The Making of an Actor: From Uni Dropout to Professional Actor | Exclusive with Monica Bennett

[00:00:00] I walked into the room and the teacher just said, here's a situation, here's a scenario, act. And I was like, how do I do that?

[00:00:09] I was working about two or three jobs at the same time and I saved up my money. I found the local acting school and I just paid for as many classes as I could.

[00:00:18] I used all my wages and they went into my acting. I just honestly, my money, I barely had any. I just was like, I want to learn.

[00:00:27] I need to get myself out there. I need to train again. I've had a long time where I've not performed and I just need to do something.

[00:00:34] So I went to charity shops and would buy plays, like secondhand plays, and would just read them. I'd learn monologues.

[00:00:40] I have hundreds of plays in my bedroom just stacked and I would just read them. I didn't care what it was about. Just read it.

[00:00:48] I'd learn a character. I'd learn some lines. I'd do a monologue and then I'd move on to the next one.

[00:00:53] You dropped out. Six months, uni. You dropped out. Why? And what was the madness?

[00:00:59] Meet Monica Bennett, a UK-based actress. Behind the grace of ballet and the magic of stage lights, Monica discovered her true passion, acting.

[00:01:08] From her early days with the Birmingham Royal Ballet to leading roles in indie films, she combines elegance with raw talent.

[00:01:15] Now, with her sights set on Hollywood and HBO, she shares how auditions, character preparation, and passion fuel her craft.

[00:01:23] Watch now to dive deeper.

[00:01:30] So, hey everyone. I am Ajay Tambay, the host and producer of Creature Audio's Guardian Broadcast.

[00:01:34] And today with me, I have a wonderful guest.

[00:01:36] She is an actress and she is from the UK.

[00:01:39] Important thing is she is uni dropout.

[00:01:42] So, another one in the club. Again, for acting and for auditions and for, you know, a journey to become an artist, she decided she is going to dropout.

[00:01:51] Okay. That is one of the big things she has done at this moment.

[00:01:56] Importantly, she started dancing at the age of three.

[00:01:59] She entered into tap dance, into ballet.

[00:02:00] She trained, you know, in proper academy in Birmingham.

[00:02:04] And, you know, she trained herself.

[00:02:06] Then she also trained herself as an actor.

[00:02:08] She did a lot of workshops, auditions, you know, trained herself through the process of being into ballet, joining workshops, being under mentors.

[00:02:15] Same thing she did.

[00:02:16] So, she is kind of professional at a very young age.

[00:02:20] She is something that she is doing where she thinks, no, I have to do it professionally.

[00:02:24] She is maintaining the whole aura of herself as an artist.

[00:02:28] Like, she wants to make sure that everything falls in places and I have to be good at every single thing.

[00:02:33] So, today I have with you is Monica Bennett from UK.

[00:02:37] Welcome, welcome to the show, Monica.

[00:02:39] Hello. Thank you so much for having me.

[00:02:41] So, what's up? What's going on with you now?

[00:02:46] Actually, life is very busy at the moment.

[00:02:48] So, obviously, it was the summer holidays for us.

[00:02:51] So, I went away with my family a few times because it's quite a quiet time for acting in the UK during kind of July and August.

[00:03:00] But September and October, they're really busy months.

[00:03:03] So, I'm just going from audition to audition, projects.

[00:03:06] And, yeah, just going for it.

[00:03:09] Wow, that sounds cool, you know.

[00:03:11] Yeah, I heard this thing, you know, this June, July are the months where there's not a lot of work.

[00:03:16] But that is the part where you prepare, you know, on your craft.

[00:03:20] You prepare for auditions, self-tapes.

[00:03:22] A lot of things are going on.

[00:03:24] Okay.

[00:03:24] Monica, just tell me one thing.

[00:03:26] What's your schedule look like in 2024, you know, as an artist?

[00:03:29] What are the things that you follow as an artist now in 2024?

[00:03:35] So, each day, I try to kind of watch either an interview or a masterclass or something from an actor, director, casting director, agent, anyone really that I look up to.

[00:03:48] I try to do that every single day because it keeps you motivated, it keeps you inspired, and it keeps you constantly, like, going for it.

[00:03:55] And then each week looks different.

[00:03:57] Obviously, when you're a performer, you can have a week where you are working seven days and then a week where you can be working one or no days.

[00:04:04] So, when I'm not doing that, I'm just picking up work where I can.

[00:04:08] But, yeah, working all the time.

[00:04:11] Yeah.

[00:04:12] I mean, that is kind of a dilemma for an actor, you know.

[00:04:15] When there's too much work, you think, like, hey, I work like hell, you know.

[00:04:18] It's, like, why are you guys not working?

[00:04:21] We come into that ways where we see ourselves, like, working like hell, you know.

[00:04:25] And there's a part where we are chilling like hell.

[00:04:29] Like, it's a part where there is no work and you are still confused.

[00:04:33] Like, and you go into that phase, like, what's going on with me?

[00:04:36] I have no work.

[00:04:37] And it's kind of a phase of, and every actor goes through this, you know.

[00:04:42] So, this is kind of a phase that every actor has to go through this, you know, working a lot.

[00:04:48] And I guess this is the life of an actor, you know, or an artist.

[00:04:52] Like, it is like this.

[00:04:53] It's filled with work, a lot of work.

[00:04:55] And then it's filled with empty, empty space.

[00:04:57] You know, there's nothing.

[00:04:58] It feels like there's no meaning to live.

[00:05:01] It's that kind of.

[00:05:03] Okay.

[00:05:03] Good to know that.

[00:05:05] Now, tell me, before we jump on to your journey, you know, you started at three, the childhood story.

[00:05:11] That's going to be really fun to know.

[00:05:14] But before you jumped into acting and now you are professionally training yourself, you're doing short films, you know.

[00:05:20] You are becoming part of my projects, you know.

[00:05:22] And you're doing a lot of things.

[00:05:24] We would like to know you in the childhood and the one who at three decided I have to do this ballet dancing and tap dancing.

[00:05:33] What was going on with you then?

[00:05:37] So when I was younger, so when I was about two years old, on the TV, there was an anniversary for Swan Lake and Sadler's Wells with the Royal Ballet.

[00:05:46] And I was two years old.

[00:05:48] I sat in front of the TV and I watched it.

[00:05:50] I didn't get up.

[00:05:51] I sat in that same position and I just watched it.

[00:05:53] And my parents said, we need to get her into dancing.

[00:05:56] And then as soon as I started dancing, there was old films like The Wizard of Oz and Norman Wisdom films that were on the TV, Breakfast at Tiffany's with Audrey Hepburn.

[00:06:07] And as such a young child, I would just watch them.

[00:06:10] I wouldn't be bored.

[00:06:11] I wouldn't be scared.

[00:06:12] And I think then my parents kind of knew, OK, she really likes what she's watching.

[00:06:17] Let's just get her to try it.

[00:06:18] And then I've done it ever since, really.

[00:06:21] Well, that's good to know, you know, that phase of curiosity, you know, getting stuck in front of TV and then your parents must be the one who took the good decision, you know, where they didn't put you on TV.

[00:06:33] They put you in front of TV and they thought like, hey, just let her have a fun and not interrupt.

[00:06:37] Let's continue to work.

[00:06:39] They did a good job of, you know, hey, she is watching something.

[00:06:43] Let's put her out in the world where she can enjoy the stuff that she's watching.

[00:06:47] And tap dancing, ballet dancing, I guess, great, great.

[00:06:51] The way it shapes you as an artist, it's kind of a different way to, you know, complete the body language of an artist with the way the ballet dancing and the ballet dancing and tap dancing is.

[00:07:04] You were three, you joined the ballet dancing.

[00:07:06] So how did your school phase went?

[00:07:09] Like you never entered into acting directly.

[00:07:12] Finally, how did that phase of you continue your journey as a dancer and then becoming a professional dancer?

[00:07:19] When did that transition happen where you're in school, part of school where you're completely enjoying the dance?

[00:07:25] When did that transition happen and how that happened of you entering into acting?

[00:07:31] Yeah. So I obviously dance from such a young age and I think I always had such a love of being on stage.

[00:07:38] So my favorite part of dancing was always the performing part, the being in front of an audience.

[00:07:44] And I would say my favorite thing with dancing was always having a character.

[00:07:49] I never really enjoyed just dancing.

[00:07:52] I thought it was fun, but I never really connected.

[00:07:55] I loved it when I had a character and we did a show and they gave me a part and I could go home and I could think, what was that character feeling?

[00:08:04] What's the story this character is telling?

[00:08:07] And so then I thought, OK, maybe this is a bit bigger than dancing.

[00:08:11] Maybe this is more I really like connecting with things and telling stories.

[00:08:15] And so then I started to watch more TV.

[00:08:19] I went to the theater more.

[00:08:21] I did a few clubs kind of outside of school, outside of dancing just for fun and more like improvisation and some exams in acting.

[00:08:31] And then I really thought, OK, this is something I'm really enjoying.

[00:08:35] And I was quite nervous.

[00:08:37] Dancing always brought out my confidence.

[00:08:39] But always speaking, I was quite a nervous child.

[00:08:43] And then as soon as I was acting, I was reading the script or I was memorizing lines.

[00:08:47] I just had this confidence that came out of nowhere.

[00:08:50] And yeah, I just loved it.

[00:08:53] Wow.

[00:08:54] I mean, like the way you told me, the part where you used to and that is important part to notice here is the character that you're talking about.

[00:09:02] You always like the character and then you can go into the soul and dance properly.

[00:09:06] So you always like that part of dance.

[00:09:10] And that's the best part, you know, because that is the way actors would like to, you know, study the character where they want to be that part and they go in and, you know, go in depth.

[00:09:20] So just curious here, how old were you when you were thinking like this?

[00:09:26] So I would have said...

[00:09:28] Connecting to character.

[00:09:30] 14 or 15.

[00:09:32] 14 or 15.

[00:09:33] Yeah.

[00:09:34] Yeah.

[00:09:34] I think I kind of knew when I was younger, so about nine or 10.

[00:09:39] But again, I had the dream.

[00:09:41] I was like, I want to be a ballerina.

[00:09:42] That's what I want to do.

[00:09:44] I saw it on the TV.

[00:09:45] And then slowly, the more I was dancing, the more I was like, maybe I don't want to be a ballerina.

[00:09:50] Maybe it's just I like telling the story.

[00:09:52] What other job could I do?

[00:09:54] Which my career could just be this, telling stories.

[00:09:57] Got it, got it.

[00:09:58] So telling stories, you know, the portraying the story of that character via dance was the way that you were fulfilling yourself as an artist.

[00:10:06] And I guess that's what pulled you into acting.

[00:10:09] I guess that's you in a way.

[00:10:12] So tell me, first time you entered into an acting room where people were performing any play, any theater play, you know.

[00:10:20] What was that like?

[00:10:21] What was the day one of you entering into acting, you know, preparation for you get lines and hey, say these lines and this is it.

[00:10:27] And you just have to do it and act.

[00:10:29] What was with you?

[00:10:32] So the first, I think, club I ever did, I walked into the room and the teacher just said, here's a situation, here's a scenario, act.

[00:10:42] And I was like, how do I do that?

[00:10:45] I was like, I have no idea what you're talking about.

[00:10:48] And they just said, just do it.

[00:10:50] Just do what your body is telling you.

[00:10:52] Do what your mind is telling you.

[00:10:54] Use the other actors in the room.

[00:10:56] Act.

[00:10:56] And I was like, okay.

[00:10:58] I felt silly.

[00:10:59] I probably wasn't very good.

[00:11:01] But I just really enjoyed it.

[00:11:03] And I thought, you know what?

[00:11:04] Everyone in this room is in the same situation.

[00:11:07] No one is better than someone else.

[00:11:09] Everyone has literally been given this piece of information and you just have to run with it.

[00:11:14] And I think I quite liked it because there was high stakes.

[00:11:17] There was pressure.

[00:11:18] But also a lot of fun with it.

[00:11:20] So, yeah.

[00:11:22] I mean, this is the best part.

[00:11:24] You know, it puts you in the position where you are on your toes and you have to do something.

[00:11:28] And that's what puts you in pressure and gets best out of you sometimes, you know.

[00:11:35] And I guess this is the part where when the teacher told you to do something, I guess you were good at reading the room, first of all.

[00:11:43] You read, okay.

[00:11:43] I guess these guys are in the same way where I am.

[00:11:46] And I mean, that's a relief for you.

[00:11:48] That's where you kind of cool yourself.

[00:11:50] And I guess second thing is you're used to do the auditions and the dancing.

[00:11:54] So you used to be in front of people and, you know, act and perform yourself.

