These recent times have been some of the hardest challenges we've faced and as a community, it hit us pretty hard. However during these difficult times, here at Pocket Size Theatre, we wanted to spread a little positivity and share some peoples experiences because we are all in this together. Each day we'll be speaking to our friends in the industry to share their experiences with you all so take a read and see how people are getting through these hard times.
Let's stick together, share the love and get through this as a community!
Adam Strong was most recently seen playing Khashoggi in the UK touring production of We Will Rock You. His other credits include Mayor & Ja'Keith / 1st Cover Lonny & Hertz in Rock of Ages (UK Tour); Simeon/1st Cover Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour); Lead Vocalist in The World of Musicals (Australian & German Tour); Priest/Understudy Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Arena Tour); Council Man/ Ensemble in La Boheme (Opera Up Close) and Sondheim at 80 (Royal Albert Hall).
Let's stick together, share the love and get through this as a community!
*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation. Please keep that in mind when reading*
Adam Strong was most recently seen playing Khashoggi in the UK touring production of We Will Rock You. His other credits include Mayor & Ja'Keith / 1st Cover Lonny & Hertz in Rock of Ages (UK Tour); Simeon/1st Cover Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour); Lead Vocalist in The World of Musicals (Australian & German Tour); Priest/Understudy Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Arena Tour); Council Man/ Ensemble in La Boheme (Opera Up Close) and Sondheim at 80 (Royal Albert Hall).
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I have actually just started teaching online for the first time, I have been in quite a lot of rock shows so I have focussed mainly on that, as well as audition technique and general musical theatre. Message me if you would be interested in starting lessons, I teach all levels of ability. I am also currently planning a live stream concert.
Whenever you log onto social media there is so much negativity circulating. How have you been trying to keep a positive mental attitude during these times?
I find social media can be both a blessing and a curse, I am quite a positive person, I am a big fan of the book 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne, she has a 'Daily Teachings App' and I find that reading 1 page a day really kicks off your morning. I also follow 'The Power of Positivity' on Facebook, this is a great account to keep a positive mental attitude at this tough time especially, and it has helped me a lot over the years.
With the Arts temporarily shut down, how would you advise people to continue to support the Arts industries?
My advice would be firstly if you have tickets for a show that has been cancelled and can afford it, don't ask for a refund, donate that money to the theatre. If the show has been rescheduled as mine has, try and make the new date or exchange for a new date where possible. There are many live streams that you can pay to watch and all of the money donated goes to the arts and those in need.
Have you discovered anything that you’d like to recommend to our viewers?
The wonderful Andrew Lloyd Webber has created a youtube channel, 'The Shows Must Go On' where certain shows will be streamed FREE for 48 hour period, I would take full advantage of this. The production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' I was In was streamed over Easter weekend, it is such a good way to keep our industry alive.
If anyone is looking for the best fitness class around, head over the Instagram to 'Bobby's Bakery' (Merch coming soon) ran by the one and only Bobby Windebank, he is a highly skilled personal trainer and his classes are proving very popular, just chuck him some money via pay-pal. His classes are at 11am each day and his insta handle is @bobalus, feel the burn!
Also if you haven't seen 'The Stranger' or 'Ozark' then you should watch them both!
In these times of Social Distancing and isolation, how have you been trying to connect with Friends and Family? Any fun quizzes or games?!
I have been involved in many Quizzes with friends and family, a friend of mine did a 'Friends' themed quiz, which was fantastic. It is such a good way to connect with people while we are all stuck in our homes. My advice if you are looking for good questions is Ken's Quiz, he has some amazing quiz's https://www.kensquiz.co.uk/
And finally, looking to the future, what are you most looking forward to when all of this is over?
The thing I am most looking forward to when this is over is getting to socialize with the friends and family, something as simple as going for a coffee. I look forward to getting back to work, as is the case with many actors. Closing Theatres came as a bit of a shock, I miss my cast and the show and can't wait to get back to it. It is so important that we all support theatres when they reopen.
Stay Safe everyone and most importantly Stay Home!
We'd like to thank Adam and all the other performers who have given up their time to contribute to this feature.
Other useful links for anyone needing further help:
Acting For Others - Charity that provides financial & emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need.
Help Musicians - An independent Charity that helps all forms of Musicians through times of need.
Industry Minds - Mental Health Support for the creative arts.
Theatre Helpline - a free, independent and confidential phone and email service that provides support to people working in the theatre industry.
