Ever since I got a taste for life in the limelight through school Nativity plays, I became hooked. The allure of abandoning myself and adopting the personality of individuals superior to me was overwhelming. Therefore, I took to the stage wherever I discovered an opportunity. These included school plays, GCSE Drama, and children’s performances. This once flirtatious encounter with the dramatic arts had blossomed into a beautiful love affair.
Briefly, the flashing eyes of film production stole me from my paramour with promises of Hollywood success. Though, ultimately, I would find myself in the Media City of Salford, England. However, the art of acting persisted in dominating my thoughts. So, as my university graduation drew near, and I became destined to return to Northern Ireland, I sought out local performing arts training. It was through this fateful search that I came to be involved with the Lyric Theatre’s annual Drama Studio programme.
Under the tutelage of a multitude of industry professionals, I was struck with a revelation that has moulded me into the man behind these words. When I commenced my pursuits of Tinseltown, I was doing so to abandon myself and my flaws. It had never occurred to me to embrace them, or even use them to fuel my performance. Twice weekly, I and thirteen others placed ourselves in emotionally vulnerable positions to create our best work that always felt soberingly human. No negative judgements were ever passed. In fact, it united us in a way inexpressible through the spoken, or written, word.
I count each and every one of those thirteen dramatically fabulous individuals among my closest friends. I highly recommend the Studio to those yet to experience it. To effectively portray someone else, you must first know, love, and accept your own sweet self.
Will Jordan
Lyric Drama Studio
Will has been cast as Dr Arthur Seward in Liz Lochhead’s Dracula. He recently represented the Drama Studio in a scene from Spring Awakening at the Sam McCready tribute event (Seven Ages of Sam) on the main stage at the Lyric.