When I was young, I wanted to be a vet. I couldn’t tell you why I wanted to be a vet, yes I loved animals but beyond that it was a job. So to that end I took Biology, Chemistry and Physics A-level, madness I know! I realised this was not something I was either good at or enjoyed. I will never forget my physics teacher, who I liked because he, like me was also musical. He used to hover over my desk as he walked around the class as he knew I would be the one unable to understand the task.
I’m not one to give up on things and I did complete my science A levels, although we don’t need to discuss grades! I then chose to stay on and study A Level music in one year instead of two. This was the first time I allowed my passion for music to come to the fore. I already felt closer to the life I wanted, even though I didn’t know what that was yet. After that I studied Popular Music and Technology at University. In my 3rd year, I found the performing arts. This is the moment my life changed and my true passion in life revealed itself.
As part of the musical theatre module we had to write our own musical. Being a songwriter at the time, I helped write the music for the show. I also took on my first acting role, a very small part I didn’t mind. On that stage I became someone else, I’d performed on stage before but not like this the rush was amazing. I wanted to know more. I remember talking to my singing teacher and she said had I ever thought about teaching. At the time, I said, ‘no way I don’t have the patience to teach’
She said ‘you wait, it will fall in your lap and you will love it’. A month later I had an interview to teach singing at Theatretrain.
The more I learnt about Theatretrain, the more I felt this was the direction I wanted to go in. I got to teach singing, but to also add creating Theatre into it. I was able to merge my creative side with my love of music in a way I had never done before.
At 25 I was working during the week behind a bar, gigging here and there. I spent my week looking forward to Saturdays when I got to do the thing I love. It was at this point it hit me, I could have my own centre and make a career out of what I love the most. So I worked hard and saved enough money to buy my own centre.
This was not an easy choice. I found out that performing arts is not my only passion, running a business is too.
I now have 2 successful Theatretrain centres and I am living my best life. I work because I want to, not because I have to. I am still learning and growing and the sky is the limit.
So what’s the point of my long winded tale? Be open, find your passion or at least be open to your passion finding you.
