Suzy Catliff – Casting Director.
Suzy Catliff – Casting Director
Q; “Are there any parts for disabled actors?”
A:There are some already and I can see this increasing in the future. I think this is an area which will become increasingly important to address in terms of reflecting todays’ society in contemporary drama, both on stage and on screen. I do feel that current practitioners are aware that it is an area that needs more positive reflection and thought. As I have found out in the past when casting disabled parts, it can be difficult to source good disabled actors and make contact with them. There needs to be a higher profile and we need to be encouraging more disabled young people into training, in order to have access to a wider and more diverse field of actors.training is involved; to be taught by professionals from the business they are hoping to enter; to learn about being collaborative; to listen and to work as a part of a team. It helps students prepare realistically for what can be a very tough profession, giving them both the practical tools to move forward and also preparing them mentally for what to expect. It teaches them about what being a professional actor really means.
Q: “Is drama training necessary?”
A: I think it is hugely helpful for many reasons:- to learn in a safe, informed and practical environment; to learn through doing; to understand what a huge amount of work, discipline and
Q: “What advice would you give someone who wanted to become an actor?”
A: see as many different types of theatre as possible – all genres, all levels; participate in drama clubs, youth theatres, play readings – anything to join in and try out different ways of working; be open minded and inquisitive, read plays, go and see films, begin talking to other people who are interested in acting – begin to know your likes and dislikes, try and see your favourite actors and actresses in different plays – work out why they are so good, read books! In other words, open up as much as possible and begin to explore. If you don’t feel passionate about it, don’t bother. And if, after all that, you are still interested in becoming an actor, look into different places you can go to train and see which one might suit you and your interests.
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