Dee Cannon is one of the most sought-after acting / dialogue coaches in the world. She works in Los Angeles, New York, London and throughout the world, in film, TV, theatre and pop videos. Dee is now one of the main teachers at RADA and we here at Talented Young People have been able to get some of her precious time to give our readers some very valuable tips and advice on how to make it in the acting world.
You have worked on everything including music videos, theatre productions, TV and film what have been some of the biggest projects you have been involved in?
I guess the biggest projects I have worked on have been for CBS Hallmark/ Jim Henson productions, WB Studio's in Hollywood. All the Craig David video's. I've really been involved with so many famous actors coaching them privately for feature films and TV.
You are the main acting teacher at RADA what is it like working with some of the best emerging talent in the country?
Very exciting especially when talent is mixed with hard work, determination and good attitude - then you know when they get their break they are ready and deserve it.
RADA is one of the hardest acting schools to get in to in the country and quite possibly the world. What advice would you give any young person whose goal it is to get in to RADA and what is the current application process like?
I would say to any young person who wants to get into RADA is to audition for as many other drama schools as possible. Go to visit the schools beforehand, see the graduate shows. See if YOU like the schools. Check it out for yourself. The process of auditioning is so competitive that the more schools you try for the better chance you have to get a place somewhere. We see over 2000 applicants and we only take around 16 girls and 16 guys 32 in total which isn't a lot. There are 3 main stages.
1st stage is preliminary - 2 contrasting pieces, 1 classical, 1 modern and an interview.
2nd stage (recall) Same 2 pieces plus a song unaccompanied.
3rd stage is an all day workshop.
Do you think acting is easier or harder to get in to as a profession since you started and what is the overall quality like of your students now compared to when you started teaching?
I think it's always been a hard profession to break into. In a way, it's easier now because you don't have to stress and fret over trying to get an Equity card. Also there are a million more channels and shows being made.
Do you think a young aspiring actor should try and work on being as versatile as possible or really focus on one aspect, style or medium?
You must be versatile and open. You must know how to act, sing and dance or at least move and know how to put a song across. Gone are the days when you could choose your medium - for example - you just want to be a theatre actor and have a snobbish attitude towards say the Soaps. You must be open and ready just to work whether it's in TV or theatre and then later on you can perhaps afford to be more choosy. Obviously if the job on offer is really not to your liking don't do it.
What should a young aspiring actor's weekly schedule be like, how many hours should they be putting in, should they get themselves an acting coach, should they be getting involved in local youth theatre etc?
You do whatever you need to do and whatever your budget allows. If you feel you need an acting coach to help get your confidence up or to work with you or guide you with your audition pieces get a coach. Try to get involved in youth shows, amateur theatre, workshops. Also see as many shows as you can and not just the musicals but the straight plays including fringe. Go to the movies, art galleries, museums widen your horizons. Read acting books, plays and novels.
Do you need to be living in a big city to get noticed and opportunities as an actor?
It helps but if not, try to make the most of where you do live. You can always move later on.
Are there any good websites out there which have information on acting and auditions?
Shootingpeople.com is supposed to be good. A subscription to PCR will give you all the casting breakdowns of Fringe, Rep, student films, TV, features etc
How can a young aspiring actor get on to one of your brilliant classes and find information on the classes you have coming up?
It's best you keep checking my website www.deecannon.com for workshop updates. I'm pretty busy working here and abroad so I have no workshops planned at present but I do give private one to one acting classes throughout the year.
Click hear to read Dee Cannon's top ten tips on becoming an actor / actress
