I Can Finally Breathe…

At Actors’ Temple we love to connect and create with our students which is why we regularly catch up with them to find out more. This week caught up with Core student Henny Hardy about being fiery, meeting like-minded people and finally being able to breathe!

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Persistent, Child-like and Fiery.

Why did you choose to become an actor?

There are so many reasons why! I could write an essay but I think it boils down to having the desire to find truth and connection. Acting for me envelopes all of my favourite things so itʼs more of a need to be an actor rather than a choice.

Most challenging part of core training so far and why?

For me the most challenging part of the core training is really learning to let go and let the scene/rep take me rather than me trying to control it and my partner. Throughout the core training I have been able to explore the different sides to myself and although it is terrifying it is also exciting and fulfilling on a whole other level. I never knew how hard it was to be truthful with myself and others! It is also so refreshing to work with teachers who are just so honest with you, they get straight to the point, which really helps me learn how to go deeper and although it takes a long time to uncover all of the conditioning’s, it is worth it. Being able to be accepted by myself as I am, by my peers and by the teachers makes one finally be able to breathe!

Who inspires you?

Judi Dench, Clare Danes, Olivia Coleman, Laura Linney, Dakota Fanning, Greta Gerwig….

What brought you to the Actors Temple?

I first came to the Actors Temple in 2012 it was my first acting course I embarked on with Mark Wakeling and I have always come back after trying various other schools. I have never found anywhere so accepting, so un-endgaming and with such a great support network of students and teachers. Someone had told me about the training and it really interested me so I gave it a shot and it changed my life.

If you could play any character – who would it be and why?

I would love to play a role like Amy Dunne in Gone Girl, I love how she is both good and bad and itʼs all covered up in an illusion of perfection. I think this is true of a lot of people in the world and I would love to explore this character further. Psychopaths intrigue me, what makes them do the things they do and how they live with it all afterwards beguiles me!

What motivates you?

Having a process, Like minded people, stories, forever learning new things, getting the chance to really be myself and connect fully to others.

If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would it say?

I would say you are going to take a long time to follow your dreams but you should never ever give up and that all you need is your own belief in yourself because everyone elseʼs is forever changing. Only do what makes your soul happy and make a life for yourself which you donʼt have to find constant escape from.

If you werenʼt an actor, what alternate career would you have?

I have already tried everything else Iʼve wanted to do; the art world, teaching, so now it really is only to be an actor. It is what I have longed for since my first ever performance as the white

rabbit in Alice and Wonderland at 6 years old.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about training with the Actorsʼ Temple?

I would say that itʼs an incredible experience and the more you put into it the more you will get out of it so be prepared to be pushed and to be able to give it your all. I also would suggest not having too much of an ego because it will get bruised but that is the beauty of the training! Also donʼt be surprised if your life outside of training changes rapidly itʼs most always for the better. I really couldnʼt recommend the Actors temple and the teachers more highly.

Find information on our upcoming foundation courses here.

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