[00:11:57] So I guess that might have been something that always will help you throughout these years because you have the, you know, the process of getting in front of people, presenting whatever you have.

[00:12:08] And I guess that's the best thing that you have with you now.

[00:12:11] Cool.

[00:12:13] Now we jump on to the part where you started after that.

[00:12:17] You got into a place.

[00:12:18] So which was the first play that you enrolled yourself, cracked the audition and, you know, performed on the stage?

[00:12:26] I would say my first play, just acting without any dancing, would have been a showcase.

[00:12:34] And we did, it was part of my old agency that I was with.

[00:12:39] So my agent headed the showcase and it was classical pieces.

[00:12:43] So Shakespeare and all sorts of period pieces, very traditional.

[00:12:50] And we had people, members from the Royal Shakespeare Company come and watch, members of the public, family, friends.

[00:12:59] But that was the first time in front of an audience where I wasn't dancing.

[00:13:03] It was just me acting with a cast of people.

[00:13:08] Yeah, it was really good.

[00:13:09] I was definitely very nervous because when you take dance away, it's kind of that was my shield.

[00:13:15] That was my little safety net.

[00:13:18] But I really loved it.

[00:13:19] And I just had such a big adrenaline rush from it.

[00:13:22] And I thought, no, this is confirmed to me.

[00:13:24] I've made the right decision in focusing just in acting and I want to see where it goes.

[00:13:28] So tell me, what was the name of the play first to begin with my questions?

[00:13:32] So it was just called The Classical Showcase starring lots of classical pieces.

[00:13:37] It was like an amalgamation of all different play writers and pieces.

[00:13:42] We had monologues, duologues, short scenes, and they were all just compiled together.

[00:13:49] So that was that.

[00:13:51] And it was under Bazaan Talent Agency.

[00:13:54] So, yeah.

[00:13:55] Got it.

[00:13:56] So tell me now, when you got it, you know, you were approached to do this part and they decided to get you in.

[00:14:04] How did you prepare?

[00:14:06] Because I guess there is a rawness in the first play.

[00:14:08] And there is, you know, where you develop yourself throughout the years and throughout the days you perform.

[00:14:14] So the rawness of you in the first play, how did you approach to the character in your first one?

[00:14:22] So, I personally always like...

[00:14:24] Did you just revise the line or what was with you?

[00:14:26] Like you prepared professionally or you just, you know, just read the lines and, you know, prepared.

[00:14:31] That's it.

[00:14:31] I just memorized the line and that's my part.

[00:14:34] What was it?

[00:14:35] I always like to research in whatever character or role I'm doing.

[00:14:41] Whether that's a play that's known, like a Shakespeare play.

[00:14:45] There's obviously a lot of information about Shakespeare through the internet, through books.

[00:14:49] So that's a really good place to start.

[00:14:51] However, if it's a play that's a brand new play or a brand new film and there's not much information,

[00:14:57] I try to look at the themes that go on with my character that I'm playing and the other characters

[00:15:02] and kind of get a good gist of what's going on in whatever period it's set.

[00:15:07] I think as well, I always like to try to make a background story for my character

[00:15:12] because the audience are introduced to a character from scene one, from the moment they step onto stage or the camera.

[00:15:19] However, you've got to think if this was real life, that character's had a whole life before the audience even meet them.

[00:15:27] So to make that character and performance as realistic as you can, I try to give myself a story.

[00:15:32] So I'm carrying on that story so it feels natural.

[00:15:36] And then I'll go into line learning.

[00:15:38] So just going over and over lines, making sure I know them so I could do them from any point.

[00:15:45] The lines shouldn't be a worry, I think, when you're acting.

[00:15:47] Once you know them, you know them.

[00:15:49] And then you can just solely focus on your performance.

[00:15:52] I think there's been times, maybe when I was younger, I was so stressed about knowing the lines.

[00:15:57] So my performance didn't look natural.

[00:15:59] It wasn't as good as probably what I could have made it.

[00:16:02] I think that's just learning and preparation.

[00:16:05] And lines are still something I struggle with.

[00:16:07] But yeah, you've just got to practice, I think.

[00:16:10] I guess that's what I was talking about.

[00:16:12] You know, the early days where you just get so nervous.

[00:16:15] Okay, I have to do this.

[00:16:16] I have to say lines.

[00:16:16] I have to be on that spot.

[00:16:17] And I have to perform.

[00:16:18] And then you have to respond to other characters.

[00:16:21] And there's a lot of things going on in a stage play at the same time.

[00:16:24] You are performing.

[00:16:25] You have to observe.

[00:16:27] A lot of things you have to do.

[00:16:28] And I guess that was the part that you saw yourself developing over the years.

[00:16:32] Where you now go in depth with the stories and the preparation.

[00:16:36] How you deal with the craft and the craft of particular characters.

[00:16:40] I guess that really helps you out today.

[00:16:43] Okay.

[00:16:43] Absolutely.

[00:16:44] Okay.

[00:16:45] And now we jumped on the part of character preparation.

[00:16:50] But I'd like to know that you mentioned that Killing Eve and Jodie Cormer's performance shifted your perspective on acting.

[00:16:59] What about that show when her character spoke to you?

[00:17:02] And how did that inspire you?

[00:17:04] So you're saying this is happening in lockdown, right?

[00:17:07] 2020.

[00:17:08] You're watching movies.

[00:17:10] Okay.

[00:17:10] Yes.

[00:17:10] And you watched the movie.

[00:17:12] So tell me, before lockdown, before 2020, you were completely into dancing professionally.

[00:17:17] Yes.

[00:17:18] Were you doing anything in place or nothing?

[00:17:21] No.

[00:17:22] I had done when I was about nine and ten years old.

[00:17:24] And then I took a step back and was just dancing before lockdown.

[00:17:29] Got it.

[00:17:29] So this switch that happened after watching this movie.

[00:17:33] Tell us, first of all, what that movie was.

[00:17:35] And what really, because everyone has this moment of they decide.

[00:17:39] And you know this was the movie.

[00:17:41] So tell us, first of all, what that movie was.

[00:17:43] And what happened that really moved you and made you to, hey, I want to be this.

[00:17:48] I want to be in this place.

[00:17:50] I want to be in whatever they are doing.

[00:17:53] And I want to experience this.

[00:17:54] And I want to be like this for the rest of my life.

[00:17:57] What was that?

[00:17:59] Yeah.

[00:17:59] So as I'm sure everyone else did during lockdown, there was a lot of spare time.

[00:18:04] So my family definitely, I think our way of bonding was to sit down and to watch movies.

[00:18:11] And I know on Netflix, there was quite a few really good movies that had come out.

[00:18:17] I know during lockdown, we watched the British movie, The Gentleman.

[00:18:21] And that was kind of like a dark humor, black comedy, action-packed movie.

[00:18:27] And that was different to anything I'd watched before.

[00:18:31] But I really enjoyed it.

[00:18:32] And I thought the cast was brilliant.

[00:18:34] So then I started to watch more movies kind of along that line, along those lines.

[00:18:39] And then I'd kind of got, I'd watched all the movies I wanted to watch.

[00:18:43] So I went on to series.

[00:18:45] And that's when I watched Killing Eve for the first time.

[00:18:47] And I hadn't watched it when it had come out.

[00:18:50] But my parents loved it.

[00:18:51] So they said, give Killing Eve a go.

[00:18:53] I clicked on it.

[00:18:54] And I just fell in love with the show, with the storyline, the directing, and the character performance.

[00:19:01] I had only watched Jodie Comer in one of the things.

[00:19:05] But seeing her in this role and just the way she took it was incredible.

[00:19:12] And I just literally said to my parents, I need to do something like that.

[00:19:15] And that was it.

[00:19:16] It just changed my whole kind of goals and ambitions.

[00:19:20] So yeah.

[00:19:21] Wow.

[00:19:22] And this tells me more about your parents also.

[00:19:27] You know, that's interesting.

[00:19:28] Like you tell them and they discuss.

[00:19:30] And it's kind of a cool situation with you.

[00:19:31] You know, it's kind of a friendly situation.

[00:19:34] Tell me about your parents, you know.

[00:19:35] Like are they enacting?

[00:19:37] Are they doing separate jobs?

[00:19:38] They're supporting you.

[00:19:39] Like, hey, we know you.

[00:19:41] And if you think this is it, then we are with you.

[00:19:44] So how's, like, what's your relation related to, you know, you taking decisions?

[00:19:49] And how's your thing with parents, you know, because they've been supporting you at the age of three.

[00:19:55] So tell me more about them.

[00:19:56] Yeah.

[00:19:57] Yeah.

[00:19:57] My parents are, I'm so lucky.

[00:19:59] They're amazing.

[00:20:01] They're so supportive.

[00:20:02] But we have such an open and creative household.

[00:20:06] So I act and dance.

[00:20:08] My sister, she's a musician.

[00:20:10] So she sung writes.

[00:20:12] She plays the drums.

[00:20:13] And she also does art.

[00:20:15] So as a female drummer, that's so empowering and inspiring.

[00:20:20] My mom, she used to act and dance when she was my age.

[00:20:24] Didn't take it on.

[00:20:26] Yes.

[00:20:27] Didn't take it as far.

[00:20:29] But she definitely wanted to.

[00:20:31] And she has said to me she might dip into it.

[00:20:34] Being a bit older now and being an adult.

[00:20:37] And my dad, he has always been very creative.

[00:20:40] He's done art himself.

[00:20:41] He used to do gymnastics when he was younger.

[00:20:44] So he's the one that helped me get into dance because he loved his gymnastics.

[00:20:48] But we, I think as a family, we always try to stay really in with the arts.

[00:20:53] We're always going to the cinema and the theatre rather than going out to a party or something.

[00:20:59] We'd much rather save our money and spend it on theatre or cinema or just going to a museum or an art gallery.

[00:21:06] We're very much creative.

[00:21:07] And we really appreciate the creative world.

[00:21:10] So I think they've always appreciated it.

[00:21:13] Whether they're recommending me a book or a TV show or a film.

[00:21:16] There's always conversation of creativity in the house, which is really quite inspiring.

[00:21:21] Got it, got it.

[00:21:22] And I guess this is brand new information to all the listeners.

[00:21:24] She never told me about this fact.

[00:21:26] Because this puts everything into a different perspective.

[00:21:30] Because mom into acting and art.

[00:21:33] Father also into gymnastics and art.

[00:21:35] Which tells more about how she is and what she is today.

[00:21:39] There is a reason behind that foundation of getting her at early age.

[00:21:45] Making that belief more stronger inside her.

[00:21:49] Putting her in the situations where she can grow herself.

[00:21:52] And I guess these are the things which really helps an artist to build themselves.

[00:21:56] And to take the decision and the support at the same time.

[00:22:00] You know, this is the one that was missing.

[00:22:03] You should have this whenever you send someone the information about you.

[00:22:08] Because I guess this is the foundation.

[00:22:10] Your parents are the foundation where they build a kind of confidence where, yeah, you can take this decision.

[00:22:16] And they're with you.

[00:22:17] And that's a really important thing for an artist.

[00:22:20] Okay, good to know that.

[00:22:22] Say hello from me to your parents.

[00:22:24] I will.

[00:22:25] Okay.

[00:22:26] Okay.

[00:22:27] Okay.

[00:22:27] Because, you know, our show is all about discovering the journey of an artist.

[00:22:31] And we figure out what people were going to.

[00:22:34] Interview a lot of actresses.

[00:22:35] You know, living on a farm.

[00:22:36] And, you know, just a small place where they just used to read the books.

[00:22:41] Watch the films.

[00:22:42] You know, watch the films again and again and again.

[00:22:44] And, you know, just that part.

[00:22:46] And they used to love singing.

[00:22:48] Now they became the big musicians.

[00:22:50] And, you know, big artists and all.

[00:22:51] So, this journey of having a background or not having a background.

[00:22:56] And what helps to them.

[00:22:57] And what did not help them.

[00:22:58] And how they overcome the situation.

[00:23:00] And now they are in a position.

[00:23:02] So, to have this support and parents like this is going to put you in a level where you don't have to think about this.

[00:23:10] You know.

[00:23:11] So, and it will help you in something else.

[00:23:13] So, that's the big thing that we discover on the show.

[00:23:16] So, okay.

[00:23:17] Okay, okay.

[00:23:18] I guess we covered that part.

[00:23:19] Now we jump on the part that this is really important.

[00:23:23] You dropped out.

[00:23:24] Six months.

[00:23:25] Uni.

[00:23:26] You dropped out.

[00:23:27] Why?

[00:23:27] And what was the madness?

[00:23:29] What year was that?

[00:23:30] Was it after 2020?

[00:23:32] What was going on?

[00:23:33] Why did you take this decision?

