Tyler Moschler got his acting start at Averett University
By Trevor Metcalfe
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A Danville native can be seen butting heads with Leonardo, Donatello and the rest of the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” crew on the big screen.
Tyler Moschler, who goes by the screen name Tyler Peyton, stars as a foot soldier of one of the major villains in the film and got his acting start right here in Danville. His father, Ray Moschler, said the project was one of his son’s favorite moments so far as an actor.
“He said, ‘This is the best experience I’ve had,’” Ray said. “‘Everybody was just fantastic.’”
When Tyler auditioned for the part, the film was still under a working title, so he had no idea he was auditioning for a Ninja Turtles movie. It was only when he saw his wardrobe that he knew what film he was shooting.
“When I saw the outfit, I freaked out,” he said.
Tyler spent three weeks in the summer of 2013 shooting his role in the film. Ray said Tyler spent hot 12-hour-days at the shoot suited up in full costume, sparring with lead actors like Megan Fox and “The Lone Ranger’s” William Fitchner. Ray said his son had nothing but praise for the cast and crew.
“I was assuming it would only be a day,” Tyler said about the shoot. Instead, he spent days gun training with military personnel and learning the choreography required for the scenes.
“I was pretty much one of the core members of the Foot Clan,” he said.
Ray said Tyler got the acting bug early after attending plays with his parents and seeing actors and dancers at theme parks like Disney World. Tyler then got his acting start in Danville, appearing in several Averett University theater productions. The younger Moschler also started taking karate lessons, which Ray said also helped in land a role in the Ninja Turtles movie. Tyler added he even worked with one of the extras from the 1980s Turtle films while learning karate as a child.
“When I went to the performance, I was just in awe,” Ray said about seeing Tyler perform at Averett.
In 2001, Tyler moved to New York to fully pursue his acting dream. Tyler has five movie acting credits, dozens of commercials and several off-Broadway plays under his belt. Tyler also studied acting under Flo Greenberg, who has trained performers like Kirsten Dunst and Emmy Rossum. He even appeared as a dancer on MTV’s show “Total Request Live” before its cancellation in 2008.
Ray said his son was ecstatic about his time filming “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
“He’s really excited about this, and he did so much up there,” Ray said.
Tyler said he soaked in the experience every day of filming.
“It was just a blessing,” he said. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve had since moving to New York.”
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” opened in theaters nationwide Friday.
Metcalfe reports for the Danville Register & Bee.
