In the Spotlight is our regular feature where we meet current students from Performers College. This week we meet Charlie Tinson, a third-year BA (Hons) Acting for Stage, Screen and Digital Media student from our Birmingham campus.
What inspired/led you to train in Acting?
I have always loved films, video games and the theatre, so I think it was something I was destined to fall into at some point. I started performing later in life, but it made me feel seen and gave me a way to express myself. I found out early on that I love the feeling of performing, and seeing people’s reactions, and really admire the power the arts has to educate and change people’s lives, so when I discovered that I could do that for my job it made my decision easy.
Why did you choose Performers College Birmingham?
Performers wasn’t initially my first choice, but when I came on my first Open Day, I knew that it was the right place for me. There was a real family atmosphere and everyone was so welcoming – I just loved the vibe and the people. I had initially planned to study in America because I couldn’t find a course which explored screen acting in as much depth as stage, so I was super excited when Performers created the course because it allowed me to gain skills and knowledge for screen acting, voice acting, and other mediums too. The links/proximity to the music and film school campuses, as well as the studios and major industry outlets in the local area really helped to solidify my decision too.
What’s your personal highlight of your time at Performers College so far?
There are so many favourite moments to choose from, but one of the most memorable experiences for me was the stage combat intensive workshop we did with True Edge at the end of our first year. After we finished the final exams at the end of the week, and everyone had passed, we all came together and danced to Proud Mary in a giant circle – it was a real core memory. Plus we got to learn sword fighting – with Pirates of the Caribbean playing in the background – and unarmed combat, which is pretty cool!
I also loved our motion capture module – I had so much fun learning various technical elements used in some of my favourite games and movies, as well as working with Adam Diggle (who was in one of my favourite games!) and Target 3D.
Where do you hope your career takes you in the future?
In the future, I want to make a living doing what I love – however that manifests. I would love to work on screen for part of my career – the dream would be Marvel, ShondaLand or Steven Spielberg! And I have a bucket list of actors I’d love to work with someday too. Alongside this, I hope to integrate my passion for combat and stunts into my career. I may go to America for a while after I graduate, and further my craft over there in some form.
What advice would you give to someone applying to Performers College?
My main advice for someone applying to study here would be to trust your instincts and make sure you find what’s right for you as your main priority. Go to taster days, speak to current students, explore the city, ask the questions you might be afraid to ask, and then decide if the course/school is right for YOU – because you’re the person who will be spending 3 years training there, not your best friend, partner, parents, etc. Make sure you like the people and the atmosphere too – you’ll rely on them and you’ll need their help on the tough days. But, most of all, have fun, be yourself, and don’t let fear hold you back.
What else have you been working on?
I’ve been very lucky to have worked on some really cool projects during my time at performers, including a music video and other projects in collaboration with MetFilm/BIMM Music Institute. I have also worked on the Netflix show Sex Education, and I recently auditioned for a major video game, and secured a supporting role in an indie feature film – though I’m unable to share much more about them just yet!
I’ve also been able to explore some personal projects, such as writing a tv series, a musical, and several concept ideas, which was helped by the writing module I chose in second year. Most recently, I worked on a video campaign for Cheshire Police, and performed in Romeo and Juliet, where I got to indulge in my stage combat passion, as Mercutio.
To discover more about Performers College, including auditions and how to apply, contact us at [email protected] or book an Open Day on our Events page.
