Amy Trigg tells Get Into Theatre what it is like to be a wheelchair user who has trained in performance and musical theatre, as well as the physical and mental challenges she faced when she first started acting. Amy has starred in The Glass Menagerie, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Doctors, and Fusion at Sadler's Wells (theatre).
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Transcript:
My name is Amy Trigg, I'm 26 years old and I'm an Actress. I was born in Essex and I still live there now. I was born with spina bifida which basically means that my spine didn't get its act together while I was in the womb, so now I'm a full-time wheelchair user. My parents took me to theatre a lot when I was younger so I was exposed to theatre from a young age and at school I joined after-school drama clubs which then led to local am-dram shows, where I made most of my friends like I think most drama kids, and then I started thinking about going to drama school. So I did all the GCSEs and A-levels that I needed to do, started preparing, got into Mountview and got an Agent from showcase at the end of my three years there.
I faced two main obstacles when I decided to be an Actress, the first one was physical obstacles so things like steps and stairs in my case, which meant that when I decided to go to drama school I had to make sure that the drama schools I was applying for were accessible, I could actually get in the building and I could go to the toilet. The other obstacle is people's opinions. So people don't expect someone who's in a wheelchair or someone who's deaf and disabled to become an Actress, so it was me when I was 16, 17, 18 years old turning around to those people and saying 'look I'm going to work hard I'm very passionate about this and I want to be good enough'.
Some of the productions I've been involved with include Ramps on the Moon's tour of The Who's Tommy, The Glass Menagerie, Goth Weekend, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Stella, Doctors, Pas De Deux, Fusion at Sadler's Wells (theatre) and some comedic street theatre because why not? At the moment I teach acting between acting jobs but before in the past I have done some office admin jobs where I've been picking up the phone while I've been waiting for the phone to ring and I just liked staying occupied so if I've got spare time just go out and volunteer.
If you are interested in working in theatre then the three bits of advice I would give you: take a class in something you've never done before like an improv class or a stage combat class and then look into your options. If you want to go to drama school, which drama schools are an option for you and then you can start looking at your funding options. Lastly, just go and watch some good theatre. As one of the first wheelchair users to train in performance in musical theatre, it's frustrating and you can feel a bit like a guinea pig but if you're the first person then the person after you doesn't have to be, so do it for the next person.
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Published: 12 March 2019
There are a number musical theatre training opportunities to choose from at a number of different drama schools all over the country. Follow these easy steps to ensure you are as prepared as you can be and increase your changes of getting into the drama school of your choice.
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If you're applying for a musical theatre course you must be able to act, dance and sing on the day of your audition. There's a lot to think about but if you follow the tips below, you'll smash the audition.
Find more theatre careers advice here
The best way to have confidence on the day is to make sure that you are well prepared. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Know what is in your control on the day and what is not. You want to be able to walk away from your audition or interview and know that you have done everything you can in your power to be the best you can be. The best way to do this is think about the things you can control:
If you have all of these things in your control, then you can relax a bit more on the day and concentrate on being yourself, having a big smile and being friendly. If you are busy worrying about if you have forgotten a line, then this can block your personality from shining through and really this is the most important part of any audition/interview.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
https://www.coursflorent.education/news/how-to-get-into-drama-school
https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/tips-and-advice/how-to-nail-your-drama-school-audition/
https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/tips-and-advice/how-to-nail-your-drama-school-audition/
https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/2017/a-beginners-guide-to-applying-for-drama-school/
Photo: Shutterstock
Published: 04 March 2019
A theatre Education & Outreach Manager is responsible for the planning of engagement within the wider community. They will work with theatre practitioners, venues, schools and local authorities to build relationships and development between the community and the theatre.
Search opportunities to help you get into theatre here
While there are no specific qualifications needed for a theatre Education and Outreach Manager, these are some undergraduate and postgraduate courses that can be useful in gaining experience for the role:
Here are some subjects that you can take at school that will teach you some useful skills for a role within theatre outreach:
Find more theatre careers advice on our blog page here
You can start in an Administrator role or another role that delivers and designs projects. Experience working with the community and/or youth groups is beneficial, as well as leading drama workshops.