[00:23:35] Because this is really the toughest decision.

[00:23:38] And I guess because I did it.

[00:23:40] That's why I'm asking.

[00:23:41] So, this is kind of, you know, where the moment you do it, you feel everything is good.

[00:23:47] The moment you go three months after that, everything falls down for a very large number of people.

[00:23:52] And they are confused what to do.

[00:23:53] And they think like, what if I go back and do this?

[00:23:56] So, the big call that you took here, Uni Drop Up.

[00:24:00] Tell us more on that.

[00:24:02] Yeah.

[00:24:02] Well, as I'm sure you know, it's such a big decision.

[00:24:05] I went to university.

[00:24:07] It would have been 2022 to 2023.

[00:24:13] So, from the September to the February time.

[00:24:18] And I went.

[00:24:19] I wanted to study English literature and drama.

[00:24:22] Because in my head, I think it's the normal.

[00:24:26] Yeah.

[00:24:27] As an artist.

[00:24:27] For the UK.

[00:24:29] Yeah.

[00:24:29] I think I'd done performing arts school for four years.

[00:24:32] I'd auditioned for drama schools.

[00:24:34] I've got a few places.

[00:24:35] But I just didn't want to do that for another three years of doing the same thing.

[00:24:41] So, I thought maybe go to university.

[00:24:44] Get a degree.

[00:24:45] Do something more kind of academic.

[00:24:48] Because I really enjoy learning.

[00:24:50] I've always loved academia.

[00:24:52] And I thought that could really be like a nice backup job for my acting.

[00:24:56] Got there.

[00:24:58] And did not like it at all.

[00:25:00] It just wasn't for me.

[00:25:03] Just hold on here.

[00:25:04] You took all the things.

[00:25:06] You decided.

[00:25:06] And you used all your brains.

[00:25:08] You know.

[00:25:08] What you can think as an artist.

[00:25:10] And you know.

[00:25:11] Do his or her moves.

[00:25:12] What next?

[00:25:13] What next?

[00:25:14] And this is what you saw.

[00:25:15] This is what you saw in front of you.

[00:25:17] Okay.

[00:25:17] I'm an artist.

[00:25:18] And I'm taking a proper decision.

[00:25:20] To put myself in a way.

[00:25:21] Where I have a degree.

[00:25:23] And I want to be in a place.

[00:25:24] Where it is all related to art.

[00:25:26] So, you did that.

[00:25:27] You took a degree.

[00:25:28] You took the decision of taking that degree.

[00:25:29] You went to uni.

[00:25:31] Everything was perfect.

[00:25:32] What happened?

[00:25:34] That even the subjects.

[00:25:35] And whatever your study was.

[00:25:36] Still you felt like this is not for me.

[00:25:40] I felt so unfulfilled.

[00:25:43] And not inspired at all.

[00:25:46] I felt I had taken something which I love.

[00:25:48] And I wanted to explore.

[00:25:50] And I just had such like a burning passion.

[00:25:52] To just get out there.

[00:25:54] Make my name.

[00:25:55] Tell people.

[00:25:56] Hi.

[00:25:56] I'm Monica.

[00:25:57] I'm an actress.

[00:25:57] I want to work.

[00:25:58] I want to do the best I can.

[00:26:00] And I just felt like I was boxed in.

[00:26:02] To a three-year degree.

[00:26:04] Where I could not explore.

[00:26:06] I could not put myself out there.

[00:26:08] I was just on one track.

[00:26:10] With every other person that was in my year group.

[00:26:12] Doing that degree.

[00:26:13] And I just thought.

[00:26:15] I want to take control of my future.

[00:26:17] Of my career.

[00:26:19] And I want to learn on the job.

[00:26:22] I want to make mistakes.

[00:26:23] I want to excel my career.

[00:26:25] And I just felt leaving.

[00:26:27] And doing it by myself.

[00:26:28] And having amazing people around me.

[00:26:30] And choosing what people I have around me.

[00:26:32] Because at the time.

[00:26:33] I definitely had a lot more negative people in my life.

[00:26:36] I wanted to take a step out.

[00:26:37] And really reflect on.

[00:26:39] Who am I?

[00:26:40] Who are the people I have around me?

[00:26:42] Because you need to have support.

[00:26:43] When you're doing something like acting or performing.

[00:26:45] You can't get there without it.

[00:26:47] It's so hard.

[00:26:49] And like we touched on with rejection.

[00:26:50] You need that support.

[00:26:52] And then I think once you have that.

[00:26:54] And you're okay in yourself.

[00:26:55] And you know your goals.

[00:26:56] Then you can skyrocket to that.

[00:26:59] Got it.

[00:27:00] And I guess that's a part where.

[00:27:02] You know.

[00:27:04] This mind of yours.

[00:27:05] Where you think.

[00:27:07] Who is with you.

[00:27:08] Who is not with you.

[00:27:08] What you need around you.

[00:27:11] This particular thing.

[00:27:12] Of you taking decision.

[00:27:13] And then deciding.

[00:27:14] Okay.

[00:27:14] This is putting me in the cage.

[00:27:15] And I'm not getting to do anything.

[00:27:17] Where you spend your life.

[00:27:19] From the age of three.

[00:27:20] Performing out practically.

[00:27:21] And this is what.

[00:27:22] Sitting on a bench.

[00:27:23] Sitting on a chair.

[00:27:24] And okay.

[00:27:25] That's what they're saying.

[00:27:26] And I have to write it.

[00:27:27] And I have to do this task.

[00:27:28] And I am a dancer.

[00:27:30] I am an actor.

[00:27:30] I want to be.

[00:27:31] I want to perform.

[00:27:32] Because that's who were for like.

[00:27:33] Yes.

[00:27:34] 10-15 years.

[00:27:34] And suddenly you were told to sit there.

[00:27:37] And listen to us.

[00:27:39] I guess that part where you thought.

[00:27:42] Okay.

[00:27:43] This is not me.

[00:27:45] Even I thought this would work for me.

[00:27:47] This is not me.

[00:27:48] And this is.

[00:27:49] This will never work with me.

[00:27:50] I guess this part of you.

[00:27:53] Where you.

[00:27:53] You know.

[00:27:54] Take a calculated risk.

[00:27:55] Is going to help you out throughout your lifetime.

[00:27:58] You know.

[00:27:59] As an actor.

[00:27:59] As an artist.

[00:28:00] As a dancer.

[00:28:01] As a professional in this field.

[00:28:03] This point of view.

[00:28:04] This mindset of yours.

[00:28:05] Is going to help you out.

[00:28:06] You know.

[00:28:06] To build yourself.

[00:28:08] In a very different way.

[00:28:09] And it's really good to know.

[00:28:10] That you shared everything in detail.

[00:28:12] So you know.

[00:28:12] People who are looking to drop out.

[00:28:14] Or people who listen to this.

[00:28:16] Or watch this.

[00:28:16] Can connect with you.

[00:28:18] And the way.

[00:28:18] Okay.

[00:28:19] I get it.

[00:28:19] I get it.

[00:28:20] And that's why.

[00:28:21] Oh I see.

[00:28:22] If this is what happens with me.

[00:28:24] Then okay.

[00:28:25] Maybe I should do this.

[00:28:27] But it's not what I'm telling everyone to do.

[00:28:30] In case you don't love sitting.

[00:28:33] She has a family.

[00:28:34] You know.

[00:28:34] She has a family where.

[00:28:36] Everyone is with her.

[00:28:37] So maybe that's not.

[00:28:39] That's not the case with you.

[00:28:40] So make sure you think twice before doing it.

[00:28:43] Okay.

[00:28:44] Yeah.

[00:28:45] Okay.

[00:28:45] She took the decision.

[00:28:46] Then she is.

[00:28:48] Okay.

[00:28:48] So once you took the decision.

[00:28:50] What are the things that you did as an actor?

[00:28:53] Did you join a school?

[00:28:54] Did you join any workshop?

[00:28:56] Any master class?

[00:28:57] You know.

[00:28:57] Any dance classes?

[00:28:58] What did you do after that?

[00:29:01] Well.

[00:29:01] So.

[00:29:01] I made the decision.

[00:29:03] And to be quite honest.

[00:29:06] I was really lucky.

[00:29:07] My parents.

[00:29:08] They thought for a long time.

[00:29:10] I wasn't happy.

[00:29:11] They knew I probably wasn't myself.

[00:29:13] I wasn't bubbling Monica.

[00:29:14] That I normally am.

[00:29:15] I felt really uninspired.

[00:29:17] And not creative.

[00:29:18] So I wasn't really doing the things.

[00:29:19] That I normally love to do.

[00:29:20] I wasn't writing.

[00:29:21] I wasn't performing as much.

[00:29:23] So when I dropped out.

[00:29:25] I thought.

[00:29:26] Okay.

[00:29:26] What do I want to do?

[00:29:28] So.

[00:29:28] I got a few jobs.

[00:29:30] Working in a bar.

[00:29:31] And a coffee shop.

[00:29:32] Earning money.

[00:29:33] To.

[00:29:34] Literally.

[00:29:34] I had no money.

[00:29:35] So.

[00:29:36] I was working about two or three jobs.

[00:29:37] At the same time.

[00:29:38] And I saved up my money.

[00:29:40] I found the local acting school.

[00:29:42] And I just paid for as many classes.

[00:29:44] As I could.

[00:29:45] I used all my wages.

[00:29:46] And they went into my acting.

[00:29:47] I think.

[00:29:49] I just.

[00:29:49] Honestly.

[00:29:50] My money.

[00:29:51] I barely had any.

[00:29:52] I just was like.

[00:29:53] I want to learn.

[00:29:54] I need to get myself out there.

[00:29:55] I need to train again.

[00:29:57] And.

[00:29:57] I've had a long time.

[00:29:58] Where I've not performed.

[00:29:59] And I just need to do something.

[00:30:01] So.

[00:30:01] That was it.

[00:30:02] And then.

[00:30:03] I started to meet friends.

[00:30:04] I started to meet directors.

[00:30:06] Casting directors.

[00:30:07] Teachers.

[00:30:08] And then you.

[00:30:08] Start to build your network.

[00:30:10] I use social media a lot.

[00:30:12] And.

[00:30:12] That's such a good tool.

[00:30:13] I think.

[00:30:14] For any performer.

[00:30:15] Any creative.

[00:30:15] And.

[00:30:16] It's a hard one.

[00:30:17] Because.

[00:30:18] I always say.

[00:30:18] Social media can be very toxic.

[00:30:20] But.

[00:30:20] You can be that positivity.

[00:30:22] On social media.

[00:30:23] It doesn't have to be toxic.

[00:30:24] It can be a really useful tool.

[00:30:27] Um.

[00:30:27] So yeah.

[00:30:27] I would just.

[00:30:28] I went to charity shops.

[00:30:30] And would buy plays.

[00:30:31] Like secondhand plays.

[00:30:32] And would just read them.

[00:30:33] I'd learn monologues.

[00:30:34] Oh you see.

[00:30:35] And.

[00:30:35] Secondhand plays.

[00:30:37] Yeah.

[00:30:37] Just buy them.

[00:30:38] Oh wow.

[00:30:38] That's cool.

[00:30:39] I heard this first time.

[00:30:40] I have hundreds.

[00:30:42] Of plays.

[00:30:43] In my bedroom.

[00:30:43] Just.

[00:30:44] Stacked.

[00:30:45] And I would just read them.

[00:30:46] I didn't care what it was about.

[00:30:47] Just read it.

[00:30:48] I've learned a character.

[00:30:49] I've learned some lines.

[00:30:50] I do a monologue.

[00:30:52] And then I'd move on to the next one.

[00:30:54] Wow.

[00:30:55] That's.

[00:30:55] That's really interesting.

[00:30:56] You know.

[00:30:57] This.

[00:30:57] This is your unique process of performing.

[00:31:00] And you know.

[00:31:00] Not wasting time.

[00:31:02] I mean like.

[00:31:02] Yeah.

[00:31:03] Yeah.

[00:31:03] Go on.

[00:31:03] Go on.

[00:31:03] Continue.

[00:31:04] Yeah.

[00:31:05] Um.

[00:31:06] I've read loads of books.

[00:31:07] Um.

[00:31:08] Because I think anything.

[00:31:09] Anything.

[00:31:09] Is.

[00:31:10] A really useful tool.

[00:31:11] The more you read.

[00:31:12] The more you know about the world.

[00:31:13] The more experiences you've been through.

[00:31:15] Um.

[00:31:16] I thought.

[00:31:16] The more jobs I had.

[00:31:17] Great.

[00:31:18] As much as I didn't want to do the jobs.

[00:31:19] Because it wasn't something I was interested in.

[00:31:21] And.

