Polly Frame, actress

Tell us what you do for a living?

Actress

Can you describe what that involves?

Portraying a variety of different characters from scripts or devised work for film, TV, radio and theatre.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy every aspect of my job when I am working; the diversity of situations I am able to inhabit, both on and off set, the variety of characters I am able to experience and understand through portraying them and meeting such a wide variety of people with such differing areas of expertise in the industry.

Is there anything you do not enjoy?

It can be tough not getting some of the jobs you really set your heart on.

Can you describe what a day in your job might be?

When working, each day can be completely different, and you are often not in the same place for very long. Days often start very early or go on very
late and you always need to be energised and focused, no matter what the project and always be ready to muck in.

What hours do you work?

Completely varied hours.

How much do you earn or what is your salary?

Again earnings can vary dramatically. A salary can range between anything as low as £250 a week for theatre to a fees above a £1000 for less than a weeks work in film or TV. Radio is normally around £250 a day.

How long have you been working in this area?

Six years proffesionally.

Can you tell us how you got to where you are?

I never wanted to do anything else, so from a young age, have always involved myself in drama groups and projects and when none were available
created my own. I then got involved with the young persons Theatre at the Royal Court and began to work with people I met there until attending
University.

Can you tell us about your education to date?

After going to school in Scotland, I did a Theatre Studies A-level at an adult education centre in London, (Kensington and Chelsea), then eventually
went on to study Film Theatre and TV at Bristol University.

Can you tell us about any training you have sought/received?

Apart from my training at University, I try and attend regular workshops on various skill or techniques that I either would like to learn or brush up on. There are plenty of these oppurtunities throughout London.

Have you learnt any new skills whilst doing this job? If yes, please tell us what they are.

All the time, on my last job I learnt to speak a little Gaelic.

Did you come across any problems getting this job?

Acting is a highly competitive arena and so there is never any guarentee you will be in work. The best way to deal with this is to make sure you are
always prepared for auditions and don't kick yourself if you don't get them all, make sure you have a healthy and happy non working life too.

Looking back, would you choose the same job again? If no, what would you choose if you could start again?

yes!

Thinking about your personal experience, what advice would you give to someone hoping to follow a similar career path?

Be prepared for a hard slog but the rewards will be worth it. Keep everything in perspective, the good and the bad and never doubt yourself. Try to enjoy the whole process, working, auditioning and resting, there will be plenty of all three!

Do you have an aspiration/goal for your future career?

To keep working and stretching myself with more challenging projects.

How will you try and get there?

Auditioning, watching new work, keeping fit and healthy and aware.

How long do you think it will take you?

A lifetime!