Pay for this role can be really varied depending on the scale of outreach or education a theatre company or venue can deliver and the funding available. This is often a full or part-time role, although can occasionally be a short-term contract based on funding. Pay can be anywhere between £24k - £50k.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/2016/what-do-you-get-from-an-applied-theatre-course/
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/applied-theatre-ba-hons-2019-20
https://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/discover-theatres/theatre-faqs/253-who-works-in-a-theatre#
https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Education-Outreach-Facilitator.pdf
Photo: LAMDA
Updated: 7th June 2024
A Stage Manager (SM) supports and organises all the different teams involved in the day-to-day running of a theatre production from rehearsals right through to performances and then post-show. They liaise and communicate with the full company and organise each team to ensure the smooth running of a production. During a show, they are in charge of everything and everyone on the stage. See the difference between stage management and production management by reading our blog 'What does a theatre Production Manager do?'
Search stage management opportunities from across the theatre industry here
There are no specific qualifications required to become a SM. People with the right skills can get into the field, however it can be useful to have training in any of the following subjects:
You can start in an entry level position which would be Backstage Crew, casual Technician or an Assistant Stage Manager. You can also work as a Deputy Stage Manager. After gaining experience you can move on to Stage Manager, and in larger theatres Company Stage Manager.
For a freelance Stage Manager, ITC/Equity rates of pay for 2024-2026 suggest a minimum weekly rate of £573 or a daily rate of £126. Travel, accommodation and meals all have additional rates, if you are on tour. UK Theatre / Equity Commercial Theatre Agreement rates for 2023-2024 for shows that are 8 weeks plus and performing to 1,500 seats plus, suggest a weekly minimum of £695.11 for rehearsals and £815.08 for shows.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.itc-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rates-of-Pay-2024-27-Sheet.pdf
https://www.rsc.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-theatre/stage-management
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/stage-manager
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/theatre-stage-manager
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/stage-manager
A Playwright writes plays either in their own time or by request from a theatre, theatre company or Producer. They create stories, characters and dialogue for the stage. They collaborate with Directors, Producers and others to bring their scripts to life on stage.
You can search for playwriting opportunities from across the theatre industry here
While there are no specific qualifications needed to be a Playwright, these courses could be beneficial:
Having a portfolio of work can really help to showcase your writing abilities.
Here are some subjects that you can study at school which will teach you some useful skills for becoming a Playwright:
Search for training opportunities to help you get into playwriting here
If you are thinking of becoming a Playwright, these can be the desirable skills to be an ideal candidate:
As a Playwright starting out you will be spending most of your time alone, creating and writing plays in your spare time. You can then send your plays to theatres or companies who may decide to take your work on and perform it. Once you have experience of your plays being performed you may get the opportunity to be commissioned by a theatre or company to write a play for them. You can also get a Literary Agent and Publisher to get your work published. Some Playwrights are also Actors, Directors and/or Producers too and some Playwrights write alongside the rehearsal process.
Most Playwrights are freelancers. As a freelancer you can negotiate your fee with the company, this would usually be based on how long the run of the show will be, the size of the audience and the ticket prices. If you get your play published then you will earn profits from the sales of your play or the rights to perform it. Learn more about freelancing with our blog How to be a freelancer in theatre.'
The Writers’ Guild UK Theatre rate for a commission for a full-length play – more than 70 minutes – is around £7,769 - £10,880, with ITC rates suggesting a minimum of £9, 176. There will also be additional royalties and a daily rehearsal rate (correct as of May 2024). You could also become a 'writer in residence' for some theatres, which have a larger fee attached and a longer contract.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find Playwriting jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/writer
https://myjobsearch.com/careers/playwright.html
https://www.itc-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rates-of-Pay-2024-27-Sheet.pdf
https://writersguild.org.uk/rates-agreements/
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 16 May 2024
Actors or Performers are people who entertain an audience by acting, singing or dancing. They play characters on stage and act on the direction of the creative team to bring a text to life. Their primary focus is to engage audiences through their acting skills, expressions, and performances in a live theatrical setting.
Whilst there are no specific qualifications needed to be an Actor or Performer, here are some courses you may want to consider to gain knowledge and experience:
Gemma Dobson didn't go to drama school, watch her vlog to see how she got into acting.
