Kenneth Ndlovu

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

Initially, I didn’t think of myself primarily as an actor – I always enjoyed performing, but it was making skits in primary school in the background of classes or shows! At the time, I really wanted to go into fashion, but my GCSE results were lower than I’d hoped so I had to reconsider my plans. When I realised the Advanced Acting course was available at the College, I remembered how much I loved to act when I was younger so I decided to apply for this course. Studying Performing Arts instead has fully changed my perspective on life, because it’s made me realise that, even though I’ve ‘failed’ once before, success often comes from failure and I’ve succeeded a lot during my time at The Performance Academy!  

How did you hear about Newcastle College? Did you attend an Open Day prior to starting at the College? If so, did you find it useful?

When I was coming into Year 11, everyone at school and in my family were talking about coming to Newcastle College, so applying to study here felt natural. At the time, I was focused on studying a Fashion course, so I went to one of the Art and Design applicant events, which I found really useful because it gave lots of details on the course content and the links to industry (which I’m sure the Performing Arts event did as well!). While I didn’t end up on the Fashion course, I feel like I’ve made loads of industry links through my Advanced Acting course: for example, I went to an open audition last June and caught the attention of one of the most reputable agents in the North East, who regularly reaches out and has attended a couple of my shows at The Performance Academy! I feel really honoured that someone so busy and respected in the industry is making the time to watch me perform. I was also contacted to feature in a show at Northern Stage, Here Be Dragons, which is showing in June; and got the chance to audition for a show called Wormtown in North Shields. All these experiences are great because each one is giving me real insights into the industry and a greater understanding of where I should be aiming for my career. 

What made you decide to come to the College and enrol on your chosen course?

When I was younger, I knew I had a natural flair for acting and the stage, so studying a Performing Arts course was a massive opportunity for me. Being on my Advanced Acting programme now, I’ve really come to enjoy and find strength in my studies, and in the fact of being on stage and developing characters. Acting is my way of expressing my truest voice, and I love being able to express myself through my characters and performances when there’s something I struggle to say outright. For example, during my End of Year Show last year, Jekyll and Hyde, I got the chance to play the character of an older, nineteenth-century gentleman, which was extremely different to my usual comedic roles (in the past I’ve played Geordie mams or fashion gurus, for instance). I really appreciated the opportunity, since it meant I could push myself to change my accent, my stance, my mindset whilst I was in character, all of which made me much more serious about my craft. I have to thank my tutor a lot for trusting me with that opportunity.  

How would you describe the advice and support you received from college and your tutors? Have you had any support for our Central Support Team – Pastoral support?  

I’ve never asked for pastoral support, but I know that if I ever have a problem, I only need to ask my tutor and I’ll get the help I need. I’d sometimes talk to them about smaller issues, so it’s almost like talking to friends, although we keep it strictly professional. 

Do you have any tutors who have industry experience? If so, how has this helped you?  

My tutor comes from an acting and musical production background, so whenever he teaches us I know it’s really informed advice. Sometimes I ask him questions, like when he thought my agent might sign me, so his feedback is always helpful. He’s also really confident and considered in everything he says, and he’s very trustworthy whenever I talk to him about industry topics.  

Have you overcome any challenges while on your course? If so how has the college helped you?  

Acting has always been a core part of who I am, deep inside – I’ve always known I’d love the stage, but I was a bit shy about it, told myself “I’ll pursue acting in my 30s” because I was scared of what other people would say. I overcome any fear of performing in front of a serious audience and not caring what people think, because I realised I’ve got to do the truest performance I can in every performance, and show my tutors, my agent and anyone from industry in the audience how much I have to offer. 

What do you enjoy the most about your course?

What I enjoy the most is the amount of industry links I can make on my course! As someone who’s still young and in college, I’d never have guessed that I’d be making such strong industry connections right away! The fact I’ve been contacted by agents, casting directors from the Theatre Royal and all sorts of other industry professionals proves that I made the right choice by studying Advanced Acting at Newcastle College – I feel like I’ve been massively successful so far on my programme, and I look forward to keeping up that momentum during my career.  

How do you feel that the course is benefitting you?

As a person, I’d say my course has taught me discipline and a lot of patience. Thanks to my tutors, I’ve gained a level of professionalism and understanding of how to compose myself as an actor and how to present myself in industry. They’ve shared some of their own experience from industry on how to manage disputes with coworkers in productions or rehearsals, and I’ve made sure to implement those skills whenever I’ve been doing auditions or rehearsals for local troupes.   

Have you done any work experience or a work placement as part of your course? 

Not yet, as Advanced Acting is quite coursework-led so I don’t have a full-time placement yet. However, because I do three shows each year as part of my course, as well as doing auditions for and performances with different theatres in the North East, I feel like each one of them is a kind of work experience anyway, since I get hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience of what goes into creating and staging a professional performance. 

What would you like to do when you finish your course? Would you consider studying a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

When I finish my course, I want to Step Up to a Performing Arts degree at Newcastle College University Centre, since I know they have a lot of really strong industry links. I’ve been told that the first shows on an HE programme will be performed at the Theatre Royal in front of casting directors, so I’ll have the opportunity to show my skills to industry professionals on an even bigger stage. 

What are your ambitions for the future?

Broadly speaking, in the future I want to keep improving my skills and craft, becoming smarter and more innovative as I explore myself as a person and as an actor. I’d love to see myself in huge films, not for the money or frame but for the experience of what it’s like to work in such a demanding environment, but to create art on that scale which can inspire other people as well. 

On top of that, I’d also really love to contribute to the acting industry here in the North East. Our region isn’t typically considered a hub for the performing arts community, so I’m really keen to create a second, London-style acting industry based in Newcastle. This city has loads of different personalities and talented people who have a lot to give, so I don’t see why there can’t be a strong, sustainable acting community and industry in Newcastle! I’d love to contribute to that and launch this opportunity for other young people like me to express themselves and find their passion. 

What would you say to anyone thinking of studying a course with Newcastle College?

I would say to go for it! The courses here provide a perfectly manageable balance of practical and academic work, so you’ll feel challenged but never overwhelmed. There are loads of industry links on this programme, and the fact that we’re performing in a well-equipped theatre will teach you how to work and perform on an actual, professional stage. Being at Newcastle College also means you’ll get the best head start to being a professional in the performing arts industry, so you need to be true to yourself – it doesn’t matter if your friends are going elsewhere or on different courses, you should still do your research, see what the College can provide with all its experienced staff and amazing facilities, then come here anyway! Trust me, you won’t regret it. 

What are your top tips for being a student at Newcastle College?

Put yourself first – be grounded in what you want and what you would like to achieve, and never be afraid to say no, especially in this industry. 

Build useful connections – humans are social animals, and in this industry it always helps to have as big a network as possible. Don’t be distracted by unhelpful relationships, and make sure to choose your friends wisely. 

Stay focused – remember why you’re here and what you’re here to do, and you won’t go far wrong.  

Rate yourself – if you lead with ambition and intelligence, rather than with ego, then your goals will be met.