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Dear John

Getting noticed in a small town

First published 26th February 2004

Question:
I'm 14 years old, still in school and I live in Basingstoke (not exactly near any big cities such as London or Newcastle).

I tried getting an agent a while back but no one really replied, so I temporarily gave up. Talent agents don't come to Basingstoke and even if they did, they probably wouldn't see me, because the shows I'm in are pretty small - I'm part of a drama group that is separate to the local theatre's youth group. I'm passionate about acting and very determined. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to start acting but I don't know where to start.

My main dream at the moment is to act with Ian Kelsey (my favourite actor in the world) and also to act on Casualty (my favourite TV show). Anyway, I thought it was about time I started seriously trying to get into the business. I've spent a long time dreaming and it's about time I did something about it. The thing is, I don't know where to start.

Answer:
There is nothing wrong with dreaming - most of The Stage readership will have got into the business on the basis of a dream. And the reason they are still in the business is, just like you are doing, they set themselves apart from the many other people with showbusiness aspirations by taking steps to make their dream happen.

You may be "only" in a small local drama group but at least you are doing rather than dreaming and if you keep applying that philosophy you will keep moving forward. There are many big city names who have come from small town beginnings.

[Note to any outraged theatrical luminaries in the Basingstoke area - if you think Rach hasn't got the full story or, better yet, can offer any opportunities locally, by all means let us know care of the "Dear John" e-mail or the usual Stage address. In fact, I feel a touch of "Dear John'll Fix It" coming on - if any readers have encouraging stories or advice about building a career outside the metropolis please share them. Especially if you happen to be a cast member of Casualty or named Ian Kelsey.]

In the meantime, Rach, check out the wealth of getting started advice. And keep us informed of your progress.