Alexa Morden 

How did you start off in theatre?

It’s all I’ve ever known and loved – I first said I wanted to be an actor aged three.

What instigated your move into coaching?

I’ve been on a huge journey over the years of untangling my self-worth from the industry. I saw many people selling a dream, while I wanted to help fellow actors handle the reality of the parts of this career that aren’t usually spotlighted. It’s good to be aspirational and dream big, but we can find that fun, joy and excitement on every step of our actor journey, not just when “dreams come true”.

What is the best piece of advice you have for drama students and graduates today?

Unlearn the concept of “making it” and any idea you have about how to “make it”. You can do everything right, be the best in the room, want it the most but still nothing is guaranteed. Find your own personal version of “making it” and find joy in the process and the journey. Jobs will come and go, and you deserve to live a happy, fulfilled life in between them.

What would you change about the industry if you could?

I’d love to demolish the hierarchy of power that exists, with actors often at the bottom. We’re all creatives in this industry, just doing different jobs. No one needs to be put on a pedestal, and actors should feel empowered at every point in their career… whether they’re on the red carpet or filming a self-tape at 10pm after a shift pulling pints.

What is the best part of your job?

Being able to reinvigorate actors by boosting their confidence in an industry that often makes them question it. Reminding them of their talent, accomplishments and power, outside of their résumé. I especially love working on screen-acting technique and auditioning with actors – there’s so much more fun to be had with scene work and auditions when you get out of your own head.

What is the one skill that every successful theatre professional should have?

Resilience.

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