THE Frome Actors Network is an opportunity for actors or those interested in the industry to share ideas, create projects and meet like-minded people.
Lou Hart, founder of the Frome Actors Network said, “I remember a performance I saw at the RSC in Stratford when I was at secondary school – it was Edmond Rostund’s Cyrano de Bergerac starring Anthony Sher – and I recall being so enthralled with the actors, the language, the costumes, the set – everything about it.
“It was this very performance that inspired my journey into wanting to become an actor. It’s that undeniable feeling of escapism, becoming a character sometimes so different to yourself and the addictive adrenalin rush that I crave and that only acting can instill in me.
“After studying drama at A-level, I enrolled onto a modern drama course at Brunel University in 2004. However, after graduation and due to circumstance, I returned home to pursue a different career in product development. Although I did continue to perform in non-professional companies and was given opportunities to play lead roles, the demands of my day job pulled me in a different direction and so acting had to be put on hold.
“After some 11 years later and after the devastating loss of our premature baby boy earlier this year, I felt a real pull to return to acting. Maybe it was the need to channel my emotions into something creative – as a therapeutic outlet. Acknowledging this feeling and having that rekindled desire to perform again, I was keen to meet other actors in the area and to open up opportunities to collaborate.
“And so the Frome Actors Network was born. A place for fellow actors in Frome and the surrounding area to share ideas and information about the industry, to devise innovative creative projects and meet like-minded people that ultimately share that one desire – to perform.
“We launched our very first networking evening at The Welshmill Hub last month which was great – already we have some exciting ideas in the pipeline. We also have special guests, who are successful in the industry, lined up to join us to share their expertise. I’m really excited about what the future holds for the network – watch this space!
“If you are interested in joining us and finding out about forthcoming networking evenings and events, please sign up to our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @fromeactorsnetwork. Our forthcoming networking evening will be taking place on Wednesday 13th December 8.00pm-9.00pm at The Cave, The Welshmill Hub, Park Hill Drive, Frome.”