Actor - Sarah Redmond
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What's your job?
I'm an actor. I work in the theatre and in TV. For example, I was
the Cheshire Cat in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Alice
in Wonderland and Rizzo in Grease at the Dominion and Cambridge Theatres
(I sing as well as act). I've had small parts in TV shows like Barbara
and EastEnders. I've also acted in plays broadcast on the radio.
How did you get started?
I was taken to the theatre when I was very young and went to
dance classes. Acting felt very right to me - I felt I needed to do
it. I was always putting shows on in the front room when I was a
child. When I was 14 I acted and directed shows at a local youth
centre.
How did you change something that was fun
into a job?
I went to drama school - Mountview Theatre School. Then I got
an agent. This is someone who finds you acting work. Most acting
jobs are not advertised. My first agent saw me in a show at drama
school. My second agent approached me after seeing me in another
show. I've been lucky because most people have to approach an agent
and ask to be represented by them.
What does your job involve?
As well going to auditions and actually performing, you have
to run yourself as a business and look for work. You need to apply
for jobs advertised in casting magazines. You need to find out
what's going on and what's popular. You have to get out and mix
with people in the industry. You have to promote yourself - for
example you pay to have information about yourself put in Spotlight
(www.spotlightcd.com). This is a directory of actors and actresses
that agents and casting directors use to find people they want to
use.
What do you like best about your job?
The satisfaction of getting and then performing a role.
What's the worst thing about your
job?
The uncertainty of where the next job will come from.
What should I do if I want to do what you
do?
You can get GCSEs and A' levels and then apply to drama
school. Do subjects at school like drama, English, music, media
studies, art and photography. You can go to a children's drama
school. Sometimes people get into acting through modelling. You
will need to get an agent. Agents are listed in magazines like
Spotlight. You can write to them and ask them to represent you.
Who do you look up to in the area in
which you work and why?
Dame Judi Dench as she's a brilliant actress.