Here are some subjects that you can study at school which will teach you some useful skills for becoming an Actor or Performer:
Find acting opportunities to help you get into theatre here
Find out how Amy Trigg became an Actor by watching her vlog here.
There is not a straight path within performing. You are nearly always employed on a freelance/contracted basis and the responsibilities can vary depending on the company and how long the production runs for. Sometimes Performers start out in fringe or small-scale theatre or create their own work, there can be ensemble roles in larger companies or understudy parts. However some Actors and Performers may start in a lead role if they are the right fit for the character. Often Performers will need to do a number of jobs to financially support their acting careers. Find out what you can do between acting jobs with our blog 'What jobs can you do in between theatre jobs to earn' and our Misconception Series blog on having a second job to support your career.
Many Actors are represented by an Agent. An Agent puts their clients up for roles they think they are suited for and are often given breakdowns for castings that are not readily available to the public, they will take a percentage of the pay, often between 10% and 20%. You can gain an Agent by writing to them, inviting them to shows that you are in, or asking for a meeting. It’s a good idea to research Agents and apply for those who have ‘open books’, meaning they are actively looking to represent new clients. However, some Actors don’t have an Agent and apply for castings themselves. Read this blog on whether you need an Agent.
Starting pay can be very low, with some fringe productions employing ‘profit-share’ models, but a small number of star Actors and Performers can receive extremely high wages – for example a pantomime star or West End lead can be paid tens of thousands of pounds per week.
Equity minimum for 2024/2025 is £573 per week, plus food, travel, accommodation and relocation costs.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/actor
https://www.backstage.com/uk/magazine/article/how-much-do-actors-get-paid-in-the-uk-74998/
https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/how-much-do-west-end-performers-earn-compared-to-broadway_58192/
https://www.itc-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rates-of-Pay-2024-27-Sheet.pdf
Updated: 9th June 2024
A Lighting Designer will work with all members of the production team, particularly the Director, Designer and Lighting Technicians. They will design the look and feel of the lighting, lasers, strobes, spots and sometimes video for a performance. Lighting Designers play a crucial role in enhancing the storytelling visually.
Find opportunities in lighting design from across the theatre industry here
While you do not need a degree for this role, here are some useful subjects and courses that you can study to gain knowledge and experience.
School subjects that are relevant for lighting design are:
Further education at colleges or universities:
Find training opportunities in lighting design to help you get into theatre here
You could start as Crew or a Lighting Technician/Theatre Technician and then, once you have more experience, move into a Lighting Designer role. With all of your work, it is best to keep production images and a portfolio. Find out how to make a portfolio here.
Most Lighting Designers are employed on a freelance basis, meaning that you are self-employed. In bigger theatres, some employ a resident Lighting Designer which pays an annual salary, however this is rare. Your fee as a freelance Lighting Designer can vary from a daily rate to a larger fee for the completion of the whole show.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
http://www.thealpd.org.uk/careers-in-stage-lighting/and-after-graduation-the-route-to-becoming-an-ld
https://www.mgcfutures.com/lighting-designer
https://creativepool.com/articles/jobdescriptions/job-description-lighting-technician
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 3rd June 2024
From the outside the theatre industry can feel daunting, especially if you don’t understand some of the language or jargon that people use. Our beginner’s guide to the theatre industry is a great starting point to help you understand the basic theatre terms and definitions to words such as ‘the half', ‘tabs’ and ‘wings' and so much more. So next time you’re going to an audition, job interview or starting some work experience you’ll be able to show off your expert theatre industry knowledge by using these theatre terms.
