Theatre in Education

Jordan John

Actor

Hi guys and gals,

I'm Jordan.
After having an interview with an agent they told me that they actually have an upcoming paid opportunity in a touring TIE performance.

But I dunno how I feel about Theatre in Education, initially it's not something that I feel i want to gravitate to.

Advice?

Thanks
@JordanJ_Actor

8 years ago
1,245
3

Margot Navellou

Actor

Hi Jordan,
I've been working in T.I.E. for the last year and it's very rewarding if you enjoy working with children and inspiring them.
It's very early mornings and you will be doing everything, get-ins, get-outs, driving etc. You also get ALL of the stage time, there's no waiting about backstage so that's really great.
However, BEWARE of some T.I.E. companies who exploit actors, don't pay them properly or treat them well. I would suggest checking Equity's "Special Attention List" for companies you should NOT work for. M&M Theatrical Productions and West Midlands Children's Theatre are 2 of those.
Hope that helps!
Margot

8 years ago
1

Private User

This profile is private

Hi Jordan
It's a tricky one to advise as ultimately it's down to you and how much you want to work. If you are currently working as a waiter or an office temp for example, then it might be a great relief to go out and be an actor for a while - remind yourself what it's all about, even if it isn't your dream acting job. However, don't do it if you think at any point you're going to hate it, don't like children, early mornings, the smell of school dinners, lugging all your scenery and props around and being in extremely close proximity to your fellow cast members who you may possibly not get on with...
It's unlikely to hurt your career, if that's what's concerning you....so long as you don't do it for a very extended period.
I did a term with one of the companies Margot mentions that you shouldn't work for. It was straight out of drama school, I was desperate for my first job and I didn't want to take the chance that I could be unemployed. I had a pretty miserable time for various reasons and one of those reasons was that my heart wasn't in it. However, I learned some valuable lessons, I certainly enjoyed acting every day but after 3-4 months of being on the road I concluded that it wasn't for me. I never did it again and after my next few jobs I even took it off my CV.
Why don't you go for the audition, see what happens, get the feel of it and then decide....

8 years ago
2

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