Don’t go into acting for fame, because only a tiny percentage of people become famous. Be disciplined and stay at it.
What is your job?
I'm a freelance actor.
What does your job involve?
Having numerous monologues and songs learnt by heart and ready to perform at short notice for auditions, having an up-to-date CV and headshots to send out for jobs, knowing what theatre productions are on, who casts what project, going to the theatre and seeing films regularly, reading plays, keeping fit and looking after your voice and body.
How did you get to this point in your career?
I graduated in September 2006 and went straight into full-time work in a theatre as an usher. I didn’t have an agent so spent my days writing to casting directors, taking classes and going to auditions. I managed to get seen for some great projects and have acted in four short films, recorded a voiceover, done a rehearsed reading and been in two theatre productions – one in Woking and one at the Greenwich Playhouse.
In November 2007 I got my first big job : understudying the lead role of ‘The Actor’ in ‘The Woman in Black’ in the West End. I’d seen the play four times while at drama school and thought it was amazing. Just to audition for the role was an absolute privilege, so to be part of the production is just brilliant.
What training did you do and where?
I studied A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, then went to the University of Sussex to do a degree in Biology and French. I’d been acting since I was 10, but it wasn’t an option for a career as my parents said I should do an academic degree. When I got to University and did a couple of drama society productions I realised that acting was my strength and my real passion. So afterwards I went to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and did a Masters in Acting.
Which piece of work are you most proud of?
My current role in ‘The Woman in Black’. It’s an extremely well written play that’s very highly regarded, having been in the West for 19 years, so I’m very proud to be part of it.
What do you need to succeed in your industry?
You have to have a lot of self-discipline, dedication to the craft and complete self-belief. It is essential to be prepared for last minute castings and also to accept rejection. Half of the job is marketing yourself, and you have to know who’s casting and directing which projects and what roles you want to do. You have to constantly improve your skills.
Who’s your work hero / heroine?
I really admire Sir Ian McKellen, because he’s incredibly talented and has played such diverse roles on stage, on tv and in film. He’s also a great campaigner for Equity, the actors’ union.
What inspired you to do this type of work?
When I was 10, I was a cowboy in a school play about the destruction of the Amazon rain forest. Someone commented to my mum that I was a natural on stage. Acting always gave me immense pleasure, and now there’s nothing else I’d consider doing.
What do your friends/family think of the work you do?
My parents wanted me to do an academic degree. But then I was the lead in The Crucible during my first year at university, and afterwards my mum said to me, ‘Why are you doing biology?’ My dad took a bit longer to come round, but now they’re both extremely proud of me.
What are your tips for anyone wanting to do your job?
Remember that 85% of actors are out of work, so think about where you’re going to get your back-up income. Don’t go into acting for fame, because only a tiny percentage of people become famous. Be disciplined and stay at it.
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
My mum
My mum brought up me and my two sisters alone with very little money. She has always been very hard working, holding down two jobs while putting herself through the Open University. She never complained and was constantly generous beyond her means. She’s a massive inspiration to me to work equally hard and get the most from life.
My gran
My gran was really proud of my academic and theatre achievements, and although she passed away in 2001, I still think of her now, particularly during tough times. I’ve dedicated my current work to her in the programme.
My nieces
My nieces are aged five and 18 months, and they inspire me with their innocence, naivety and creativity. I could watch them for hours; they have such funny personalities.
Andrew Jarvis
Andrew was my acting teacher at Mountview. He’s a phenomenal actor who’s worked around the world and has an amazing CV. He really has grafted to get where he is and his stories are all a source of inspiration. He’s also very humble, which is quite rare in this industry.
Sir Laurence Olivier
He played every role possible, headed up the National Theatre from 1962-1973, and had an amazingly creative career.
‘Respect for Acting’ by Uta Hagen
This book is very insightful and really struck a chord with me. It talks about Uta Hagen’s teaching at acting schools in the States, shows you how to build characters and includes lots of exercises.
Listening to music
I often use music to get into character. I listened to rap music and did jogging and boxing exercises to get riled up for an angry, sick character, and listened to Mozart when I was doing a play about the composer’s life.
Live theatre
I get an amazing buzz from going to see plays. I analyse the set, lights and sound, and gauge the audience’s reaction, and always get inspired by every aspect of it.
Jurassic Park
It was so innovative and technologically advanced at the time. I think Richard Attenborough is extraordinary, and the film also tied into my biology background.
Shakespeare
Every time I read or watch Shakespeare, I’m struck by the incredible use of language, wit, tragedy, depth of characters and setting. I learn so much each time.