The Actors Centre was created by actors, for actors. For over 30 years they have provided ongoing training of the highest quality, giving actors the opportunity to enhance every aspect of their craft. Famous actors such as Ewan McGregor and Helena Bonham-Carter have walked through their doors.
Our reporter Nayha Ahmad caught up with their Creative Projects Manager, Caroline Byrne…
CC. Caroline, what is the actors centre?
Caroline Byrne. The Actors Centre was set up 32 years ago as a place where actors can keep warmed up and in tune with their craft. They come here to top up their skills between jobs and auditions. They have to make sure they’re on top on their game. The idea behind the Actors Centre is that professional actors are not always working but they need to make sure they’re on top of their game. So we provide classes in anything that will help the actor.
CC. Have you had any famous faces here?
CB. Typically we get jobbing actors – without naming all names – we’ve had Ewan Mcgregor, Helena Bonham-Carter & Jaime Murray (Dexter) amongst a few. Plus a huge list of actors who are out there getting their hands dirty, as to speak.
CC. Are you a drama school?
CB. No, we’re not a drama school. You go to drama school and get your basic knowledge there. We’re the place you come to after drama school.
CC. What advice would you give you to someone wanting to get into acting?
CB. The advice I would give is go and see as much theatre as possible. See what’s happening in the business and also take weekly classes that your local drama centre/community classes. There’s also a web called Get Into Theatre that is very useful.
CC. Casting is a very big element of an actor’s life. What advice would you give for when attending castings?
CB. Preparation is a very big key. If you are asked to prepare a monologue it’s essential you choose a monologue that is relevant to the casting you are attending. Also make sure you’ve learnt the lines and you’re on time. If you know who the director/casting director is get to know their work so that you’re fully knowledgeable about them.
CC. What is the life of a model/actress like?
You have to go and attend a number of castings. However I’ve been lucky enough to get the jobs through word of mouth or people calling me. Makeup artists call me, magazine editors or fashion editors will call me directly.
Interview by Nayha Ahmad.
Article by Malcolm Jeremiah.
Watch the interview now:
Constantcasting Blog 
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