š¬ Another fantastic meeting with Durham University Business School, discussing the challenges and barriers facing creatives in the North East.
š” The discussion focused on lessons from other UK regions, particularly the role of Long-Running Series (LRS) in sustaining regional production.
ā A key question was why the North East has yet to establish another long-running seriesālike Byker Groveāthat could serve as a foundation for broader production activity.
š We explored the potential benefits of an LRS, including providing a stable base for cast and crew, which could, in turn, support a thriving regional production ecosystem.
š° The conversation also covered the funding and production assets available in the North East and the need to prioritise productions with long-term, scalable economic benefitsāsuch as an Emmerdale equivalent.
š Establishing an LRS in the North East could be a transformative step in strengthening the regionās production landscape.
Give us an - #emmerdale !
š This year has been a true inflection point for me and The Actors Forge. š The business I started in 2018 has grown from 3 actors in a tiny studio in central Newcastle to the leading provider of conservatoire-style training in the North East of England.
Now, I am proud to announce that I have been invited to become an Entrepreneur in Residence at Durham Business School.
There, I will be working alongside academics at Durham University to build pathways for professional development for actors across the region. š
āIt has never been a better time to be an actor in the North East.ā
Howeverā¦
It is vital that we continue to work together to create infrastructure and opportunities for homegrown artists to take advantage of the incredible growth we hope to witness with the dawn of the Crown Studios in my home city, Sunderland.
āWe makem, they takem.ā
A big thanks to @northumbriauni for having me along to present the award for Best Screenplay last night š„
There were some stunning films on show from the graduation cohort with a whole host of Forge Actors in starring roles.
A special mention to @lauraleefem93 , @_melissaa.jacksonn_@3thanme@simon.g.craig@_maeindia and your awesome performances!
Mental Health and Acting
The struggle with mental health in acting is such a common theme discussed amongst performers.
Fundamentally, when one experiences a lack of control in any situation for long periods of time it can manifest itself as a deep feeling of anxiety and insecurity.
What is the answer to this prevailing dark cloud that plagues so many performers? š
Focus on what is in your control and do what you can.
If you can write, write, if you can read, read, if you can go for a run, go for a fucking run.
Do not externalise your locus of control, internalise it.
Maintain your joy, your creativity, your love and your passion in your own way donāt give it away when you donāt need to.
Take the pressure off. ā¤ļø
The Act of Performance Podcast: Ep 1
Spotify: /pod/show/theactofpodcast
#ActingTherapy
#MentalHealthAwareness
#ActorsWellbeing
#ActorsSupportingActors
#Mentalhealth
#Acting
The story of my first T.V #commercial with @earthrated dog products and the woofy from #theinbetweeners. š¶
@__charles_henry āNever work with dogs or kids.ā š
@theactofpodcast - Episode 1
/episode/0yBK9Eb1R2zf8ncF5tEklg?si=B9kRXbEiRhOF-vYP85QQfw
You donāt have to move to London to be an Actor!
A question that frequently comes up among actors, regardless of their career stage, is whether relocating to London is a necessity.
In short, the answer is no.
The famous phrase āDonāt come to LA unless youāre invited,ā could quite easily be exchanged for London.
Of course, there's something adventurous and compelling about tossing a bag on your back and heading to the capital, as I did. However, being a regional actor offers distinct advantages that shouldn't be overlooked.
š°The Economics
Dispensing with the obvious, the rent is cheaper, the people are nicer and there are more Greggs per square mile; at its core, living outside of London is an economic advantage as an artist.
Use that extra cash to develop your skills, explore some great training and patronise your own work!
š Competition
Roles, for the most part, are less competitive at the regional level which can be an advantage.
While getting seen for specific jobs, especially in theatre, may pose a challenge at the regional level, there's a notable increase in opportunities aligning with your natural casting range⦠why?
š” Because you actually live there.
Moreover, the growth in self-taping, especially as the primary audition method, enables actors to reside anywhere and still be considered for prominent shows on platforms like BBC, Netflix, and Amazon.
š¬š§ If you're set on making the move to Londonā¦
Make sure to leverage the advantages of being a regional artist before bidding them farewell!
Establish a strong foundation with regional theatre credits, whether they are amateur or professional.
Participate in short films, be they independent, professional, or university-driven.
Prioritise getting professional headshots and crafting a solid showreel.
Submit an application for Spotlight to prepare yourself for reaching out to and connecting with agents and industry professionals.
Armed with these preparations, you'll be ready to hit the ground running when you make the leap to London.
Episode 1 - The Act Of Podcast
Spotify - /episode/0yBK9Eb1R2zf8ncF5tEklg?si=Wh_Rmwq4QGCytXR9q3qPdg
@theactofpodcast
ć»ć»ć»
The podcast offers insights into the realm of performance, featuring discussions with two working artists, Dan Lemon and Charles Henry. As they navigate the path to realizing their dreams, both artists share their experiences of balancing full-time jobs in commercial industries. Focusing on determination, dedication, discipline, and achieving balance, the pod is dedicated to helping listeners uncover their personalized formula for high performance. From how to measure productivity, plan and stratergise, whilst maintaining a healthy work life balance, turn on the TAP and let the work flow.
Caught decompressing after an incredible run of shows at the @northern_stage .
Six plays, sold out shows and 19 incredible actors.
Thank you to everyone who came to see us perform. We couldnāt do it without you.
Highlight of my career thus far.
Photography by @robert_carr1
#actorslife #theatre #writer #actor
Check me out as the nasty baker Bryce in the 200th episode of #bbc
#thedumpingground. š
Airs this Friday on @bbciplayer ! š„
Big thanks to my agent @jhpmltd and casting by @sueneedlemancasting ā¤ļø