Can refer to Artistic Director or Assistant Director
From Latin phrase 'Ad libitum' which translates to 'at one's pleasure'. For an Actor to speak and move in character without direction or following the script. Often used if a mistake is made and the actor improvises to get back to the script
Someone who acts on behalf of Performers to help find them work
Amateur dramatics, non-professional theatre
The front of the stage that juts out in front of the proscenium arch
Someone who oversees the artistic programme of the theatre as well as managing funding, budgets and staff
Assistant Stage Manager
A type of interview for a Performer to showcase their talents and check their suitability for a role
The call given to Actors five minutes before the start of the performance to ensure they are in position
The instructions of where the Actors need to stand or move
The American equivalent of the West End, located in Manhattan, New York. A central area for performances such as plays and musicals
The time in which you must arrive for your rehearsals or for the show
The communication system between departments, usually through a headset
The middle of the stage
A sequence of steps and movements for staged dances and performances
Casting an Actor for their ability over what their appearance is. Often used for characters where race, gender or ethnicity is not mentioned in the play
A drama school or performing arts training institution with conservatoire status, meaning training is particularly intensive
Company Stage Manager
A trigger for an action to happen
The end of the show, usually when the actors take their bows
When a theatre is not currently being used for performances
The front of the stage, nearest the auditorium
A school which specialises in teaching about performance and theatre
A rehearsal in costume where the full production is performed
Deputy Stage Manager
A part of a play with speaking roles for only two Actors
Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. It takes place every August, with a large number of performances at different venues across the city.
When the audience is on one side of the stage
A group of Actors who play background roles and appear in multiple scenes, can also be used to refer to an entire theatre company
A union for people working in the performing arts, including Actors
The rigging system made up of ropes and pulleys that enables Stage Crew to quickly move large pieces of scenery
A metaphor for the invisible and imaginary 'wall' between the Actors on stage and the audience
Theatre that is experimental in style or subject matter. The term comes from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Fringe are small-scale theatres often located above pubs, and are the equivalent of New York's Off-Off-Broadway Theatres and Europe's 'free theatre' groups
Fitting of the set in the theatre
Taking down and removing the set from the theatre
Warning called when the lights are about to be turned off
The call given to Actors half an hour before they are to be called to start the performance. This is given at 35 minutes before the start of the show
Professional photograph of yourself which you hand out at auditions and to Agents
The auditorium
The lights in the auditorium
Short hand for improvisation where an Actor comes up with lines on the spot, unrehearsed
When the audience sit on every side of the stage
Safety curtain used to separate the stage from the audience in case of a fire
The lighting department
Afternoon performance of a show
A speech by only one Actor
An Actor who plays more than one character in a play
An initiative created by the National Theatre where they broadcast their productions live via satellite to cinemas and arts centres around the world
Launch night of a production which invites members of the press to review the production for their publication e.g The Stage
A set of performances for the public before its official opening. They are used by Directors to highlight any problems and correct them before opening/press night when critics review the production
Someone who tells Actors their lines if they forget them, or the act of telling actors their lines if they have forgotten them
Research and development - often used to explore a new idea/concept
A system of theatre where one group of Actors appear in multiple productions at the same time. Often shortened to just Rep
A re-staging of a production after its original run has closed
A system of ropes and chains to support some sort of frames i.e. the set of a production or lighting
The Royal Shakespeare Company. A theatre company who perform the works of Shakespeare and Playwrights of today. Their main home is in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace.
Text of a play
William Shakespeare. English Poet, Playwright and Actor. Regarded as the greatest Playwright in the English language and the world's greatest Dramatist
A performance for Performers to showcase their talent to industry professionals in a hope of gaining work and or an Agent
Used in musical theatre and opera - first rehearsal between the Singers and the Orchestra
Stage Manager
Society of London Theatre is the trade organisation representing West End theatres and other major London theatres
A casting notices website
Left hand side of the stage in accordance to those on the stage facing the audience (if you are standing on the stage looking out to the auditorium, this will be on your left)
Right hand side of the stage in accordance to those on the stage facing the audience (if you are standing on the stage looking out to the auditorium, this will be on your right)
First run of the show in order of events
To remove the set from the stage
Short hand for sound
A rehearsal to practice the technical elements of the performance
The world's oldest and best theatre publication, offering theatre news from London's West End and across the UK, including news, jobs and interviews. Visit thestage.co.uk
A type of staging which includes the stage extending past the proscenium arch into the auditorium. The thrust will have audience sit on three sides of the stage
Running through the play in sections where the cues need to be practised, such as a lighting or sound change. The Actors will only say the lines at the beginning and end of each section for the cues
Type of staging where the audience sit on either side of the stage, facing each other
UK's leading theatre and performing arts membership organisation. They promote excellence, professional development and campaign to improve resilience and increase audiences across the sector
The back of the stage, nearest the backdrop
A department within a production or theatre where all costumes and props are made, kept and maintained
The main commercial and subsidised theatres in London, including its oldest and most prestigious venues. The British version of Broadway
The sides of the stage (offstage)
A form of documented theatre in which plays are constructed from the precise words spoken by people interviewed about a particular event or topic
Often referred to as a showreel, it is a short edited video which showcases an individual's previous work in video
A short edited video which showcases an individual's previous voice work on video
Find more theatre careers advice here
Photo: Arts Educational Schools, London
It’s not a bad thing to have nerves before an interview or theatre audition – it is your body’s way of showing that you really care about what you are pursuing. However, sometimes nerves and anxiety can affect our behaviour and it’s good to learn how to control this, so that it doesn’t affect your performance in the interview/audition. Even the most experienced professionals can still feel nervous sometimes!
