Acting Coach & LAMDA Exam Preparation by professionally-trained Working Actor Thomas J. Baker

Find out more about Tom

• When did you start practicing? How did this passion find you?

  I have been an actor since I was 7 years old. My brother had his own amateur dramatics theatre company and we would perform musicals in the back garden of our home. I have always been fascinated by storytelling and its forms, and have always had a passion for the imagination. I worked in my Drama classes at school and found that I wanted to train in actor to become a better storyteller. I am very grateful and lucky to have had such a rigorous and comprehensive training at the University of Northampton in Acting; which differs somewhat from studying drama as professional training seeks to build the mindset needed to create authentic and organic characters. I've come along way since playing in Wicked in my back garden with friends and family!

• Which artists or works affect you the most?

  I am particularly drawn to the works of Laban as his study of movement has had a huge influence on my method for acting. I think if the actor can define for himself the physiological movements of characters, then he can play any role. That kind of versatility and adaptability is essential for the actor. I am a huge fan of actors such as Bryan Cranston whose performances mesmerise me. Those are true transformations. I also admire actors who can also direct and write, I think as storytellers this almost chameleon quality is what makes the craft so unique and rewarding.

• What are the qualities and skill required to succeed in this area?

  Persistence, curiosity and openness. One must remain persistent in their pursuit of the craft, curious to new knowledge and experiences, and open to allow and accept these experiences into their hearts. Tension and judgement will act as a constant set back if you cannot get out of your own way and embrace the mad, wonderful craft!

• What is the most valuable advice you can give to help someone stay focused on creative projects?

  I have two. They are the mantras that have stuck with me so vividly in my training. "Know thyself" is the first, and I think it is such a key pearl of wisdom. How can you play a character if you do not know yourself truly and entirely? Be curious about your mind and emotions. Discover all the dark and hidden secrets you yourself did not know. Accept them. Find the stories you hid from yourself. Next is, "The work is the work is the work..." that phrase could continue forever. And I think that advice is important because it reminds the artist that the work of the craft never stops. There is always something new to discover and learn. It is not finite. There are limitless possibilities. I think good advice should be short, simple and easy to apply in daily life.

• How would you describe your passion; how does it make you feel?

  I can remember a lecturer from the Central School of Speech and Drama told me to never use the word 'passion'. "You can be passionate about ice cream, it does not necessarily mean you would make a good choc ice." When the craft ignites in my head and in my heart, it feels like a fire that will never burn out. It fuels everything I do. It is an unimaginable power, a state of free flow where everything just clicks and comes together. Having that feeling is all about trusting yourself as an actor, and having faith in the teachings you've been trained in. Trust yourself and let the work do the talking.

• What creative achievements are you particularly proud of?

  I am very proud of my upcoming short film "Cold Coffee". It was a musing that came to me and I had the script written within 20 minutes of the conception. I knew that it was something special but that it was one of those pieces of art that would either be an incredible success or a colossal failure. That is why I am so fond of it. Art that does not take risks is not art. I can't wait to show it to the world.

• Have you ever been surprised by a student; by their ability or quick progression?

  I had one student who drew together a rich and in depth character analysis. He was just ten years old but the emotional complexity and depth to his answers made me so happy. It is so important for actors to focus on the quality of construction immersion when creating character. Your construction is the playground. So I was very proud to see this student take my advice and run with it to fully create the character for himself emotionally and intellectually.

• Being a Superprof is an art! What is your secret?

  You need to learn the rhythm of the student in front of you. There are countless techniques and methods for becoming an actor, but no 1 quick-fix hack to creating authentic performances. Empower the student to find their own flow and rhythm and encourage them to celebrate and accept every aspect of themselves. Once you are completely comfortable in your own skin, then you can start to tune the instrument. Find your rhythm.