LAUNCHING:
STEPHANIE LYSE
Company:
Self-employed, actress and teacher
THE BIG QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?
Actress/Singer/Teacher
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
Yikes, there is no simple answer to that. Being in the performing arts I always have to keep on top of casting and applying to auditions. Usually line learning either for a show I’m doing or for an upcoming audition. Fitness! Go to the gym and keep myself sane and usually teaching as that is my main source of income.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD AND WHAT CHANGED?
An actress! Nothing!
WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
Degree from Exeter University and a postgraduate diploma from The Royal Academy of Music.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Always be prepared, in this industry it’s the only thing you can control.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
My parents. They’ve worked enormously hard their whole lives and are incredibly encouraging and supportive. They’ve always said, if that’s what you want then make it happen.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
Constantly meeting new people and then being given the responsibility to tell a story on stage and potentially move people.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD?
If it was more stable that would help a lot.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
Having a consistent amount of performing work and earning more from that than my other jobs. I’d like to have some really good musicals under my belt.
DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?
Yes.
WHERE AND IN WHAT ROLES ARE WOMEN IN THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT YOUR COMPANY?
Women are hugely important within the performing arts world. There are now a lot more women directors emerging and producing too.
DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?
Yes, it really does. Especially within casting. Life is incredibly boring without diversity.
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
Not bad but one of extremes. If I have an acting job it usually takes me somewhere else, hours of rehearsals and late nights. If I don't have an acting job it’s up to me to make sure I earn some money and don’t allow myself to get complacent.
WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?
Patience, determination and an inner-confidence.
ANY FINAL COMMENTS?
You have to LOVE what you do otherwise the stress of being an actor is simply not worth it. Having said that you also need to make sure you have other things that bring you happiness whether that’s exercise, cooking, music etc. because you cannot rely on performing to always make you happy.