Career case study
I’d recommend doing a BTEC, because it’s practical and you learn so much by acting, rather than sitting around talking about acting. And go to drama school.
What is your job?
I'm a freelance actor.
What does your job involve?
The type of skills you need to play at the National Theatre are very different from those you need to play in schools or for businesses, so you have to be versatile. And in one recent job, the actors had to put up the set and rig the lights, too. So sometimes it’s important to know about the technical side of theatre as well.
How did you get to this point in your career?
Ever since I left LIPA, I’ve worked steadily. At the end of the course, there was a showcase, and an agent spotted me there and took me on. I did a lot of auditions, and went on a three month tour of Italy. I played Paul McCartney in ‘Twist and Shout’, a musical based on the story of The Beatles.
It’s been a huge mix. I’ve worked in theatre in education – putting on plays in schools, in children’s theatre and have done role playing for businesses. I’ve worked in repertory in Worcester and Scotland, played shows in Norway, and had a season at the National Theatre. I’ve just finished a play called ‘The Hired Man’ which started as a rural tour, is now going around theatres in the UK and is transferring to New York.
What training did you do and where?
I did GCSEs in Music and Drama, and thought about being a musician (I’m a clarinettist). But I decided to do a BTEC in Performing Arts at Harlow College, which was a two year A level equivalent. Then I did a Performing Arts degree with a specialism in acting at the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts.
Which piece of work are you most proud of?
It has to be the job at the National Theatre, when I played the Professor in South Pacific, directed by Trevor Nunn. We recorded a cast album and the play was nominated for an Olivier award. It was an amazing experience.
What do you need to succeed in your industry?
If you want to be an actor, you have to be very determined and willing to do all sorts of work. You have to be patient, able to wait, but proactive too, and put yourself out there to find work.
Who’s your work hero / heroine?
Simon Russell Beale. He’s a brilliant actor who’s never the same twice. He’s great in comic performances, in Shakespeare, in musical theatre. A complete chameleon.
What inspired you to do this type of work?
I decided against music and chose acting as I thought it would be more active and social as a profession. I’d always been into the theatre, and a bit of a show off, and it still seems strange to me that I can get paid to do something I love so much. I also get inspired by theatre's ability to educate and provide social comment, as well as simply to entertain people.
What do your friends/family think of the work you do?
My parents are very proud of what I’ve done. They come and see me in everything I do.
What are your tips for anyone wanting to do your job?
I’d recommend doing a BTEC, because it’s practical and you learn so much by acting, rather than sitting around talking about acting. And go to drama school.
If you would like advice on creative careers and courses, contact a Creative Way Careers Adviser - either Matt Ball on m.ball@uel.ac.uk / 07889 001764 or Sarah Comerford on s.comerford@uel.ac.uk / 07515 051509.
Creative inspirations
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
This was the first professional production I saw. I'd played Joseph in primary school that year and remember being carried along by the energy and colour of the show.
Daniel Evans and Jenna Russell
I was recently inspired by these two actors when I saw them in 'Sunday in the Park with George'. The performances were extraordinary - they reminded me why I want to work in theatre and refuelled my ambition.
’The Grapes of Wrath’ by John Steinbeck
I love this epic novel which encompasses several generations of a family, as it's a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The New York skyline
I have a picture in my bedroom of the New York skyline that inspires me at the moment. I am taking a show there in June and cannot wait!
Liverpool
I spent three of the best years of my life at drama school in Liverpool, both personally and professionally, and the city always reminds me of those times of creativity and development.
Barber’s ‘Adagio for Strings’
During my second year at LIPA, we used this music during rehearsals for 'King John' to help create the sense of desolation and tragedy at the end of the play. It’s a really useful technique to use music to help access a mood or emotion.
Props
Props can be very inspirational. In my last show, I had a book that helped me get into character. I imagined it was a Union Handbook, and it helped ground me in my performance as a miner.
Nick Philips
Nick was a really inspirational man on the acting staff at LIPA. He was completely committed to his students and his total faith in us was invaluable.
Donnie Darko
I’ve watched this film about 20 times, and always notice something new. I love the way that theatre and film can educate, challenge and entertain people at the same time.
The internet
The internet has inspired me over recent years. I'm a bit of a technophobe, but it has proved an invaluable tool for researching material as well as for sourcing work, agents and castings.