Take the stage is our regular feature where we meet Performers College graduates and find out what they’re up to now. Today we meet graduate T’yanna-Nicole to find out more about her roles in commercia dance, for companies like Charlotte Tilbury, Nike, Samsung and Avon, and get her advice for the next generation of performers.
What is an average day like when working on an advertising shoot?
An average day on an advertising shoot is always full of creativity, energy, and surprises. I’ve worked on campaigns for Charlotte Tilbury x Céline Dion, Samsung, Nike, and Avon, and no two shoots are ever the same. Shoot days are usually 10–12 hours with early call times for hair and makeup, and the schedule can change throughout the day, so staying flexible and ready is key. My favourite part is definitely the on-set atmosphere, being surrounded by so many talented people all working towards the same creative vision. I love performing for the camera and adapting to different choreographers’ styles, whether it’s something we’ve rehearsed beforehand or choreography I’m learning on the day. Each shoot pushes me creatively and reminds me why I love what I do.
What would your advice be to someone who is interested in working on commercial shoots like an advertising campaign?
My advice would be to know what makes you unique as a performer and have confidence in that. Most commercial jobs that I have worked on started with a self-tape audition, so your individuality and energy need to come through the screen clearly. Casting directors see hundreds of tapes, so it’s important to understand the brief, stick to it, but also find subtle ways to show a bit of you, that personal spark often makes all the difference. Once you’re on set, stay focused and professional, even though the atmosphere is fun and creative. Things move fast, and when the camera’s on, every detail counts. Confidence is key, and being kind and respectful to everyone goes a long way; you never know who you’ll end up working with again! Finally, make sure you have a strong headshot and a polished portfolio, since commercials often cast to match a specific look or energy.
How have commercial advertising shoots differed from theatre work?
I love commercial advertising work and theatre work, and one of the biggest differences between the two is the time span that you get for each job within a commercial job, you’ll usually get one or two days of rehearsal, and then you’ll be straight to set, whereas in theatre you have two weeks or more rehearsal and then you’ll be in front of a live audience performing on stage.
Performing to camera and performing on stage are two different things that you may need different skill sets for, for example how you express in your face. If the camera is doing a close up, or a wide shot you’ll express much more subtly than if you’re on stage in a theatre where you’ll need to express so that the person in the back of the theatre can see exactly what you’re doing just as well as the person in the front row.
Personally, I love working in both types of jobs. I love the fast-paced energy and the spontaneity of commercial work. And then I also love how much time you get to really get into character in theatre and also receiving real-time audience feedback – that makes no two shows ever exactly the same, because the energy of every show is different because of the audience and that is so exciting to me.
What was your biggest takeaway from your time at Performers College?
One of my biggest takeaways from my time at Performers College was learning the importance of versatility. When I first joined, my main goal was to become a commercial dancer, but through the training, I discovered how valuable it is to develop skills across acting, singing, and all styles of dance. Now that I’m working professionally, I’ve realised how often those extra skills come into play and you never know when they’ll be needed on a job. Performers also taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and professionalism. The industry workshops that we had in third year were especially inspiring, as they gave me a clearer sense of direction and helped me learn from people already thriving in the industry. I left college feeling passionate, focused, and prepared, now I’ve carried that same drive into my career today.
What else have you been up to?
Since graduating, I’ve been fortunate to work across a wide range of projects from commercials and music videos to film, TV, and live performances. Some of my career highlights include dancing in Netflix’s The 6888, choreographed by Debbie Allen and directed by Tyler Perry, and featuring in the Charlotte Tilbury x Céline Dion holiday campaign, which was such a special experience. I’ve also performed internationally in places like Saudi Arabia, France, Portugal, and Malta, and worked in theatre. Most recently, I’ve been on tour with Wicked: The Wizard of Oz, which has been an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. I’m having so much fun and I’m so grateful for all of my Performers College lecturers and everyone who literally shaped me into the person I am today. I’m grateful for you all – Thank you!
To discover more about Performers College, including auditions and how to apply, contact us at [email protected] or you can Apply Now, or book an Open Day on our Events page.
