Jade Asha: 'On that first job, I was excited and nervous. I felt like an imposter'

Whether performing at large venues like Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End or in small runs at the Barons Court Theatre, my time on stage has very much informed the screenwriting and production work I do now.

For one thing, it has honed my casting instincts so that I can really trust those I cast to bring my writing to life. It also means that I am mindful and respectful when casting or working with actors, ensuring they are taken care of.

My first acting job was in 2005 in a music video at Pinewood Studios, playing a Las Vegas showgirl. I had just moved to London from Norwich and booked it in my first week. We were picked up in a mini-bus and driven out to Pinewood Studios. I remember hearing U2’s City of Blinding Lights on the radio. I felt like I had made it! But that turned out to be the first and last time that I ever filmed at Pinewood.

I knew that the more things I applied for, the more chance I had of booking something. Back then I was blindly applying for anything that I could get my hands on because I didn’t know what my thing was. I understand the importance of a niche now.

On that first job, I was excited and nervous. I remember being in awe of the other actors and I felt like an imposter.

That was back then: now, reflecting on it, the moment I got my profile up and running – in whatever the job – I would define myself as an actor, not an imposter. The jobs are not what defines you. Professionalism and talent do.

From a small part in a music video to writing, producing and playing a lead in my recent film Ghosted, that first job has led on to more than 17 years of experience, which I have written about in my book Actorpreneur. One of the most important things I learned is that you need a good mindset if you are going to have a long career.

Creating my own work has given me power over my career. I would recommend that to anyone.

Age: Undisclosed
Training: Academy Drama School, London
Theatre includes: A Stay of Execution (Arch Theatre/Barons Court), Aladdin, Cinderella (both Boo Productions) 
Film includes: The Intent, Ghosted, Due Dating, Villain
Voice-over includes: Vinted, Vodaphone, Oxford buses, Mango, Marriage and Fable
Agent: Cherry Parker Management