“My grandmother was a seamstress at The Abbey Theatre in Dublin and growing up during her visits she’d insist the early morning cartoons were replaced with classic Hollywood films. We would watch for hours and gradually I got completely absorbed by the art of acting.
When I was brought to the theatre I would watch it like a sport. In a similar vein, I am currently attempting to watch every film Nicholas Cage has appeared in, talk about bold choices! You can also see me in my first feature film Mercy Falls, which will be coming out early next year.”
What kind of actor do you aspire to be?
One who is ever-changing and always assumes he has something to learn from an experience. I never want to limit myself to stage or screen as what I really enjoy is the challenge and journey each new job provides. I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to reading about different acting techniques. Experimenting with these new ideas and altering my performance style to best serve each new story, is the most rewarding part of my work.
I am also hugely interested in the production side of filmmaking as I studied it at A-level and have worked frequently with the BA Filmmaking course during my time at RCS. I try to be the best creative ally I can be by being proactive and pre-emptive of what a crew may need from me.
What performance piece did you choose for the showcase and why?
Two actors who have been of enormous inspiration to me are Colin Morgan and Barry Keoghan, for being examples of Irish talent who are consistently involved in interesting projects and pushing the boundaries of their range. I chose one of Lorin’s monologues from Gloria by Brandon Jacob Jenkins. This was our final show at RCS and as I played Dean, I got to watch this monologue every night. The monologue is heart-breaking and bleak and yet you can’t help but laugh at how stuck Lorin feels in his job and how uncaring the people, business, and world around him are. Lorin has reached his breaking point and absolutely needs what he’s saying to be heard and understood. This urgency makes for a great piece!
What book, theatre, film or TV production has most inspired you?
I’m currently reading Boulevard Wren and Other Stories by Blindboy Boatclub. It’s a collection of short stories written by an incredible Irish creative who works in music, tv, writing and podcasting. A true go-getter creative who keeps me sane and reminds me it’s all possible.
How do you keep creative?
When I’m not acting, I think it’s important that I’m getting the right nutrition and consuming the right art that resonates with me and compels me to write my own work. Focusing on what I’m looking for but not finding in other plays, TV shows, and movies has been a powerful tool for me. If there’s a story that I need but can’t find, I’ll try to write it, because someone else needs it too!
Another important element is being creative in ways where there’s not the self-added pressure of ‘I’m supposed to be good at this’. For me these activities are skateboarding, playing the guitar and producing music. I have found taking breaks and enjoying my creativity has been important for my mindfulness and general outlook in post-graduate life.
What is the dream role you’d love to play?
I would have absolutely loved to play Ray, in In Bruges, by Martin McDonagh, as I have been in awe of this film since I was probably too young to watch it (although I’ll happily settle for a role in his next film!) A stage role I would love to portray is 1, in Ballyturk, by Enda Walsh, whose writing style and engagement with large philosophical ideas has always amazed and inspired me.
What do you hope to be doing this time next year?
Ideally, I’d like to be supporting myself financially through my work in acting and have gained enough financial freedom to invest more time in my own writing.