My Story

Hi! I’m Jay. I’m 26 years old. I’m from a small rural town in the West Midlands, UK. I am the daughter of an engineer and a cleaner. I am a working actor.

When I first started acting, I had no idea what I was doing. I had been in a couple of school plays and dance showcases – all in my small rural town, of course. I didn’t know anyone who was an actor. All I knew was that I loved being on stage, I loved transforming into characters, I loved plays, film and theatre, and I’d act all the time, forever, if I could. That’s right, I’d got the bug.

But where to start? I started researching, learning more, and finally went to college to do a performing arts diploma. I auditioned for drama schools. I was terrified – and I still had no idea what I was doing. But I managed to get into an acting degree at university.

Finally, I was acting full-time. It was a dream – I was learning loads, from amazing teachers, and immersing myself in the craft. I was still aware I was missing out on that drama school education. I had found an amazing place to start, somewhere to point me in the right direction, but I knew I needed more. So, I started making the two and a half hour into London every week and religiously watching plays, meeting actors, attending workshops – and reading, reading, reading.

Big words, but I feel believe that once I had been pointed in the right direction, I taught myself how to act through study and regular practice. But I still had no idea how the industry worked and how I fit into it.

Over the last 5 years, I have learned lots more, and I am now a working actor, building a network and creating work I’m proud of. But it took me a long time to get there, and I’m still learning all the time. I just wish I’d had someone who knew what I know now and had passed it on so I hadn’t had to struggle quite so much. The things I’d needed to know were simple, really. It’s just that no one had ever seemed to want to share them.

That’s why I created the Actor’s Toolkit. I believe there are a number of simple principles that can help us to take our acting work from good to great, as well as effective ways to start working professionally and get your foot in the door.

These principles include:

• Concentration is the basis for all great acting work.
• You create powerful and meaningful acting work by tapping into your authentic self.
• Your individuality is your superpower.
• There is no One True Acting Method or Technique. All our brains work differently, so it’s just about finding the technique/s that works for us. (NOTE: Beware anyone telling you their way is THE way)
• Self-care and self-compassion are actually crucial parts of being an effective actor, both in creativity and business.
• You don’t have to sacrifice your morals, ethics, or other life values to become a working actor.
• You can have a fulfilling and well-rounded life and still be able to work as an actor.
• You have the power to make the changes you want.

My goal with the Actor’s Toolkit is to encourage, inspire, empower, and give practical advice that actually works to help you achieve your dreams. So, I hope you’ll stick around and become part of a new, healthier, and balanced approach to being a working actor.