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| Career Profiles > Joan Hodges |
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The thought of going to drama school is exciting and daunting for most young people. Joan Hodges felt the same when, at 46, she attended drama school. However, whatever your age, the value of training and the ups and downs of working life are the same.
Joan explains how training helped her launch a successful acting career. |
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Tell us about your work - the different roles and projects you have been involved in.
"I absolutely love my job, I love the fact that I never know what is around the corner - one day there is nothing, the next a phone call could change your life! One of the most exciting days was when John Sullivan rang to say I had got the part of Marilyn in his new comedy/drama - 'Roger, Roger'. I was so excited I went flying upstairs and leapt on the bed, frightening the life out of my sleeping husband! Another great job was working on 'Only Fools and Horses Christmas Special' - everyone in the cast was a joy to work with. Last December I had a nice part in 'The Bill' working with Trudie Goodwin and Graham Cole, and I also played the Mum to Georgia McKenzie in 'Hot Money' with Caroline Quentin."
What do you like most about acting?
"I love the variety of playing different characters and I like the excitement of not knowing what is around the corner. I love the camaraderie of working with other actors. Most rewarding was when we played Romeo and Juliet to schools. For most of the children this was the first theatre they had ever seen. The cast went to meet them afterwards and you could see in their eyes they had caught the magic of theatre!"
Have you done any formal training related to your current work?
"I trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. I was a bit of a late starter and went there when I was 46 once my three children had left home. When I finished my course I thought 'What now?', bought a copy of The Stage and saw an advertisement for The Millfield Theatre. The manager wanted to start a rep-style company and was holding workshops to find a company of 20 actors. I got accepted and my first professional job was playing the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet. I spent two very happy years at The Millfield, learned a lot from the other actors who had been in the business for years, and I look on my time there as being extended training."
How did you move from theatre to TV acting?
"While I was in Romeo and Juliet at The Millfield a casting director saw me, and two weeks later I got a call saying she wanted to see me for a part in London's Burning - which I got! I think it's good to have some television on your CV, as I believe other directors are more likely to give you a chance."
Has it been hard starting in the business later in life?
"I think it has worked in my favour - I'm a NEW older face! I have the enthusiasm of a younger person just out of drama school with the added bonus of life's experiences to call on. You should never stop believing in yourself. If you want to do it, go for it and don't let anyone try and put you off."
Do you have an agent?
"When I first started I didn't. I did a play at The Actors' Centre in London and I wrote dozens of letters to agents asking them to come and see the play. It worked - I was offered representation by two agents and chose the one I thought would be best for me. I am still with them and very happy, we have a good working relationship. I do think you shouldn't expect your agent to do everything for you. If I hear of a job coming up I write to the casting director and keep in touch with ones who have given me jobs in the past. I network whenever I get the chance. There's no such thing as luck - you make your own!"
How do you deal with rejection?
"I've learned not to take it personally and find it's best not to dwell on the job you didn't get. Just move on towards getting the next one."
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?
"Have an audition outfit always clean and ready, you never know when the phone is going to ring - then you only need to concentrate on the audition, not worry that you haven't got anything to wear. Also make sure you go into The Spotlight - the actors' directory. It's money well spent as all directors and casting directors look in The Spotlight when they are casting - you won't get the job unless the people that matter know about you. I would also suggest joining The Actors' Centre (tel: 020 7240 3940). This is a very valuable place for professional actors where they can do acting workshops while waiting for the phone to ring! I call it 'keeping the kettle boiling'. Never stop believing in yourself. Go for it! Follow your dreams - and good luck!"
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