new Disney Channel series wherein the studio audience gets to vote on the outcome of key scenes during the show.

Windham was eager to play Byron, a radio DJ who plunges into any adventure with his newly blended family, in this part-sitcom, part-improvisational comedy production. The Alabama native said he has always looked for projects that pushed him, because it’s the only way he can find out what are his full comedic capabilities are.

“Am I capable of being funny in this form? When the creators were telling me about this show, I realized that it’s both an actor’s nightmare and dream at the same time,” said Windham, who previously was known for his starring role as Uncle Will in Disney XD’S hidden camera series “Walk the Prank.”

The initial episode of “Just Roll With It” airs Friday, and it debuts in its regular time slot at 8 p.m. June 19.

The series is a hybrid that starts with a traditional sitcom plotline and will feature many elements from the format. That means a portion of the show can be rehearsed and presented in front of a studio audience. Then a foghorn stops the action, and the cast is sent backstage. They have no idea how a scene will play out when they return, with the audience having voted for what will transpire. Only when they return to the set will the cast be given directions on where the scene should go.

“There is definitely a story from A to Z. There are bits in the story where we aren’t going to know, L-MN-O-P,” Windham said. “In the magic of storytelling, you know you have to build.”

Kory Lunsford, vice president of original programming for Disney Channel, describes “Just Roll With It” as a program that has elevated the convention of a sitcom by adding the keep-you-onyour-toes element of improvisation.

The improvisational element is the key to the show working. Along with Windham, the cast includes Suzi Barrett (Upright Citizens Brigade), who plays a decorated military veteran who now produces her husband’s daily show in their hometown of Akron. Ramon Reed and Kaylin Hayman play preteen stepsiblings Owen Blatt and Blair Bennett, polar opposites who must learn to get along.

Windham said he fell in love with acting at the age of 12 after attending a play. After graduating from the University of Alabama-birmingham and later getting his MFA in acting from the American Conservatory Theater, Windham landed numerous theater performances at festivals. His additional television credits include the miniseries “The Wesley’s” and the comedy short “Stakes.”

Windham said the people around him helped develop his sense of comedy.

“I come from a family of funny people,” Windham said. “I think my mom could have toured with a comedy show. My dad is funny, but he has dry humor.”