The job that got me the job

My voice acting origins.

Back in 2003, I was at a cross roads.

Having graduated from Warwick University, I'd decided to take a year out to apply for drama schools.

And so I went back home to Somerset to live with mum and dad 😅

Full-time work was essential so I could pay my way, so it seemed like a sign from above when a new bookshop opened in nearby Wells.

I was down to the final two at Tesco for a position in their camera film development department (remember those?) but this appealed more.

And I got the job.

But why was it so crucial?

Because I shamelessly begged to oversee the tiny Drama section of the bookshop.

A section that, in this brand new store, amounted to little more than a few shelves.

Over the rest of the year, I will now confess (20 years later) that I abused my position to order in stock that only I would read:

The complete Harold Pinter.
Samuel Beckett.
Carol Chruchill
Wertenbaker.
Chekhov.
Ibsen.

All where integral reading for a 21 year old eager to train as an actor.

Did this lead to unexpected extra business for the bookshop?

No.
No, it did not.

But it sure made a difference to me.

And revisiting the scene of the crime this weekend, the Drama section has even increased.

I'll resist the claim I've 'educated the masses' though.

By Chris Tester - British Male Voice Actor