Kevin Spacey winners' feedback

Although there could only be 21 winners, we can all learn a little something from Kevin Spacey. So, what did the attendees consider to be his most useful advice?

Fisayo Akinde

One of the most interesting things that Kevin said was about having high stakes in your performance. There are a lot of casual characters in theatre, but you’ve still got to approach them with those high stakes, with that seriousness.

He explained that you’ve got to really care about the words that you’re saying and almost use them as weapons to be fired out at the audience.

The advice that would probably be of most use to other IdeasTap users was what he said about the audition process. He explained that the point of an audition wasn’t just to get the part, but to build a relationship with the person or people auditioning you. Remember that they’re all in the same position as you; they’re all aspiring too. That stuff will be really useful when I get out of drama school, as hopefully I’ll be doing lots of auditions.

Another useful piece of advice was that talent doesn’t matter if you’re lazy. You’ve still got to work hard and you’ve still got to bring that drive to what you’re doing.

Finally, he said, “If you say it, you own it.” So, in terms of nerves, the minute you admit it out loud, it all becomes fine and clear.

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Anne Marie Odesanya

The whole session, from the warm-up to the actual monologues, was perfect. One of the most useful pieces of advice was when Kevin addressed being nervous when you go in for auditions. Just remember to stay calm and do the best you can. Also, remember to be as loud and clear as you can.

There weren’t any really embarrassing moments from the day, although I could've been more relaxed. But then again, it was quite overwhelming and a bit surreal.

In the future I will try to use what I learned from the experience during auditions. Instead of getting into a state of panic, it’s good to remember to take it easy and that essentially everybody in the room is just as ambitious as the auditionee.

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Simon Ginty

Kevin organised his talk prior to our performances so well that I felt very comfortable. I think we all felt part of a group-learning dynamic; able to reach our potential without the crippling nerves one usually gets and, certainly in this case, expects. Kevin's notes were really useful and usable, and I enjoyed the thought that I'd managed to achieve what he was advising. Equally, seeing everyone else's monologues and his advice for them gave us a real range of ideas to work with.

It was really interesting to hear Kevin explain that when you go in to an audition, it’s important to remember that everyone you meet is ambitious – no one feels as though they have “made it”. To see yourself as an equal rather than just a struggling auditionee is a really useful thought. Anything that allows you to relax and let go of nerves is so valuable.

I did talk a lot at first when I introduced myself... I suppose I was a little overwhelmed. I think, “It's like a chat show” were Kevin Spacey's words.

As someone yet to truly enter the industry (I'm finishing my degree), I've come out of the experience feeling much more sure of myself, ready, secure and excited about the future. I also hope to stay in touch with all the friendly, equally overwhelmed actors that I met.

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