[00:31:22] I wanted to use them for experience.

[00:31:24] I was meeting so many customers.

[00:31:25] Or so many people would come into the shop.

[00:31:27] And I would make sure I had a conversation.

[00:31:29] And ask them about what they do.

[00:31:30] What was their job.

[00:31:31] Because I thought.

[00:31:32] If I ever had to place.

[00:31:33] A character like that.

[00:31:34] I would know how they were feeling on a day.

[00:31:36] I would know their life experiences.

[00:31:38] And I could really connect.

[00:31:39] So.

[00:31:39] I thought the more people I met.

[00:31:41] I would just go for it.

[00:31:42] I'd meet.

[00:31:42] And say yes.

[00:31:43] To having a coffee with anyone.

[00:31:45] Just to learn more about the world.

[00:31:48] Wow.

[00:31:48] I mean like.

[00:31:49] This is the next level.

[00:31:50] That you've unlocked.

[00:31:51] After dropping out.

[00:31:52] I mean that puts you in the place.

[00:31:53] Where you are completely on your own.

[00:31:57] Thinking what to do now.

[00:31:58] Because when you're in uni.

[00:32:01] You always think there is someone taking care of me.

[00:32:04] You know.

[00:32:04] There is someone.

[00:32:05] There will be a job.

[00:32:06] There will be.

[00:32:07] You know.

[00:32:07] That's scheduled.

[00:32:08] The time is scheduled for me.

[00:32:10] By these guys.

[00:32:11] And I have to perform on their time.

[00:32:13] And here you are somewhere.

[00:32:14] You know.

[00:32:15] You have to decide.

[00:32:16] What is your next hour going to be.

[00:32:18] Invested in.

[00:32:18] Yeah.

[00:32:18] You know.

[00:32:19] What time are you going to spend.

[00:32:21] On.

[00:32:22] For the next.

[00:32:23] Three months.

[00:32:23] Four months.

[00:32:24] Five months.

[00:32:24] You know.

[00:32:25] That's how.

[00:32:25] And it's beautiful.

[00:32:27] It's beautiful.

[00:32:27] This is the first time I've heard.

[00:32:29] And you have.

[00:32:30] You should have this in your bio.

[00:32:32] You should write something out.

[00:32:34] You know.

[00:32:34] Because this is interesting to know.

[00:32:37] You did all this.

[00:32:38] This.

[00:32:38] Like.

[00:32:39] You know.

[00:32:39] Collecting plays.

[00:32:40] It's like pro artists.

[00:32:41] You know.

[00:32:42] Collecting plays.

[00:32:43] Then talking to people.

[00:32:44] This is.

[00:32:45] This is strange for me.

[00:32:46] You know.

[00:32:47] Talking to people.

[00:32:48] And asking them about.

[00:32:49] Hey.

[00:32:49] Tell me about this.

[00:32:50] This is the exercise that.

[00:32:52] It's given to an artist.

[00:32:54] When they are.

[00:32:54] In a production.

[00:32:56] Or you know.

[00:32:56] They're training.

[00:32:57] So I guess.

[00:32:58] It's beautiful to know.

[00:32:59] I guess this clip is going to be the best one.

[00:33:02] Where you shared everything about.

[00:33:04] In a very unique way.

[00:33:05] You know.

[00:33:06] That's the beauty of this show.

[00:33:08] You know.

[00:33:08] Every artist has their own unique story.

[00:33:10] And it looks really beautiful.

[00:33:12] When it gets opened up.

[00:33:14] On this podcast.

[00:33:15] And then reaches out to the artists.

[00:33:17] Who are looking to listen.

[00:33:18] Cool.

[00:33:19] Yeah.

[00:33:20] And I guess.

[00:33:21] You took.

[00:33:22] A lot of time.

[00:33:23] Spent on acting.

[00:33:24] And.

[00:33:25] You completely stopped dancing then.

[00:33:27] Like.

[00:33:27] Were you dancing.

[00:33:29] Or.

[00:33:29] It was off.

[00:33:31] I took.

[00:33:31] A break.

[00:33:32] From dancing.

[00:33:33] I definitely took a break.

[00:33:34] Because.

[00:33:35] I felt.

[00:33:35] I've done it for the whole of my life.

[00:33:38] I didn't feel like.

[00:33:39] There was anything more.

[00:33:40] I wanted to achieve.

[00:33:41] With just dancing.

[00:33:43] Because I've done so many amazing shows.

[00:33:46] I've worked with so many amazing people.

[00:33:48] And for me.

[00:33:49] The love had kind of.

[00:33:50] Come out of it.

[00:33:51] I didn't feel that drive.

[00:33:52] Or that passion.

[00:33:53] Where every single morning.

[00:33:54] I woke up and thought.

[00:33:55] I want to dance.

[00:33:56] Whereas with acting.

[00:33:57] That's exactly.

[00:33:58] I feel it every single day.

[00:33:59] I want to perform.

[00:34:00] I want to act.

[00:34:01] But now.

[00:34:02] I would really love to do a role.

[00:34:04] In the future.

[00:34:05] Where.

[00:34:05] I play a dancer.

[00:34:06] So I'm acting as a dancer.

[00:34:08] I think that would be really.

[00:34:10] Yeah.

[00:34:10] So I do go to classes each week.

[00:34:13] I train.

[00:34:13] I.

[00:34:14] I'm in the gym.

[00:34:15] Five.

[00:34:15] Six times a week.

[00:34:17] And I'm training hard.

[00:34:18] And to make sure I'm physically fit.

[00:34:19] So if I ever needed to step into a dance role.

[00:34:21] I could do it.

[00:34:22] It would be hard.

[00:34:24] But I think I could still pull it off.

[00:34:26] But.

[00:34:26] Yeah.

[00:34:27] I definitely wanted to take a step back.

[00:34:29] I think.

[00:34:30] Yeah.

[00:34:30] But I think that's.

[00:34:31] You know.

[00:34:32] A plus for you.

[00:34:32] It's kind of a skill.

[00:34:34] And it's kind of.

[00:34:35] If there is a role about dancers.

[00:34:38] And.

[00:34:38] Yeah.

[00:34:39] Portraying lifestyle of dancers.

[00:34:40] Or something related to.

[00:34:41] You know.

[00:34:42] Which involves dance.

[00:34:42] That's a plus for you.

[00:34:43] I mean.

[00:34:44] You've been doing this.

[00:34:45] And then getting better at acting.

[00:34:47] It's.

[00:34:48] Best combo.

[00:34:49] It's the best combo.

[00:34:50] To have dancing and acting.

[00:34:52] Involved.

[00:34:53] So it can unlock different roles for you.

[00:34:55] You know.

[00:34:55] Which you thought.

[00:34:56] Okay.

[00:34:57] This happened.

[00:34:58] And that would be the thing with you.

[00:34:59] Okay.

[00:35:01] So we will focus on.

[00:35:02] Your preparation for auditions.

[00:35:04] Okay.

[00:35:04] So this is the part where we discuss all about auditions.

[00:35:06] Okay.

[00:35:06] What's the most important thing you focus on.

[00:35:09] When preparing for an audition.

[00:35:10] When.

[00:35:10] When you're in the room.

[00:35:12] You go for audition.

[00:35:13] They give you a script.

[00:35:14] And they say.

[00:35:16] Okay.

[00:35:16] This is the part.

[00:35:17] This is what it is.

[00:35:18] And you have 15 minutes.

[00:35:20] Now perform.

[00:35:21] What do you do?

[00:35:23] I think.

[00:35:24] There's a few things I try to think about.

[00:35:26] Firstly.

[00:35:27] Going with your instincts.

[00:35:29] And doing what feels right to you.

[00:35:31] Not thinking.

[00:35:32] What does the director want?

[00:35:33] Or what do the people on the audition panel want?

[00:35:35] Because they want you to succeed.

[00:35:38] I think.

[00:35:38] So many actors and performers.

[00:35:40] Going to go into an audition.

[00:35:42] I've done the same.

[00:35:43] And you go in.

[00:35:43] And you think.

[00:35:44] Oh my gosh.

[00:35:45] They're looking for mistakes.

[00:35:46] They're looking for me to mess up.

[00:35:48] They're not.

[00:35:48] Their job.

[00:35:49] They want to find the right person for that role.

[00:35:52] So they're rooting for you.

[00:35:54] I think when you have it in your head.

[00:35:55] That they're rooting for you.

[00:35:56] And they want you to perform well.

[00:35:58] It kind of makes you relax a lot more.

[00:36:00] And you want to feel relaxed.

[00:36:01] In an audition.

[00:36:03] You want to feel really connected to your body.

[00:36:05] I always try to just shake my body out.

[00:36:07] So I'm not tense or nervous.

[00:36:08] And I just feel really relaxed.

[00:36:11] And also like I've touched on before.

[00:36:13] Knowing your lines.

[00:36:14] Like the back of your hand.

[00:36:16] You know.

[00:36:17] You need to know them.

[00:36:18] So you're not worried about them.

[00:36:20] The only thing you should be worrying about.

[00:36:22] Is getting there on time.

[00:36:23] Being professional.

[00:36:24] And the acting and the art.

[00:36:26] Should do the talking for you.

[00:36:27] I think.

[00:36:28] So what's your prep for that particular moment.

[00:36:31] What do you do.

[00:36:31] Is there any other thing.

[00:36:33] Like exercises.

[00:36:34] Your voice.

[00:36:34] Or eyes.

[00:36:35] Your expressions.

[00:36:36] Is there anything that you practice out.

[00:36:38] In between that time.

[00:36:40] I definitely warm my voice up.

[00:36:43] Whether that's just a few.

[00:36:44] Running of lines.

[00:36:46] Whether that's just humming.

[00:36:47] Just to get obviously your vocal cords in order.

[00:36:49] I'll always bounce over my lines quickly.

[00:36:51] Just so I definitely know them.

[00:36:53] And I will go through my lines.

[00:36:54] About three or four times.

[00:36:56] Before stepping into the room.

[00:36:58] Just so I know I know them.

[00:37:00] And then I also.

[00:37:03] Will always when I'm acting.

[00:37:04] Like you said.

[00:37:05] I focus on my eyes.

[00:37:06] Because eyes are such a good way.

[00:37:09] Of telling the story.

[00:37:10] You don't even have to be saying any speech.

[00:37:14] And you are acting and moving an audience.

[00:37:16] Because of what you do with your eyes.

[00:37:17] And your facial expressions.

[00:37:18] So again.

[00:37:19] I will always practice what I'm doing between lines.

[00:37:21] What's my character thinking.

[00:37:23] I'll think like my character.

[00:37:24] Because then my face is going to do.

[00:37:26] What my character would naturally do.

[00:37:28] And I guess.

[00:37:30] This is the best part where you.

[00:37:32] This is the moment where you should put all your energy in.

[00:37:36] You know.

[00:37:36] In that particular moment.

[00:37:37] Where everything that you prepared for.

[00:37:39] In the workshops.

[00:37:41] You know.

[00:37:41] Taking classes.

[00:37:42] Taking courses.

[00:37:42] Being online.

[00:37:43] Reading books.

[00:37:44] You know.

[00:37:44] Doing masterclass.

[00:37:45] But this 15-20 minutes that you get.

[00:37:47] Is where you put all the attention in.

[00:37:49] You know.

[00:37:50] Everything is what you get.

[00:37:51] And then it's a part where.

[00:37:53] If they're looking for you.

[00:37:55] Then it's you.

[00:37:55] But it's also part where.

[00:37:57] Maybe they're not looking for you.

[00:37:59] Maybe it's not for you.

[00:38:00] Maybe they're looking for someone.

[00:38:02] Who does not look like you.

[00:38:03] Or does not sound like you.

[00:38:05] Maybe that is the part.

[00:38:07] So the part comes here.

[00:38:08] Is rejections.

[00:38:10] You know.

[00:38:10] Yeah.

[00:38:10] You go with all the hope of.

[00:38:12] Hey.

[00:38:13] I think I nailed that.

[00:38:14] And then you get a call.

[00:38:16] Hey.

[00:38:16] Sorry.

[00:38:17] To inform.

[00:38:17] But you.

[00:38:18] Not selected for this particular part.

[00:38:21] How do you deal with that?

[00:38:23] I think it's really hard.

[00:38:25] It is really hard.

[00:38:27] And I think unless you.

[00:38:29] Are a performer.

[00:38:30] You will never probably know.

[00:38:32] The feeling of it.

[00:38:33] You can.

[00:38:34] You can get rejected from a job interview.

[00:38:36] Or from.

[00:38:37] I don't know.

[00:38:38] A school or a university.

[00:38:40] You want to go to.

[00:38:41] And it's hard.

[00:38:41] It's horrible.

