Q&A

Comment:
"hey Heather, decided to post this anonymously dunno why really because you do know me we go to the same skl. I have been reading your blog and have been very inspired by it that even through all your rejections you have pushed through and are still going. I have tried to dab my feet into acting and did a adult classes at the sylvia young skl and found i had a passion for it. However I do feel that i have left it too late to go any furthr or try to start something new without it compromising exams and Uni. Any advice you can give me?"


First off, thank you for reading my blog, I really do appreciate it.

I'm assuming that because you've only just discovered your passion for acting that you do not take drama as a specific subject and given that you are worried about uni, I would place you in year 10 or 11. Truth is that this doesn't matter, I'm just trying to understand your position. I'm also glad that you posted this anonymously because now I'm free to give you honest and truthful advice, without the worry that I may hurt your feelings.

You can never leave anything too late. If this is something that you can honest see yourself doing and loving for the rest of your life then grab it and run! There was a man at my final round of RADA who was 32 years old and he had made it that far. It's never too late.

Having said that, here are your options: if you are going on do to A-Levels, you don't necessarily need a drama GCSE to do the A-Level. Throughout the two years at sixth form you can then decide if this is really for you or not. However, do not drop everything! Still have plans for uni because you never know if you'll change your mind and you definitely need a back up plan.
If you are younger than GCSE level, I would seriously recommend taking it - it's so much fun!

Do not mistake this lifestyle choice as being easy. Only 31% of actors earn more than £3000 a year. Not only that, there's also getting into drama school. It's a hard path and you'll need thick skin. Even the best of people don't get into drama school. I'm telling you this because, to act, you need raw talent. It would be shameful of me to tell you to drop everything and pursue this if you didn't have what it takes. Because if you don't, I don't want to be responsible for you trying and wasting a number of years trying for drama school. If you're still unsure, join a regular theatre club such as the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch.

However, if this is truly your passion, THEN FOLLOW YOUR DREAM. I didn't know that I wanted to pursue a career in acting until year 12 and that wasn't too late! If you want more personal advice, just come see me!