Acting up: how theatre skills translate to business

One minute you're taking in the applause, next you're knee-deep planning a series of acting workshops – and you're not the only one. Many theatre creatives are converting their skills to develop small start-ups, in order to supplement their income or share their knowledge. Here's why your acting career converts brilliantly to business:

You're brave

If you can cope with a first night, you can start up your own company. Sharing your skills with a group of willing participants will be a walk in the park compared to that first acting gig. You already have the confidence to enter a room and begin your presentation.

You're organised

As an actor you have to memorise lines, listen for cues, and keep alert while pretending to be someone else, all at the same time. Business skills require attention to detail, high memory function and multi-tasking. You can't go into a meeting if you don't remember someone's name, and you can't run your own company if you aren't inventive.

You love learning

Theatre creatives love the process of research, it's why you're in the acting business. What actor doesn't research a role or look into a character in depth? It's the same with setting up a new company. If you don't have a thoroughly researched awareness of your business and your customers, you won't get far.

Your show always goes on

Business owners must always show a professional face. Even if you've had zero hours sleep the night before, you'll be able to walk into a meeting cool as a cucumber, hand outstretched, game face on. Once an actor, always an actor.

Does this sound like you? Get Clarity to discuss converting your creative skills into a viable business. We can help you make it a reality.