[00:38:42] But I think when you're constantly.

[00:38:44] Being rejected.

[00:38:45] Week on and week out.

[00:38:46] It is such a hard thing.

[00:38:48] And you really do have to have thick skin.

[00:38:50] I struggled it.

[00:38:51] I struggled with it for a long time.

[00:38:53] Because I was like.

[00:38:53] Why?

[00:38:54] Why is it not me?

[00:38:55] When's it my time?

[00:38:57] But.

[00:38:57] I changed my mindset completely.

[00:39:00] And.

[00:39:01] I tell myself.

[00:39:02] If I'm not right for a role.

[00:39:04] I want to be rejected.

[00:39:05] Which sounds really silly.

[00:39:07] And negative.

[00:39:08] But.

[00:39:08] I do not want to step on a stage.

[00:39:11] Or.

[00:39:12] Be filmed.

[00:39:13] And put in the public eye.

[00:39:14] If I'm not doing a good job.

[00:39:16] Because.

[00:39:17] If I'm right for a role.

[00:39:18] I can give it everything.

[00:39:20] However.

[00:39:20] If I'm not suited to something.

[00:39:22] Somebody else.

[00:39:22] Could do that job.

[00:39:23] Ten times better than me.

[00:39:25] And I would much rather them.

[00:39:26] Have that opportunity.

[00:39:27] Smash it.

[00:39:28] Be a star.

[00:39:29] Than me.

[00:39:30] Really struggle to do it.

[00:39:31] And not show my best performance.

[00:39:33] So I think.

[00:39:33] When you look at it like that.

[00:39:35] That definitely.

[00:39:36] Really.

[00:39:36] Really helps.

[00:39:37] Yeah.

[00:39:39] Got it.

[00:39:39] Got it.

[00:39:39] And I guess.

[00:39:40] You should have this kind of mentality.

[00:39:41] You know.

[00:39:42] Where.

[00:39:42] You are very clear.

[00:39:44] Okay.

[00:39:44] You may get rejected.

[00:39:45] And it's not in your hand.

[00:39:48] And you cannot control the part.

[00:39:50] Which.

[00:39:50] Which is.

[00:39:51] Not in your body.

[00:39:53] Not in your area.

[00:39:54] To control off.

[00:39:55] And I guess.

[00:39:55] That should be the mindset.

[00:39:57] And that.

[00:39:58] It's not.

[00:39:59] Something that is.

[00:40:00] Inbuilt with every artist.

[00:40:01] This is something.

[00:40:02] That is.

[00:40:03] That should be.

[00:40:04] You know.

[00:40:04] Chipped in.

[00:40:04] You know.

[00:40:05] Should be processed.

[00:40:06] And in.

[00:40:07] Put then.

[00:40:08] Put that in.

[00:40:08] In their head.

[00:40:09] You know.

[00:40:10] So they can.

[00:40:11] Put that as exercise.

[00:40:12] Which will help them.

[00:40:13] To move on faster.

[00:40:15] And you know.

[00:40:15] Just.

[00:40:15] Let's go for the next.

[00:40:17] Let's go for the next.

[00:40:17] Let's see what.

[00:40:18] Didn't happen with me.

[00:40:20] In this time.

[00:40:20] And we will focus on the next.

[00:40:21] To make better.

[00:40:22] I guess this kind of attitude.

[00:40:23] Really helps.

[00:40:24] And good to know about.

[00:40:25] How you approached this.

[00:40:26] Okay.

[00:40:27] So.

[00:40:30] Okay.

[00:40:31] What.

[00:40:31] What's the biggest lesson.

[00:40:33] You've learned from.

[00:40:34] Audition experiences.

[00:40:35] So far.

[00:40:35] Is there.

[00:40:36] I'm talking about.

[00:40:38] What did you learn.

[00:40:40] From an incident.

[00:40:41] Which is still with you.

[00:40:43] Okay.

[00:40:43] This happened.

[00:40:44] And no.

[00:40:44] I don't want to make it happen again.

[00:40:46] Is there any kind of experience.

[00:40:49] Um.

[00:40:50] I would probably say.

[00:40:52] More to do.

[00:40:53] With.

[00:40:54] Self tapes.

[00:40:56] Because that's such a big part.

[00:40:57] Of the industry now.

[00:40:58] I think especially since.

[00:40:59] COVID.

[00:41:00] And lockdown.

[00:41:01] A lot of the industry works.

[00:41:03] Via a call.

[00:41:04] Or via a tape.

[00:41:05] And I think.

[00:41:07] I definitely.

[00:41:07] Have done some tapes.

[00:41:09] Where they probably haven't been the best.

[00:41:10] Or.

[00:41:11] I've asked for advice.

[00:41:12] On maybe why I didn't get the role.

[00:41:14] And.

[00:41:14] Um.

[00:41:14] I think a lot of it is.

[00:41:16] Being more naturalistic.

[00:41:17] And going with your gut.

[00:41:19] With a character.

[00:41:20] And like I said before.

[00:41:21] Don't.

[00:41:22] Think of what the director wants.

[00:41:23] What do you want.

[00:41:24] What do you want.

[00:41:25] To give the character.

[00:41:26] And not being afraid to.

[00:41:27] Do something a bit different.

[00:41:29] Or.

[00:41:29] Push the boundaries out a little bit.

[00:41:31] Or take a risk.

[00:41:32] Because I think it's all about risk taking.

[00:41:34] And.

[00:41:34] A lot of the time.

[00:41:35] It will pay off.

[00:41:36] If you've got the guts.

[00:41:36] To do it.

[00:41:38] Yeah.

[00:41:38] And that's true.

[00:41:39] You know.

[00:41:39] It's all about taking the risk.

[00:41:41] Uh.

[00:41:42] When it's needed.

[00:41:43] And it's.

[00:41:44] It's.

[00:41:44] It's a call that you have to take.

[00:41:46] At the right moment.

[00:41:47] Yeah.

[00:41:47] Where it is needed.

[00:41:49] And you have to take that call.

[00:41:50] In or out.

[00:41:51] And I guess that.

[00:41:52] That's the thing that is really important.

[00:41:55] Okay.

[00:41:55] Cool.

[00:41:55] Uh.

[00:41:57] Now we focus on you.

[00:41:59] Preparing for the character.

[00:42:01] Character preparation.

[00:42:02] By Monica Bennett.

[00:42:03] How she prepares for a character.

[00:42:05] Uh.

[00:42:05] Till now.

[00:42:06] Through the experience that you've got.

[00:42:08] Over the years.

[00:42:09] You know.

[00:42:09] Reading books.

[00:42:09] Uh.

[00:42:10] Talking to people.

[00:42:11] Meeting people at the coffee shops.

[00:42:12] You know.

[00:42:12] Talking to them.

[00:42:13] Hey.

[00:42:14] Stranger.

[00:42:15] Tell me your story.

[00:42:16] What's with you.

[00:42:16] What's wrong with you.

[00:42:17] Tell me.

[00:42:18] I want to know more.

[00:42:19] I mean.

[00:42:19] You've done a lot of this.

[00:42:20] You paid for acting classes.

[00:42:22] As much as you can.

[00:42:23] Yeah.

[00:42:23] You know.

[00:42:24] From the things that you did.

[00:42:25] Throughout this experience.

[00:42:27] Of you buying.

[00:42:28] You know.

[00:42:28] Secondhand plays.

[00:42:29] Reading it.

[00:42:30] Preparing it.

[00:42:31] Combining all these experiences.

[00:42:33] How.

[00:42:34] What's the first thing.

[00:42:35] You do.

[00:42:36] When you prepare for a character.

[00:42:37] When you get the character.

[00:42:38] Now.

[00:42:39] In 2024.

[00:42:40] What's the thing that you do?

[00:42:42] Um.

[00:42:42] I will always.

[00:42:43] Read the script.

[00:42:45] Probably about.

[00:42:45] Two or three times.

[00:42:47] I think the first time.

[00:42:47] I try to read it.

[00:42:48] As if I'm reading the book.

[00:42:49] As if it's something.

[00:42:50] I've picked up.

[00:42:51] From the bookshop.

[00:42:52] And I can't wait to read it.

[00:42:54] So I'll read it.

[00:42:54] From an audience perspective.

[00:42:56] Second time.

[00:42:57] I'll read it.

[00:42:57] From my character perspective.

[00:42:59] Um.

[00:42:59] And I think.

[00:43:00] Okay.

[00:43:00] This is my character.

[00:43:01] What are.

[00:43:02] What's their personality?

[00:43:03] And then probably the third.

[00:43:04] Fourth time.

[00:43:05] I will write notes.

[00:43:07] Um.

[00:43:07] A lot of it is in stage directions.

[00:43:09] So I'm thinking.

[00:43:10] What's my character's body language?

[00:43:11] What are their connections with other characters?

[00:43:13] And then.

[00:43:14] Like I touched on earlier.

[00:43:15] I start to build a story up.

[00:43:17] That character.

[00:43:18] I.

[00:43:18] I feel like.

[00:43:19] Actors.

[00:43:20] A lot of the time.

[00:43:20] We're.

[00:43:21] We're like detectives.

[00:43:23] You're picking.

[00:43:23] Um.

[00:43:24] Pieces of information.

[00:43:25] And not all of the info.

[00:43:27] Is going to be in my lines.

[00:43:28] I look at the other characters lines.

[00:43:30] And I'll.

[00:43:30] Kind of build this persona.

[00:43:32] Of what my character is.

[00:43:34] And also.

[00:43:35] I'll.

[00:43:35] Add little bits of spice.

[00:43:36] Of what I want it to be.

[00:43:38] What my character to be as well.

[00:43:39] And.

[00:43:39] What can I add?

[00:43:41] Um.

[00:43:41] And then.

[00:43:42] I'll start to build a story.

[00:43:44] I'll do my research.

[00:43:45] So.

[00:43:45] I'll look at where the.

[00:43:47] Story is set.

[00:43:48] The location.

[00:43:49] And I will then start to build.

[00:43:51] And compile.

[00:43:52] All this information together.

[00:43:53] And then.

[00:43:54] I can start adding that.

[00:43:55] To my lines.

[00:43:56] And to my performance.

[00:43:58] Wow.

[00:43:58] That's good.

[00:43:59] That's good to know.

[00:44:00] You know.

[00:44:00] You really go in depth.

[00:44:01] For preparing for a character.

[00:44:03] I guess.

[00:44:03] And.

[00:44:04] Yeah.

[00:44:04] And that's a good process.

[00:44:05] And it's going to develop.

[00:44:06] Into more.

[00:44:07] Better version.

[00:44:07] You know.

[00:44:08] The way we upgrade.

[00:44:09] App.

[00:44:09] Applications.

[00:44:10] In your mobile.

[00:44:10] Every.

[00:44:11] Through three months.

[00:44:12] I guess.

[00:44:12] This.

[00:44:12] This whole thing.

[00:44:13] That's inbuilt.

[00:44:14] It's going to upgrade.

[00:44:15] Every time you.

[00:44:16] Approach for any character.

[00:44:17] Or a project.

[00:44:18] That you do.

[00:44:19] And it's.

[00:44:19] It's good to know.

[00:44:20] Okay.

[00:44:21] And now.

[00:44:22] Here's the thing.

[00:44:23] I guess you answered this.

[00:44:25] Like getting into mindset of.

[00:44:26] Okay.

[00:44:27] Okay.

[00:44:27] Okay.

[00:44:27] Okay.

[00:44:27] Here's a different one.

[00:44:28] Try to answer this.

[00:44:29] Like.

[00:44:30] You know a character.

[00:44:32] Yeah.

[00:44:32] Which.

[00:44:33] You think.

[00:44:33] Okay.

[00:44:33] He.

[00:44:34] She.

[00:44:34] Okay.

[00:44:35] She is like you.

[00:44:36] You know.

[00:44:36] She looks like you.

[00:44:37] And I know her.

[00:44:38] But.

[00:44:38] When you get a character.

[00:44:39] Which is completely opposite.

[00:44:41] Of who you are.

[00:44:43] You know.

[00:44:43] Completely different.

[00:44:45] Okay.

[00:44:45] She may be.

[00:44:46] If you are.

[00:44:47] You know.

[00:44:48] Happy.

[00:44:48] Public person.

[00:44:49] And she's completely.

[00:44:50] Into trauma.

[00:44:51] She's completely lost.

[00:44:52] So.

[00:44:53] Once you get this contrast.

[00:44:55] How do you approach.

[00:44:56] What is the exercise.

[00:44:58] What's your mindset.

[00:44:59] Prep for this.

[00:45:02] I actually.

[00:45:03] Prefer.

[00:45:03] Playing characters.

[00:45:04] That are completely opposite.

