If I wasn’t an actor, I’d be a secret agent

Budding actor: Trying to make it

If you ask a class full of children what they would like to be when they are older, they will probably reply with such careers as a footballer, astronaut or an actor.

Many people consider these jobs titles unrealistic, but for Jack Richards his dream is to become just one of them.

Jack Richards, from London, has been acting since he was in primary school and is now trying to break into the industry.

The 20-year-old, who graduated from East 15 acting school last year, said: “It’s such a high being on stage. Standing on the podium at the end of a show when everyone is applauding you is such a euphoric feeling.

“After appearing in countless amateur shows and attending a weeknight drama school, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life under the spotlight.”

Breaking into the acting industry can be a hard task, especially if you have no contacts. Jack said it is a testing challenge trying to make money and find the time to go to auditions.

TBC is an employment agency for actors that provides work with flexible hours for people in the industry.

Employees of TBC can cancel their shift a day before they are due to work in case they are called to an audition.

Jack said: “I’m fortunate enough to be working for this agency. Money is tight. I have to pay for rent, travel and food. It’s very hard trying to find the time to pay for my necessities and go to auditions.

“At the moment I’ve just finished a TV series and I’m in the rehearsal process for two plays. When I go through a dry patch and don’t have any acting work lined up I try to attend at least two or three auditions every fortnight.”

Flying high: Jack Richards at work

Jack explained that breaking into the industry is as hard as people imagine. Labelled a ‘risky business’ he sometimes struggles with the irregular payments he receives from acting.

He said: “I know how clichéd it is to say, ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’, but it really is true.

“I’ve been in the industry now for nearly a year and I’ve found out that it really is about making contacts. I’ve made some great friends so far.”

Jack said his best advice for young people leaving school and thinking about going into acting, is to practice hard, stick at what you do best and follow your heart.

“Like 90% of actors who have been performing from a young age, I am trained for theatre. It’s completely different to acting on a screen and I’m sure that any actor who has worked in both can say the same.

“The most important tips for young actors is to learn to adapt your styles. Make sure you attend workshops, make friends and get your name out there. Never let anyone stop you achieving your dream.”