Amelia Hall

How did university help prepare you for your career?

We were given ample information from day one about what the acting industry is like and how we go about networking and making a name for ourselves. We were given help with branding and marketing our strengths in the best way possible to succeed. Being taught about the production side of the industry also made it easier, when entering the acting world, to relate to the person behind the camera or backstage.

Tell us a little about your career story so far

Since leaving Solent I’ve been very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with a theatre company based in Spain where I performed in five different stage shows to audiences around the country. Through connections I made there I’ve been able to spend a summer in Italy working with children to create short stage shows as part of an English learning camp.

What you're doing now and what does it involve?

I’m currently working with a theatre company in Barcelona. If I have a performance at 10am, then I’ll meet the rest of the team at 8.30am for a quick breakfast in a cafe before making our way in the van to the performance space.

Upon arrival, we make contact with the stage manager and unload the van, ready to set up the show for that day. Sometimes we perform up to three different shows in a day, so it’s always good to set up as much as we can for the other shows, so we get to have a little rest between performances. Once show preparation is ready, the audience arrives, and out we go onto the stage to give the performance of our lives every time!

Afterwards we’ll have a short Q&A with the audience, and then take down the set or reset for another performance. A good thing about Spain is the two-hour lunches, often spent in a restaurant where we can recharge before the afternoon performance. Once that’s over, it’s time to reload the van and get ready to do it all over again the next day. I wouldn’t change a thing!

What’s been your career highlight so far?

The places that it’s given me the chance to see, and the people it’s allowed me to meet.

What tips would you give to someone wanting a career in your industry?

Don’t give up! This industry isn’t easy but the rewards are endless. There’s work out there for everyone – you just have to be willing to do the work to get it. Networking is key – of the things I’ve done since leaving Solent, the majority were sent in my direction by people I met along the way.