ALUMNUS OF THE MONTH – Lorna Quinn
Tuesday, April 1st, 2014 at 4:55 pm | Alumni Interviews, News & Events
Lorna Quinn previously starred as ‘Lucy Mallon’ in the Irish Television series, Fair City. Lorna returned to theatre last year in the role of ‘Kate’ in ‘Bedroom Farce’ by Alan Ayckbourn at The Gate Theatre. Since then she has appeared in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and is currently appearing in ‘An Ideal Husband’ also at The Gate Theatre. Lorna graduated from the Full Time Actor Training Course at the Gaiety School of Acting in 2007.
1. Did you always want to work in the theatre/acting business?
Not always! It was a gradual dawning! I came to drama quite late – I was thirteen when I started Speech and Drama classes. I LOVED it! Throughout my secondary school years, I studied my grades in Speech & Drama, joined the local musical society and performed with the Backstage Youth Theatre Group in Longford. It became apparent that performing was definitely something I loved to do, so when it came to deciding what I would pursue at Third Level, I chose the BA in Drama and Theatre Studies at UCC. This was a fantastic course that offered a theoretical and practical approach to studying theatre – However it did not TRAIN you to become a professional actor.
This is where The Gaiety School of Acting comes in! I definitely knew by the end of my three years in UCC, that I wanted to pursue acting professionally. So I auditioned for the Full Time Course, and the rest they say is history!
2.How did you start off in the business?
I stayed living in Dublin, as this is where all the major theatre companies and casting directors are based. I continued with my part-time job which I had as I was training at the Gaiety School of Acting. There is a real sense of urgency once you graduate to get work, to get an agent, to be the next big thing! But it does take time. And patience.
The Irish Theatre Handbook was a useful tool for getting information on all the theatre companies and casting directors. I used this for contacting directors in terms of being considered for their future theatre work and also to be kept in mind if casting directors were casting anything that I myself had not heard about. I also kept myself informed by looking at various notice boards where auditions would be posted. Soon after graduating, I saw a notice looking for actors to take part in a play-reading for The Fringe Festival. This was my first acting job.
Then came ‘I,KEANO’! I had worked with Lane Productions during my ‘Theatre Internship’ for college, and was delighted to have the opportunity to work with them again. It was a great break for me – to be working on such a famous show with a bunch of really talented, established and professional people.
3. Any tips for aspiring actors?
Patience, Hard work, Belief, Focus and Professionalism.
It may not happen over night, but if you want it badly enough, the breaks will come. You have to believe that you DO have what it takes, and even if there are rejections along the way, that you can pick yourself back up and say “Right, that job just wasn’t meant for me – but I WILL get that break”. And you will, when the time is right.
On a practical level, I found having a part-time job was great for my independence, self-worth (if not acting!) and confidence. You do need to survive! Also, it allows you the income to go and see plays, films and attend acting workshops. There will come a time when you don’t need that job anymore, but starting out, it’s a great addition to have.
4.What did you like most about being at The Gaiety School of Acting?
I loved the open space in each room, where anything could happen. The focus was completely on you, the performer. I loved just wearing all black & being barefoot. It emphasized the importance of the body as the vessel through which performance is expressed – everything else is just ‘stuff’ that you can do without, but the ‘body’ is essential. I loved the sense of discovery and surprise one would receive throughout each term – learning more about yourself as a performer and also witnessing the work of your other classmates.
5.Favourite actors?
FILM. Kate Winslet. Julianne Moore. Toni Collette.
Russell Crowe. Matt Damon. Daniel-Day Lewis.
THEATRE. Dearbhle Crotty. Marie Mullen.
Risteard Cooper. Mark O’Halloran. Pat Kinevance.
Garrett Lombard. Marty Rea. Rory Nolan.
6.Favourite writers?
Enda Walsh. Tom Murphy. Martin Crimp. Martin McDonagh. Eugene Ionesco.
Arthur Miller. Alan Ayckbourn. David Ives.
7.Favourite plays?
The Walworth Farce. Attempts On Her Life. Christ Deliver Us. The Chairs. Silent. All My Sons.
8. Who have been the most influential people in your life so far?
My Parents.
9. Earliest memory?
Baking an apple tart with a close friend of our family, Mary-Jo, whilst waiting for my parents to return from a trip away. The excitement!
10.What would be your idea of the perfect day?
Waking up refreshed after a gorgeous, long, restful sleep. Turn on the radio to a nice entertaining light discussion as I prepare some lovely hot porridge with honey and cinnamon! My hair would be looking silky soft and smooth!! This day would have to be spent with my family, as I don’t get to see them as often as I would like. We might go to support Ireland play rugby or maybe to an All-Ireland Football match, and afterwards have a lovely hot Chinese/ Indian or Thai meal together. I would be traveling back home to Longford with them that night, where I would have a week’s break to spend at home, catching up and basking in all the lil luxuries to be found at home! Ah pure bliss!