Virtual performance leads to agent offers for acting students

Released: 01.07.20

Acting students at Plymouth Marjon University have proven their skills with all final year students receiving offers from agents.

These agents will manage their freelance careers, setting up auditions for work and negotiating contracts for them as they take their first steps into the industry.

The success comes on the back of the students’ performance of ‘Love and Information’ by Caryl Churchill which reached a national and international audience after it was live streamed during Covid-19 lockdown.

The course prepares students with opportunities to directly enter the industry. In the final year Professional Profile module, students are supported to brand themselves and put together a marketing package including headshots, CVs and showreels. They also learn about networking, where to find and apply for acting work, and how to write to agents.

Each student then invites agents to watch their final performance of the BA (Hons) Acting course. The performance was designed and directed by industry professionals, valuable experience for the actors’ future careers.

This year students worked with theatre designer, Fi Russell and director, Martin Harvey who has an experienced career in theatre, including working as Associate Director at the Northcott Theatre, Exeter.

Following the opportunities presented to each student, programme leader, Dr Sarah McCourt said: "I am proud of the professionalism that our graduating students showed in rising to the challenge of moving their final national tour online.

“That the majority of our students who are looking to enter directly into the industry have now signed with an agent is a testament to all their hard work."

Several students were offered a contract with Inclusive Talent, including Chloe Cusack, who said: “I’m delighted to have been recognised by an agency and it’s brilliant to see the success of everyone on the acting degree. All of our hard work has paid off.”

Marjon Arts student, Laura Fergus, accepted an offer from Frank Holder Management, who specialise in graduate opportunities for actors. She commented: “I’m over the moon. I was apprehensive at first as I didn’t know how to apply for representation but after covering it in our Professional Profile module, I felt a lot more confident.

“I’m glad I’ve found an agent who is so friendly and caring, I look forward to developing and working together.”

For more information on acting opportunities at Marjon:

BA (Hons) Acting
BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
The Actor’s Wheel