9th June 2009
Michael Sheen Visits RWCMD
Fresh from his success in critically
acclaimed movies, Frost/Nixon and The Damned
United, Michael Sheen paid a visit to the RWCMD to spend some
time with the acting students. During his visit he led a
masterclass with the 1st years in which they presented
short performances. This was followed by a Q&A session with
1st and 2nd year acting
students.
Michael was born in Newport and grew up in
Port Talbot, South Wales. Despite his talent for football he chose
to become an actor, studying at the Bristol Old Vic and RADA. He
was well known in UK theatres, including a stint with the RSC, when
his 1999 Broadway lead in Amadeus catapulted his talent to
international audiences. He has since appeared in numerous
Hollywood films from the gothic horror, Underworld, to the
critically acclaimed The Queen. Michael’s success goes
from strength to strength on stage, TV and film, winning him
incredible recognition for his range and versatility. Future
projects include Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland
alongside Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.
In 2007, Michael became a Fellow of the Royal
Welsh College of Music and Drama and in 2009 he was awarded an OBE
for his services to drama.
Here are the students’ reactions:
“For a huge star of the screen and stage,
Michael is incredibly down to earth. He is very likeable and
charming.
“Michael made me realise that although this business is very
difficult to get in to, it is not impossible. The most humbling
thing about his visit for me was that he reiterated everything that
we have been learning over the last year, proving that I am
studying at a very, very good drama school and I am obtaining
an accurate and thorough training.” Daniel
Williams
***
“Michael has a real passion for acting
that just oozes from him! I was surprised at his ardent
dedication to the stage. He believes an actor’s home is the
theatre, whereas Film and TV belong to the directors and
editors.
“The
Q&A session helped to give me a deeper understanding of myself
as an actor. His advice on television acting was really helpful to
me as I find this particularly difficult. He told me to trust that
the camera will pick up my emotions. His theory on developing a
character also gave me a great insight into my own technique and
ways that I can improve.
“The best piece of
advice that he gave us, in my opinion, was to be creative when we
leave - whatever it takes, whether reading plays, writing or
just getting together to perform with a group of friends. He said
the most important thing is that this career makes you happy.
“I will remember this
fantastic opportunity forever.” Scott
Arthur
***
“He is very humble and real, he tells it
like it is. He directed me in a scene (which I will NEVER forget!)
and helped me to see it from an entirely different point of view –
it was great!
“I learnt so much
from Michael. The thing that really stuck in my head was when he
told us that we should feel uncomfortable when we are performing –
we are not there to enjoy ourselves but to do a job. He told us
that if someone comments that a particular moment made them feel
something, not to ask which moment it was! If you do that then you
will always be striving for the same reaction. He gave us so much
advice, my head is going like a freight train trying to fit it all
in!
“It has been an
amazing day. He is one of my idols and even nicer than I could
imagine!” Royce Banameck