Actor and director Michael Jenn trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and has starred in many films and television shows including Sherlock Holmes, Joan of Arc and The Bill. His directorial work includes The Trial, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.
The Crucible is a finely crafted and emotionally charged account of the events that paralysed the small American village of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, and will be performed at The Roundhouse Theatre, WAAPA from 24 to 30 August 2012.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An actor.
When did you know you would work in the arts?
I never knew; I just hoped.
How would you describe your work to a complete stranger?
I dress up and pretend for a living, or help other people to do the same.
How hard is it to be authentic in the arts nowadays?
Depends on what you mean by authentic….?
Is there a mission to your work?
To tell stories in the clearest and most entertaining way possible.
What’s your background – are there studies that prepare you for this?
30 years as an actor in theatre, film and television after graduating from Acting School in UK. I’m still learning though.
What’s the first thing career related you usually do each day?
Have an idea.
Can you describe an “average” working day for you?
It doesn’t exist. I might be up at 4.30am to get to a studio for filming, start preparing for a show at 6.00pm, or be prepping a script all day for a directing job, or wondering how I can fill the day.
What else do you do to pay the bills?
Voice overs.
What’s the one thing – piece of equipment, toy, security blanket, – you can’t work without?
My memory – hence my fear of losing it.
What gets you fired up?
In a negative way: Injustice, intolerance and inequality. In a positive way: a great script, a great idea, and some great coffee.
Who in the industry most inspires you?
Jack Lemmon; even though he died in 2001.
What in the industry do you despair about?
Lack of imagination, and people without a funny bone deciding the fate of comedy scripts.
What is the best thing about your job?
That I’m lucky enough to do what I love, and often get paid for it. (Though not always).
What’s the worst?
That I’m not saving anyone’s life.
What are the top three skills you need in this industry?
Imagination, perseverance, diplomacy.
What advice would you give anyone looking to break into the field?
Go for it, but prepared to get knocked around a lot.
How do you know when you missed the mark?
When you’re honest enough to admit it.
Which of the below phrases best suits your career development to date and
why?
a. “The road to success is always under construction. ”
b. “Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor.”
c. “Success is best measured by how far you’ve come with the talents you’ve been given.”
d. “No one can cheat you out of ultimate success but yourself.”
None of them.
When do you know you’ve made it?
When you’ve had huge success but never want to retire.