noun
"he felt a surge of anxiety"
The NHS says: “anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe.” It is a normal feeling to have before an interview or doing something for the first time. Your heart rate may rise and you can start feeling a bit hot and sweaty.
Search all theatre opportunities here
Preparation is the key to help you feel more at ease on the day. Follow the tips below to ensure you keep your nerves under control.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
Remember that it’s not the end of the world if the interview didn’t go to plan. Take each interview as experience that you can use for the next one. Try not to dwell on it afterwards – you’ve done everything you can and given it your best shot, it’s now out of your control. Give yourself something to look forward to after your interview, book yourself in for a treat where you can relax afterwards and take your mind off it – you deserve it!
If you need to speak to someone about anything that is concerning you then contact http://www.artsminds.co.uk/
Published: 04 March 2019
If you would like to pursue a career within the theatre industry, most plan to go to drama school. This can be an extremely stressful process to some as there is a lot of pressure to do well and get into the school of their choice. Knowing what to expect at your audition is the first step.
Make sure you do your research and only apply for the schools that you really want to study at. Auditions can be costly - up to £50 per school - and then there’s the travel and accommodation (if you need to stay overnight) costs to think about too. Go to open days if you can, as you’ll be able to get a better sense of the school and what they have to offer, you’ll be able to see if it really is the place for you. Give yourself a few options, it’s best not to just go for one school.
Search all theatre opportunities here
You have been given the date of your first audition, well done! Now, you need to think about the logistics of how to get there, to make the day run as smooth as possible. Book your travel in advance and give yourself plenty of time to get there, allow time for delays and traffic – you don’t want to feel flustered before you’ve even turned up. Aim to arrive an hour before your audition starts, this will give you enough time to look around the area to see if it is the place for you - if you do get a place at the school, this will be where you spend the majority of your time.
Most drama schools ask for a Shakespeare and contemporary speech, but make sure to check the requirements of each school you are auditioning for, as they may ask for something different. Find contrasting monologues where you can show off different skills and be versatile. Choose a character who is similar to you and around your own age, a character that you feel you could be cast as in a professional production. It’s also best to stick to your own accent, if you were to change accents then it has to be perfect and not distract from your acting.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Learn your lines well and make bold decisions on how you want to first present the monologue. However, be aware that the audition panel may give you directions and ask you to perform the speech in different ways. Be open and adaptable – listen to their instructions, be able to drop any pre-made decisions you had thought of. They want to see if you are able to play and try out new ideas. Practise your monologues in front of friends or family, get used to how to perform this to a panel rather than just practising on your own.
It’s also best to read the whole play from where your monologue is from. You will be able to understand the character and their motivations, which will help you in the context of the monologue. Make sure you understand what is happening in the monologue – if there is a word or phrase you don’t understand, do your research or ask for help from a friend or drama teacher.
Wear clothes that are easy to move around in – tracksuits or leggings are common to wear in an audition room. You may have a warm-up or group workshop, which will require you to be physical, so you don’t want to wear restricting clothes. If you have long hair, it might be best to tie this up away from your face. Make sure to also bring an umbrella and be prepared for all kinds of weather – you want to turn up looking fresh and feeling prepared.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/2017/how-to-prepare-for-drama-school-auditions/
https://actinginlondon.co.uk/nail-drama-school-audition/
Photo: Shutterstock
Published: 04 March 2019