[00:45:06] To me as a person.

[00:45:07] Because.

[00:45:08] I find the process.

[00:45:10] A lot more fun.

[00:45:11] And the performance.

[00:45:12] I don't know why.

[00:45:13] I just feel like.

[00:45:13] I can make it more natural.

[00:45:15] I don't feel like.

[00:45:16] I'm second guessing myself.

[00:45:17] Because it's not me.

[00:45:18] It's almost.

[00:45:19] This character.

[00:45:19] I can fully immerse.

[00:45:21] Myself into them.

[00:45:22] I think.

[00:45:23] Process wise.

[00:45:24] I try to take.

[00:45:25] Myself away from myself.

[00:45:26] And I am that character.

[00:45:27] When we're rehearsing.

[00:45:29] When we're.

[00:45:29] You know.

[00:45:30] Doing the.

[00:45:31] Research.

[00:45:32] I'm that character.

[00:45:33] And it's really nice.

[00:45:34] Because you can step away from it.

[00:45:35] And it's like.

[00:45:35] Back to Monica.

[00:45:37] Which you can't really do.

[00:45:38] If you're playing a character.

[00:45:39] Very like yourself.

[00:45:40] I find it really hard to.

[00:45:42] Come away from it.

[00:45:42] Or give it a different.

[00:45:44] Kind of.

[00:45:45] Direction.

[00:45:46] Because it is so relatable.

[00:45:48] But with that character.

[00:45:49] Whether it's something.

[00:45:50] A little bit darker.

[00:45:52] I don't know.

[00:45:53] Like you said.

[00:45:53] Adding maybe more trauma.

[00:45:55] To a storyline.

[00:45:55] I mean.

[00:45:56] That was an example.

[00:45:57] Yes.

[00:45:58] Of course.

[00:45:58] Or.

[00:45:59] Even if you're playing.

[00:46:01] A well-known person.

[00:46:02] Like a biopic.

[00:46:03] Or something.

[00:46:04] Which is something.

[00:46:04] I'd love to do in the future.

[00:46:06] I think.

[00:46:07] The research.

[00:46:08] Will really carry it.

[00:46:09] And knowing.

[00:46:10] What the character is.

[00:46:11] The character's values.

[00:46:13] And I always.

[00:46:14] I think.

[00:46:14] Just knowing.

[00:46:15] What is the driver.

[00:46:16] For the character.

[00:46:17] What does the character want.

[00:46:18] Throughout the play.

[00:46:20] Or the program.

[00:46:20] Or the film.

[00:46:21] What are the goals.

[00:46:22] What are the intentions.

[00:46:23] What's the relationships.

[00:46:25] And also being.

[00:46:27] Almost treating that character.

[00:46:28] As a friend.

[00:46:29] Like introducing yourself.

[00:46:30] To that character.

[00:46:31] And really getting to know them.

[00:46:33] Because the more you know.

[00:46:34] About that character.

[00:46:35] I think the easier it is.

[00:46:36] To play.

[00:46:37] And so yeah.

[00:46:38] That's probably.

[00:46:38] The way I would go about it.

[00:46:40] Got it.

[00:46:41] Got it.

[00:46:41] And there's.

[00:46:42] If the character is completely contrast.

[00:46:44] It's kind of challenge.

[00:46:45] And it's challenge to get out.

[00:46:47] To you know.

[00:46:48] It's challenge to get in.

[00:46:49] And there is a challenge.

[00:46:50] To get out of the character.

[00:46:51] And go back to Monica.

[00:46:53] It's.

[00:46:53] Yes.

[00:46:54] It's like.

[00:46:54] It takes a lot of baths.

[00:46:56] Showers.

[00:46:56] You know.

[00:46:57] To get that character out.

[00:46:59] Because it stays with you.

[00:47:00] If it's that traumatized.

[00:47:02] If it's that star.

[00:47:03] If it is that dark.

[00:47:04] It stays with you.

[00:47:05] It comes back.

[00:47:06] With you home.

[00:47:07] You know.

[00:47:08] And it is with your appearances.

[00:47:09] And the way you approach to people.

[00:47:11] So I guess.

[00:47:12] It's challenging.

[00:47:13] Both ways.

[00:47:13] Going in.

[00:47:14] Going out.

[00:47:14] I guess that's a.

[00:47:16] Challenge overall.

[00:47:17] If it is contrast character.

[00:47:19] Okay.

[00:47:20] That's good to know.

[00:47:22] And now.

[00:47:23] I'd like to know.

[00:47:24] Do you like improv?

[00:47:26] Or do you like sticking to the script?

[00:47:28] Depending on the situation.

[00:47:29] But what's your take.

[00:47:31] When you're on set performing.

[00:47:33] Do you go for improv?

[00:47:34] Or.

[00:47:35] You know.

[00:47:35] I have to stick to the character.

[00:47:37] You know.

[00:47:38] That's you.

[00:47:39] What's with you?

[00:47:40] What do you prefer?

[00:47:42] Um.

[00:47:42] I.

[00:47:43] Like improv.

[00:47:45] I think.

[00:47:46] In certain circumstances.

[00:47:48] So.

[00:47:48] For example.

[00:47:49] I.

[00:47:50] I love following the script.

[00:47:52] I like knowing my lines.

[00:47:53] I like doing it.

[00:47:54] But.

[00:47:54] I think when the script isn't.

[00:47:56] It isn't vibing.

[00:47:58] And maybe.

[00:47:58] It's just you in a scene.

[00:48:00] Or it's you in another character.

[00:48:01] And you're really trying to just get a relationship across.

[00:48:04] Um.

[00:48:05] And you want it to be as real as possible.

[00:48:07] Especially.

[00:48:08] Um.

[00:48:09] Screen.

[00:48:10] Sometimes.

[00:48:10] You just wouldn't say.

[00:48:12] What the line is.

[00:48:13] As a person.

[00:48:14] It just doesn't come across natural at all.

[00:48:16] It comes across really wooden.

[00:48:17] Really stiff.

[00:48:18] So when a director says.

[00:48:20] Guys.

[00:48:20] Improv.

[00:48:21] I love it.

[00:48:22] Because.

[00:48:23] It just.

[00:48:24] Elevates.

[00:48:25] A scene.

[00:48:25] It might look really bad.

[00:48:27] But.

[00:48:27] It gives you the energy.

[00:48:29] To maybe try the script again.

[00:48:30] Or try something a little bit new.

[00:48:32] And it just.

[00:48:32] I feel like.

[00:48:33] It provides you with so many more ideas.

[00:48:35] Um.

[00:48:36] And it just gives you that naturalism.

[00:48:38] Which.

[00:48:38] I think every actor wants on screen.

[00:48:40] Um.

[00:48:41] And it gives you a bit of creative freedom.

[00:48:43] And I think it gets you more connected with your character that you're playing.

[00:48:46] Yeah.

[00:48:46] Yeah.

[00:48:46] It opens.

[00:48:47] It connects with your.

[00:48:49] Uh.

[00:48:49] You know.

[00:48:49] The character is now more connected with you.

[00:48:51] You know how he.

[00:48:53] She feels.

[00:48:54] You know.

[00:48:54] You know that character.

[00:48:55] What that character is feeling.

[00:48:56] And you get a whole thing.

[00:48:58] Okay.

[00:48:58] Uh.

[00:48:59] Now I know what he or she can say.

[00:49:02] At that point.

[00:49:03] Okay.

[00:49:03] How she can react to that particular situation.

[00:49:06] And that's wonderful.

[00:49:07] But.

[00:49:07] Don't try to mess up with other characters.

[00:49:10] You know.

[00:49:10] Other actors.

[00:49:11] Because they might not be ready.

[00:49:12] And they think.

[00:49:13] Hey.

[00:49:13] Yeah.

[00:49:13] Just let me run to my lines.

[00:49:15] It's hard for me even to prepare.

[00:49:17] And you're coming up with something new.

[00:49:19] Okay.

[00:49:19] But I guess that's.

[00:49:20] That's a part of improv too.

[00:49:22] You know.

[00:49:22] Uh.

[00:49:23] When.

[00:49:23] When.

[00:49:23] When.

[00:49:24] Other artists get lost.

[00:49:25] In the practical situation.

[00:49:26] On stage.

[00:49:27] Maybe the improv.

[00:49:28] Is always there to help you out.

[00:49:30] You know.

[00:49:30] To get you back to that part.

[00:49:32] Where you missed your part.

[00:49:33] Missed your cue.

[00:49:34] But now you can.

[00:49:35] You know.

[00:49:35] Adjust that part.

[00:49:36] And that's where.

[00:49:37] Yeah.

[00:49:37] I guess it helps.

[00:49:38] Okay.

[00:49:39] Cool.

[00:49:39] Uh.

[00:49:40] Now we jump on to the part.

[00:49:42] Where.

[00:49:43] We discuss.

[00:49:44] You played.

[00:49:46] The production plays that you open.

[00:49:49] And you know.

[00:49:50] Contemporary and period dramas.

[00:49:52] Now.

[00:49:52] The genres are completely different.

[00:49:53] Okay.

[00:49:53] Uh.

[00:49:55] Playing.

[00:49:57] When.

[00:49:58] What's the name?

[00:49:58] Gwendo.

[00:50:00] Gwendolyn Fairfax.

[00:50:01] Gwendolyn Fairfax.

[00:50:03] I still am not able to.

[00:50:04] But.

[00:50:05] But.

[00:50:05] Gwendolyn.

[00:50:06] I guess right?

[00:50:07] Gwendolyn Fairfax.

[00:50:08] In the importance of being earnest.

[00:50:10] How did you approach performing in a period drama?

[00:50:13] And how does it differ from working on more.

[00:50:15] Modern pieces?

[00:50:16] So the point here is of discussion.

[00:50:18] Uh.

[00:50:19] Other than the character's name.

[00:50:20] Is.

[00:50:21] Uh.

[00:50:21] You prepare from two different genres.

[00:50:23] You know.

[00:50:24] There's contemporary.

[00:50:25] And there's period drama.

[00:50:26] Preparing.

[00:50:26] And now.

[00:50:27] Throughout the interview.

[00:50:28] Last half hour.

[00:50:29] I came to know how deep you go for character.

[00:50:31] And what kind of prep that you did to.

[00:50:33] You know.

[00:50:33] Just.

[00:50:34] Getting a role.

[00:50:35] Or you know.

[00:50:35] Learning more about it.

[00:50:36] You're the curious.

[00:50:37] Curious one.

[00:50:38] You know.

[00:50:38] Where you want to know everything.

[00:50:46] Separation.

[00:50:47] Tell me about the separation about.

[00:50:49] This is contemporary.

[00:50:50] This is.

[00:50:50] Uh.

[00:50:51] You know.

[00:50:52] Period drama.

[00:50:52] This is the fees.

[00:50:54] And the time zone at the point.

[00:50:55] We are doing it.

[00:50:56] So how do you differentiate yourself?

[00:50:58] And.

[00:50:59] Do you follow some steps?

[00:51:00] So.

[00:51:01] This isn't contemporary.

[00:51:02] And this isn't period.

[00:51:04] What's your process?

[00:51:06] I think.

[00:51:08] Obviously there is such a big difference.

[00:51:10] So.

[00:51:10] Period drama.

[00:51:11] You have the language to be considering.

[00:51:14] Um.

[00:51:14] And I think a lot of people that watch period drama.

[00:51:16] They really know the era.

[00:51:18] That it's set in.

[00:51:19] So they know.

[00:51:20] If you make a mistake.

[00:51:21] Whether that's like.

[00:51:22] You're in theatre.

[00:51:24] Or you're.

[00:51:25] Um.

[00:51:26] Or you're like.

[00:51:27] On a.

[00:51:27] Um.

[00:51:27] On a screen doing a period drama.

[00:51:29] People know.

[00:51:30] So you've got to be very on it.

[00:51:32] With the language.

[00:51:33] And the accents as well.

[00:51:35] That is probably.

[00:51:35] The biggest difference.

[00:51:37] I found.

[00:51:37] Between doing a modern.

[00:51:38] Contemporary drama.

[00:51:39] To a period drama.

[00:51:41] Um.

[00:51:41] But then I also.

[00:51:42] Much prefer it.

[00:51:43] Because you are.

[00:51:44] Immersing yourself.

[00:51:45] Into a completely different.

[00:51:46] World.

[00:51:47] Um.

[00:51:48] I've obviously.

[00:51:48] Never lived through.

[00:51:49] The periods that I'm acting in.

[00:51:51] But it's really fun.

[00:51:52] Because you really get to.

[00:51:54] Step into a brand new world.

[00:51:55] And.

[00:51:56] Um.

[00:51:57] Like.

[00:51:57] Meet new characters.

