See you on the other side of ‘What if….?’

Each week we’ll be asking a member of The Actors’ Temple Community 10 questions about their experiences, life and thoughts on acting.

This week we speak to actress, student (and keen skateboarder) Cara Kiri currently in the fifth term of The Core Training at The Actors Temple.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Curious, Creative, Determined

Why did you choose to become an actor?

I love to surprise people in a expressive creative way and I have found I can surprise myself too. Acting is addictive to me I can’t seem to stop and I never want to. In putting myself into different situations I have learnt about other peoples perspectives and it’s always intrigued me.

Most challenging part of core training so far and why?

The most challenging part of the Core training for me is learning scripts with a new technique. I find it is an easy trap to fall into; to get the exact words and breaking down how you should feel especially considering years of this practise, it becomes habitual. The Core has taught me that there is no need to worry about being interesting, we already are.

Who inspires you?

I don’t look to one person but it is a variety of people day to day as well as actors, authors and films that inspires me. Quotes like “sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine”. I love anything that is unique that goes against the grain, especially when it can change the flow of how I think.

What brought you to The Actors’ Temple?

Whilst studying at University I was introduced to the Sanford Meisner technique by being shown the repetition exercise. We had no idea of what to expect, so I volunteered along with another student, he and myself sat knee to knee and began the repetition very simply with the given words; “I love you”. By the time our tutor had called to stop, it had produced a eureka moment in me. I had to delve more into Meisner technique and The Actors Temple was the place to do it.

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

I have always loved the character of Sherlock Holmes, his curiosity and knowledge skill base that he has built up is almost like an instinct. I love how in the recent Sherlock tv series he has an arrogance about him, tones of substance abuse that isn’t looked over and yet he is still an addictive personality to watch. These daring bold characteristics always draws to me. It’s a type of character that gravitates towards me that I don’t believe is seen in the same way for a female character widely.

If you weren’t an actor, what alternate career would you have?

I wouldn’t want an alternate career, I almost got carried away with Stage Management/Lighting Designing job at St. David’s Concert Hall. It was a fantastic creative atmosphere but it wasn’t enough, it doesn’t have the same depth of involvement as acting for me. I also dabbled with the idea of being a musician in my mid to late teens writing my own songs and lyrics, which I still do from time to time.

What motivates you?

Music, films, fictional books, breaks away from work to doing something fun. I think it’s important to allow yourself time to cool down in order to have a fresh mind to get creating again. I love talking with other creative minds, there is nothing like a good hot chocolate and a chat about ideas to get motivated!

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

Give broccoli a chance, try it with mac & cheese! And also, you are already enough, be patient and you’ll be where you need to be when you are ready and look after yourself.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about training with The Actors’ Temple?

Jump in and dare yourself to be free, be silly, get it wrong because when you’re so concerned about getting it so right, it’ll probably end up going wrong anyway. Have fun and explore all options before writing yourself off.

See you on the other side of ‘What if?….

#Actor #Training #Inspiration #Passion #Theatre #Drama #Skateboarding #Meisner #TheActorsTemple #CoreTraining