I had to do my own research, there wasn’t much access to information regarding drama schools or what was required so I found my own path to a London drama school. I hope that by filling this out, it will help anyone else interested in this career.
Extra Curricular & Work Experience
I didn’t really do any that would be described as valuable other than the one week of compulsory work experience in 4th year. In my opinion, and don’t take this as gospel, but for those who are planning to go to college or university you will have more time to gain these experiences. Particularly those who are going to uni will find that they are very well set up with these opportunities but you must be proactive enough to do them!
When at school I was a part of the drama club, orchestra, jazz group, youth orchestra and Stirling wind band. This really helped me learn discipline, dedication & patience when training & rehearsing.
Working as a self employed actor, I’ve really learned how to navigate the arts from a business perspective. You not only need to have the artistic skills (acting, singing, dancing) - you are your own business, you must be dedicated & learn how to source your own opportunities & create artistic work opportunities for yourself. You learn quickly how to manage different types of working relationships like signing with the right agent for you and ensuring they source the right auditions for you. You learn how to work with and maintain positive relationships with casting directors. The biggest thing is managing being in and out of contracted work, how to have difficult conversations when it comes to the terms of those contracts, ensuring you are treated and paid fairly. Self employment isn’t for everyone, it can sometimes feel like you’re juggling a million balls at once, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By being thrown into new rehearsal environments regularly, I’ve learned to adapt to different working styles too. It means you have to be at the top of your game always, but it’s worth it.
Everyone’s journey is different, don’t be scared to go after your dreams. But also, don’t be scared if you’re not sure what you want to do with your life. Take your time, take the subjects you enjoy and work hard at them. If you’re working hard at the subjects you love, then you’re much more likely to get a job you enjoy! Happiness is a lot more important than forcing yourself to go after the subjects and courses that you hate but think will get you a “better job”.