[00:51:58] And meet new rules.

[00:52:00] And regulations.

[00:52:01] That the character would have had to.

[00:52:02] Abide to.

[00:52:03] Um.

[00:52:04] And I think as well.

[00:52:05] Um.

[00:52:05] Just really knowing.

[00:52:07] What period you're in.

[00:52:07] There's so many.

[00:52:08] Like.

[00:52:09] And centuries.

[00:52:10] And periods.

[00:52:11] Which.

[00:52:11] There's so many period dramas.

[00:52:13] Based on.

[00:52:13] So really knowing.

[00:52:14] Kind of that period.

[00:52:16] Yeah.

[00:52:16] That's what I definitely did.

[00:52:18] Going into the role.

[00:52:19] Personally.

[00:52:19] So do you.

[00:52:20] Do you visit back to the plays.

[00:52:21] The old plays.

[00:52:22] And you read them.

[00:52:23] Or you do go back.

[00:52:24] Yeah.

[00:52:24] And watch those movies.

[00:52:26] What do you do?

[00:52:26] Or do you do both?

[00:52:27] I do a bit.

[00:52:28] A bit of both.

[00:52:29] I think it's nice to watch.

[00:52:31] Um.

[00:52:31] And kind of see how other actors have done it.

[00:52:34] Because you.

[00:52:34] There's always room for learning.

[00:52:36] I think I.

[00:52:37] When you're just reading.

[00:52:38] You're just thinking of yourself.

[00:52:40] And what would I do?

[00:52:41] However.

[00:52:42] When you're watching more things.

[00:52:43] More art.

[00:52:44] You get more of a glimpse of.

[00:52:46] Oh.

[00:52:46] That's a good idea.

[00:52:47] Or maybe I wouldn't do it like that.

[00:52:49] But next time I would do it like that.

[00:52:50] Um.

[00:52:51] It just gives you more ideas.

[00:52:52] And more creativity.

[00:52:53] Which is always a good thing.

[00:52:55] Got it.

[00:52:55] Got it.

[00:52:55] And I guess.

[00:52:56] Uh.

[00:52:56] This is good to know.

[00:52:57] You know.

[00:52:57] Where you got your.

[00:52:59] Uh.

[00:52:59] Pot ready with.

[00:53:00] Period drama.

[00:53:01] And then with contemporary.

[00:53:03] And you know which one to choose.

[00:53:04] And you pick up that.

[00:53:05] And you go in for.

[00:53:06] Okay.

[00:53:06] This is the thing that I need to do.

[00:53:07] For this particular part.

[00:53:08] It's good to know the differentiation.

[00:53:10] And basic process of.

[00:53:12] How it should work.

[00:53:13] Got it.

[00:53:15] Now.

[00:53:16] What's this question?

[00:53:18] Okay.

[00:53:20] Tell me.

[00:53:21] Throughout this project.

[00:53:22] That you did.

[00:53:22] Till now.

[00:53:23] Uh.

[00:53:24] Any rewarding.

[00:53:25] Or life-changing experience.

[00:53:26] Not life-changing.

[00:53:27] I can say.

[00:53:28] But something that you know.

[00:53:30] Dear God.

[00:53:31] This is something.

[00:53:32] I unlocked today.

[00:53:34] You know.

[00:53:34] This is something that.

[00:53:36] Wow.

[00:53:37] I think.

[00:53:39] Now I unlocked it.

[00:53:40] Okay.

[00:53:41] This is where you.

[00:53:42] Wow.

[00:53:43] I guess.

[00:53:44] This is the part where.

[00:53:45] I was really stuck at this moment.

[00:53:47] moment.

[00:53:48] But now.

[00:53:48] This particular phase.

[00:53:50] Or this particular moment.

[00:53:51] Or this particular.

[00:53:52] You know.

[00:53:52] Project.

[00:53:53] Cleared that whole thing for me.

[00:53:55] Was that.

[00:53:56] Like.

[00:53:56] Like.

[00:53:56] Things like that.

[00:53:57] This happened with you.

[00:53:58] Till now.

[00:53:59] Oh my gosh.

[00:54:00] Absolutely.

[00:54:00] I think.

[00:54:01] I think the past two projects.

[00:54:03] That I've done.

[00:54:03] The importance of being earnest.

[00:54:05] Which was theatre.

[00:54:07] And then.

[00:54:07] Friday at 10.

[00:54:09] Which was a short film.

[00:54:10] Both.

[00:54:11] Two very different.

[00:54:12] But two things.

[00:54:13] Two genres.

[00:54:14] And areas.

[00:54:15] I really want to go down.

[00:54:16] Into more bigger projects.

[00:54:17] But.

[00:54:18] The importance of being earnest.

[00:54:20] That.

[00:54:20] Was really important to me.

[00:54:22] Because I hadn't.

[00:54:23] Had an opportunity.

[00:54:24] For a good few months.

[00:54:25] And I was really nervous.

[00:54:27] Stepping back onto the stage.

[00:54:28] And doing a period drama.

[00:54:30] The drama.

[00:54:31] It was a three hour play.

[00:54:32] So there's a lot of lines.

[00:54:33] To learn.

[00:54:34] It's a lot.

[00:54:35] To wrap your head around.

[00:54:36] And we didn't have that much.

[00:54:37] Rehearsal time.

[00:54:38] And the main character.

[00:54:40] Had actually dropped out.

[00:54:42] So the director.

[00:54:42] Had asked me to step in.

[00:54:44] And.

[00:54:45] So.

[00:54:46] That was.

[00:54:46] Definitely.

[00:54:47] A challenge.

[00:54:48] But I really enjoyed it.

[00:54:49] And then the other.

[00:54:50] Main characters.

[00:54:51] In the cast.

[00:54:51] That I work with.

[00:54:52] Were brilliant.

[00:54:53] And were really inspiring.

[00:54:54] So.

[00:54:55] The minute I came off that stage.

[00:54:56] I thought.

[00:54:57] No.

[00:54:57] I definitely want to do something.

[00:54:59] Like that again.

[00:55:00] Perhaps.

[00:55:01] Similar.

[00:55:01] Or on a bigger scale.

[00:55:03] And then.

[00:55:04] The short film.

[00:55:05] That I've just filmed.

[00:55:05] Friday at 10.

[00:55:07] That was so.

[00:55:08] Eye-opening.

[00:55:09] Because.

[00:55:10] It was.

[00:55:11] My first time.

[00:55:12] Being on a set like that.

[00:55:13] I've never really done.

[00:55:14] Something like that.

[00:55:15] On a bigger scale.

[00:55:16] And.

[00:55:16] And I've just made so many connections.

[00:55:18] With.

[00:55:19] Director.

[00:55:20] Producers.

[00:55:22] Cameramen.

[00:55:23] Camerawomen.

[00:55:24] And just.

[00:55:24] Really.

[00:55:25] Really.

[00:55:25] Felt connected.

[00:55:26] To the crew.

[00:55:27] And felt like I was really.

[00:55:29] Making good connections.

[00:55:30] And.

[00:55:30] I definitely.

[00:55:32] I definitely learned a lot.

[00:55:32] I was learning more about producing.

[00:55:34] And again.

[00:55:35] That's something.

[00:55:35] I would like to do in the future.

[00:55:37] So yeah.

[00:55:38] Both.

[00:55:38] Both projects.

[00:55:39] Have really inspired me.

[00:55:41] And given me that push.

[00:55:41] To just keep on going.

[00:55:44] Got it.

[00:55:44] Got it.

[00:55:44] And I guess.

[00:55:45] You know.

[00:55:45] This is.

[00:55:46] It's all about networking.

[00:55:47] At the same time.

[00:55:48] Where.

[00:55:49] It's kind of putting people.

[00:55:51] In the places where.

[00:55:52] You know.

[00:55:52] If there's anything.

[00:55:53] You can help each other.

[00:55:54] At the time.

[00:55:55] When it's needed.

[00:55:56] And.

[00:55:56] It's that part.

[00:55:58] I guess that's new.

[00:55:58] And.

[00:55:59] To conclude this whole thing.

[00:56:01] It's.

[00:56:02] It's brilliant.

[00:56:02] That you.

[00:56:03] Kind of figuring out.

[00:56:05] At this moment.

[00:56:05] Okay.

[00:56:06] This is where it should be.

[00:56:07] And this is where it should be.

[00:56:09] And.

[00:56:09] Okay.

[00:56:10] This is the next step.

[00:56:11] And the next step.

[00:56:12] Okay.

[00:56:12] Now.

[00:56:12] This is solved.

[00:56:13] You're kind of finding your path.

[00:56:14] Through the days.

[00:56:15] That you're traveling.

[00:56:16] So I guess.

[00:56:17] And things are unlocking for you.

[00:56:19] Every day.

[00:56:19] Or every new project.

[00:56:20] That you're doing it.

[00:56:21] And.

[00:56:23] That's how your journey.

[00:56:24] Is going.

[00:56:25] At this moment.

[00:56:26] So.

[00:56:26] Monika.

[00:56:27] What I've learned from you.

[00:56:29] And.

[00:56:30] What I got.

[00:56:31] The information.

[00:56:31] From you.

[00:56:32] It's completely different.

[00:56:34] It's like.

[00:56:35] On the both ends.

[00:56:37] The Monika.

[00:56:38] That sent me her bio.

[00:56:39] And her info.

[00:56:40] Is like.

[00:56:40] Oh God.

[00:56:41] I thought like.

[00:56:42] Okay.

[00:56:42] I guess she's just starting out.

[00:56:44] You know.

[00:56:44] She's done a few projects.

[00:56:46] And to everyone.

[00:56:47] The quick info.

[00:56:48] About how we got.

[00:56:48] In here.

[00:56:49] Is.

[00:56:50] It's all about.

[00:56:50] The last moment call.

[00:56:51] For our series.

[00:56:52] The Dark Alley.

[00:56:53] Which is going to release.

[00:56:54] In September.

[00:56:55] I don't know when.

[00:56:55] This is going to release.

[00:56:56] But it's going to release.

[00:56:57] In September.

[00:56:58] And she just messaged.

[00:56:59] Hey.

[00:56:59] I don't know.

[00:56:59] It's late.

[00:57:00] But I'm just submitting.

[00:57:00] This is my.

[00:57:01] This is my link.

[00:57:02] And I was interviewing.

[00:57:03] A lot of other actresses.

[00:57:05] At that point.

[00:57:05] Where we are trying to figure out.

[00:57:06] And I just get a mess.

[00:57:08] I told her.

[00:57:08] Hey.

[00:57:09] Slots are closed up.

[00:57:10] If you're really interested.

[00:57:11] Send me something.

[00:57:12] And we can continue afterwards.

[00:57:14] And then.

[00:57:15] We scheduled a call.

[00:57:16] And the next day.

[00:57:17] I guess.

[00:57:17] We kind of booked in.

[00:57:18] And it was wonderful.

[00:57:20] After that.

[00:57:20] We got connected.

[00:57:21] And that's how.

[00:57:22] I came to know about her.

[00:57:24] And.

[00:57:25] Now.

[00:57:25] She sent me the info.

[00:57:27] Where you send me the bio.

[00:57:28] It's completely.

[00:57:29] Like.

[00:57:29] Two ends.

[00:57:30] Of that.

[00:57:31] Okay.

[00:57:32] The one I know now.

[00:57:34] After an hour of.

[00:57:35] Talking to you.

[00:57:36] Is someone.

[00:57:37] Who is really passionate.

[00:57:38] From the age of three.

[00:57:40] Good.

[00:57:40] Blessed with good parents.

[00:57:42] First of all.

[00:57:42] But.

[00:57:43] After that.

[00:57:44] Once you took out yourself.

[00:57:45] And.

[00:57:46] In the real market.

[00:57:47] You know.

[00:57:47] On field.

[00:57:48] Where you are performing.

[00:57:50] That's where the real character appears.

[00:57:51] You.

[00:57:52] Jumped out.

[00:57:53] You dropped out of the unit.

[00:57:54] That.

[00:57:55] Actually.

[00:57:56] Pulled out.

[00:57:57] The version 2.0.

[00:57:58] Of yourself.

[00:57:59] You know.

[00:57:59] The one who is working.

[00:58:00] The one who is.

[00:58:01] You know.

[00:58:02] Paying for her classes.

[00:58:03] The one who is.

[00:58:04] Talking to people.

[00:58:05] Strangers.

[00:58:05] Just to know that.

[00:58:06] Hey.

[00:58:06] If I get a character like this.

[00:58:08] Incoming future.

[00:58:09] I have the data.

[00:58:11] Ready with me.

[00:58:12] I have the information.

[00:58:12] Ready with me.

[00:58:13] I have the traits.

