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Helen Modern

Helen Modern Helen Modern Helen

It’s difficult to know where to start when someone asks me to talk about my experience of “The Players Drama School”, and I feel honoured to have been asked….

I joined the school because performing had always been a hobby.
Now, its how I earn my living.

Looking back, I only ever saw ‘acting’ as a hobby because I was constantly told that, despite being talented, performing wasn’t a “real” career and it was highly unlikely I’d ever make a solid living out of it. This wasn’t the voice of my parents, they were very supportive, but more my Teachers at school. As an adult now I empathise with their concerns at the time – as admittedly acting is an unstable career. However Debbie and the experiences her school gave me changed my views and gave me the support and personal strength to make this more than a hobby. Being part of the school allowed me to see that my aspirations were achievable – there was no denying it would be hard work, Debbie won’t ever let you forget that! – but none the less, I could turn my hobby into a career.

I graduated from drama school in June 2004 with a first class honours degree in Acting, and after a showcase in London was offered various representation from some leading London agents. The first person I called for advice? Debbie Carter. 4 years on, I am still working in mainstream British Television under the representation of my agent, and have worked on some amazing TV series in regular roles including BAD GIRLS, MESSIAH, WIRE IN THE BLOOD, British comedy series RESPECTABLE and various other shows. In February 2008, new ITV drama ROCK RIVALS will be transmitted, a new venture made by Shed Media Plc, which I have been shooting over in Ireland for the past 5 months…

Career credits aside, the biggest value for me of The Players Drama School was that it provided a safe environment for me to ‘play’, grow and learn about myself and how I work with other people. So much of children’s and young adult’s lives is focussed around text book learning these days that we forget to ‘play’. “Playing” is about interaction. Every one, not just actors, are required to act and interact on a daily basis – lawyers, teachers, politicians, nurses – we all have a role to play, and a costume/uniform to wear every second of our lives, and the transferable skills this drama school taught me, about just being able to communicate efficiently with people has been priceless! This place gave me a bigger voice than I already had, and masses of sustainable self-confidence that again is vital in a world where so many factors can knock you down.

My first appearance on television was through The Players Drama School, and for theatre it was where I gained my first acting award – for “Best Operatic in a Musical” from N.O.D.A for my role of Elisa Doolittle in My Fair Lady - I am forever indebted to Debbie and her team for offering these experiences. Not only this, but I still see Debbie as a mentor to me – she is a strong, passionate woman who knows her business! And someone I trust unconditionally. The school is run by professionals who know their craft – and I mean KNOW it – and who also take the time to care and know their pupils; their personalities, their strengths and weaknesses and can therefore know how to help them grow. This is what the school did for me. It helped me grow. I will continue to act for as long as I am fit and able. But I will never forget that The Players Drama School is where I started.