[00:58:14] Ready with me.

[00:58:15] You bought the old place.

[00:58:17] This is the.

[00:58:17] Bizarre thing.

[00:58:18] That I'm hearing.

[00:58:19] That you.

[00:58:19] Someone who is in 2020.

[00:58:21] Plus.

[00:58:22] And is.

[00:58:23] Buying some old place.

[00:58:25] Someone like you.

[00:58:26] Is.

[00:58:26] Is kind of.

[00:58:27] You know.

[00:58:28] People and artists.

[00:58:29] Who are just starting out.

[00:58:30] Should learn this part.

[00:58:32] Of what.

[00:58:32] Hunger an artist.

[00:58:33] Looks like.

[00:58:34] What a hungry artist.

[00:58:35] Looks like.

[00:58:36] What.

[00:58:37] How eager.

[00:58:38] And how hungry.

[00:58:39] She is.

[00:58:40] To learn.

[00:58:41] About acting.

[00:58:42] To learn.

[00:58:43] And make her better.

[00:58:44] What.

[00:58:44] You know.

[00:58:45] Make the best version.

[00:58:46] Out of this.

[00:58:47] Whatever she is.

[00:58:48] At this moment.

[00:58:49] And consistently.

[00:58:50] Working on yourself.

[00:58:51] I guess.

[00:58:52] That's you.

[00:58:52] You like to improve yourself.

[00:58:54] Every single time.

[00:58:55] You like to make sure that.

[00:58:57] Whatever I am today.

[00:58:58] Now in.

[00:58:58] At this moment.

[00:58:59] On the 10th of September.

[00:59:00] I should be.

[00:59:01] The most.

[00:59:02] Best version of me.

[00:59:04] Coming six months.

[00:59:05] Seven months.

[00:59:05] Eight months.

[00:59:05] I should have a lot of projects with me at this time.

[00:59:08] And I guess the mentality and the mindset that you have for characters for preparation.

[00:59:12] Is really going to help you out as an actress.

[00:59:15] As someone who is performing in dance.

[00:59:17] Combination of that.

[00:59:18] And I guess that's what tells more about you as an artist.

[00:59:21] Your journey is.

[00:59:22] It's completely different.

[00:59:24] You should type more of what you do.

[00:59:26] You know.

[00:59:26] You should have a party ready with you.

[00:59:29] This is.

[00:59:30] This is something.

[00:59:31] Every artist should learn from your journey.

[00:59:33] And learn from you.

[00:59:34] Okay.

[00:59:34] What.

[00:59:35] And hunger in artists.

[00:59:37] You know.

[00:59:37] That's the best word I can place at this moment.

[00:59:39] You are hungry.

[00:59:40] You are.

[00:59:40] You want that to happen.

[00:59:42] You're that eager.

[00:59:43] Okay.

[00:59:43] I just want to lock this down.

[00:59:44] I have to make it happen.

[00:59:45] I have to.

[00:59:46] Let's see what are the steps I can pull out.

[00:59:48] So I can make it work.

[00:59:50] And I can make it possible for me at this moment.

[00:59:53] And that's what puts you in the best part as an artist.

[00:59:56] And it's really.

[00:59:58] Really interesting.

[00:59:59] New.

[01:00:00] And something that.

[01:00:02] Wow.

[01:00:03] What I can say is.

[01:00:04] An artist should be like this.

[01:00:06] Should be hungry like this.

[01:00:07] Should prepare something like this.

[01:00:08] And it's great to know you Monica.

[01:00:11] It's something that.

[01:00:13] Now.

[01:00:14] Once I know you.

[01:00:15] And you having a lot of this experiences.

[01:00:17] Talking to people.

[01:00:19] Doing all these things.

[01:00:20] What advice you'd like.

[01:00:22] To give to the artists who are just starting out.

[01:00:25] Are in the same place as you are.

[01:00:27] And who are just getting started.

[01:00:29] And wanting to know the things.

[01:00:30] But not in the zone where you are.

[01:00:33] You know.

[01:00:33] What advice you as an artist in 2024.

[01:00:36] Would like to give to the fellow artists.

[01:00:39] I would say.

[01:00:40] Learn.

[01:00:41] Learn everything and anything you can.

[01:00:43] Whether that's life experience.

[01:00:45] Whether that's going onto YouTube.

[01:00:47] And clicking a video of how can I do an accent.

[01:00:50] Or watching actors round tables.

[01:00:52] Or watching Hollywood blockbusters.

[01:00:54] Learn as much as you can.

[01:00:56] Go to class.

[01:00:57] Go out.

[01:00:58] Sit in your park.

[01:00:59] And look at all the different people around you.

[01:01:01] And just learn.

[01:01:02] Learn about everything and everyone.

[01:01:04] I think the more knowledge you have in your head.

[01:01:06] The more you can use that in your acting.

[01:01:08] And don't be afraid to reach out.

[01:01:10] Email directors.

[01:01:11] Or email an agent.

[01:01:13] And ask for advice.

[01:01:14] Even if you don't want to be represented by them.

[01:01:16] Ask them.

[01:01:17] What advice could you give to me?

[01:01:18] It's all about networking.

[01:01:20] Like you said earlier.

[01:01:21] And knowing people.

[01:01:23] And I think you've just got to keep going.

[01:01:25] Do something.

[01:01:26] A little thing.

[01:01:26] Each day.

[01:01:27] That you know is going to contribute to your career.

[01:01:30] And you will honestly see so much improvement and growth.

[01:01:33] I promise.

[01:01:35] Great.

[01:01:35] And yeah.

[01:01:35] She's promising.

[01:01:37] She's there.

[01:01:38] Promise.

[01:01:39] So if it doesn't work.

[01:01:42] You contact her.

[01:01:43] Okay.

[01:01:45] So okay.

[01:01:46] So here's a part.

[01:01:47] Thank you so much for your wonderful advice to all the artists.

[01:01:51] And to all the fellow artists.

[01:01:52] Now tell me.

[01:01:54] So this is an interesting part.

[01:01:58] If you want to connect with Monica.

[01:01:59] If you want to connect with her regarding work.

[01:02:01] All the information about her social media.

[01:02:03] Her work email.

[01:02:04] Her spotlight.

[01:02:05] Will be mentioned in the link of this description.

[01:02:07] Of this episode.

[01:02:08] What we are doing at this moment.

[01:02:09] So make sure you check that.

[01:02:11] Everything related to.

[01:02:12] In order to approach her for work.

[01:02:13] You know.

[01:02:14] Connect with her.

[01:02:15] Discuss with her.

[01:02:16] Future opportunities.

[01:02:17] Whatever.

[01:02:18] Everything will be there.

[01:02:18] In the description of the episode.

[01:02:20] So make sure you go and check out now.

[01:02:21] And you can follow her.

[01:02:23] To the social handles that she has related to acting.

[01:02:25] So whatever it does.

[01:02:27] If you want to connect with Monica Bennett.

[01:02:29] Everything.

[01:02:29] The information.

[01:02:30] Related to her.

[01:02:31] Is in the description of this particular episode.

[01:02:33] So.

[01:02:34] Make sure you join.

[01:02:35] Connect with her.

[01:02:36] And yeah.

[01:02:37] That's it.

[01:02:37] That was the plug that I was.

[01:02:39] Looking to put in.

[01:02:41] So.

[01:02:41] I guess.

[01:02:42] We got your advice.

[01:02:43] It was wonderful.

[01:02:44] And.

[01:02:45] Now we jump on.

[01:02:47] To the rapid fire.

[01:02:48] Okay.

[01:02:48] Rapid fire.

[01:02:49] We term it as rapid fire.

[01:02:51] But you can take your time.

[01:02:52] So.

[01:02:52] Okay.

[01:02:53] In case.

[01:02:54] You can't remember anything.

[01:02:55] But I guess these are the simple questions.

[01:02:57] It will not take much of your time.

[01:02:59] Knowing about you.

[01:03:00] Okay.

[01:03:01] Rapid fire questions.

[01:03:02] Favorite movie growing up.

[01:03:05] Mamma Mia.

[01:03:06] Okay.

[01:03:07] Mamma Mia.

[01:03:08] I heard this for the first time.

[01:03:09] Okay.

[01:03:10] Dancing or acting?

[01:03:12] Ah.

[01:03:12] That's not that.

[01:03:13] Okay.

[01:03:14] Okay.

[01:03:14] Okay.

[01:03:15] Okay.

[01:03:15] Good.

[01:03:16] Dream role.

[01:03:20] A lead female in a period TV drama.

[01:03:24] I also heard about you going into HBO and Hollywood.

[01:03:28] We'll jump on to that.

[01:03:29] But best part of auditioning?

[01:03:33] Meeting new people.

[01:03:36] Biggest challenge in acting?

[01:03:40] Staying motivated and believing in yourself.

[01:03:44] Comedy or drama?

[01:03:46] Which do you enjoy?

[01:03:48] Drama.

[01:03:50] Period drama or modern drama?

[01:03:53] Period drama.

[01:03:56] Favorite actress?

[01:03:58] Jodie Comer.

[01:03:59] Say again.

[01:04:00] I didn't hear.

[01:04:01] Jodie Comer.

[01:04:03] Okay.

[01:04:03] It was the same, I guess.

[01:04:05] Okay.

[01:04:05] Stage or screen?

[01:04:09] Oh.

[01:04:11] Screen.

[01:04:13] Oh, screen.

[01:04:14] Okay.

[01:04:14] Okay.

[01:04:15] Okay.

[01:04:15] Good.

[01:04:17] Dream acting destination.

[01:04:19] Hollywood or London's West End?

[01:04:23] Hollywood.

[01:04:25] Okay.

[01:04:25] Hollywood.

[01:04:25] Yeah, we go on.

[01:04:27] Okay.

[01:04:27] Okay.

[01:04:27] The way you're going for it, the way your attitude is, you are going to reach the places

[01:04:32] where it's not just Hollywood now at this moment.

[01:04:35] It's all about OTTs and, you know, the big production houses.

[01:04:38] So the way you're approaching it, yeah, you will easily land in HBO, in Peacock, in Hulu,

[01:04:45] whatever you think is best for you.

[01:04:47] But yep, yep, yep.

[01:04:48] What's your last take on talking about you landing in Hollywood and HBO series?

[01:04:52] What was that in your mind?

[01:04:56] I just, it's my biggest goal.

[01:04:59] I watched HBO for such a long time.

[01:05:03] I loved so many of their shows.

[01:05:05] So that for me is my biggest dream, my biggest goal.

[01:05:08] I've got loads of other goals, but that for me would, that would be the I have made it moment.

[01:05:15] So I'm going to keep pushing towards it, I think.

[01:05:19] Great, great.

[01:05:20] Thank you.

[01:05:20] Thank you so much, Monica.

[01:05:21] Thank you for your time.

[01:05:22] Thank you for being on the show.

[01:05:23] Thank you for signing up for our series, The Dark Alley, which is, by the way, now streaming.

[01:05:29] So you can go and check out her episode in The Dark Alley, her performance in The Dark Alley.

[01:05:33] It's an audio series, Grime Through the Mystery.

[01:05:35] It's a five-episode series.

[01:05:37] It's now streaming.

[01:05:38] So make sure you go and catch Monica Bennett in The Dark Alley on Creti Audio Starting Podcast.

[01:05:43] It's on Spotify and it's on 50 Plus platforms.

[01:05:46] Easily, you can find the link down in the description.

[01:05:48] So you can go and check that on our website, download it.

[01:05:51] And yep, that's it.

[01:05:52] Okay.

[01:05:53] Thank you so much for being on the show.

[01:05:55] And we connected last moment of the series.

[01:05:58] But it was great knowing you.

[01:06:00] I didn't know we would end up one hour, 15 minutes.

[01:06:03] Totally.

[01:06:04] I thought this was a 30 minutes interview.

[01:06:07] And that's it.

[01:06:08] Because the way I came to know about you, okay, I think she starts and she ends within 15 minutes.

[01:06:14] I guess that's it.

[01:06:15] But it's really the good energy and God was with us that we kind of developed something really beautiful throughout this for 75 minutes.

[01:06:23] And it was really amazing.

[01:06:25] Thank you so much for being on this show.

[01:06:27] Thank you for telling the story that every artist is looking to hear.

[01:06:32] People are going to inspire from you whatever that you did before getting in and after dropping out.

[01:06:39] So that part is really what everyone would love to know.

[01:06:43] Okay.

[01:06:44] I can just copy that and be the best version of themselves.

[01:06:47] It's really inspiring to know that.

[01:06:50] I guess this was it, everyone.

[01:06:52] I am Ajay Tambay, the host and producer of Pre-T-R-E-S.

[01:06:55] And now I'm signing off.