Hi, I am Yvonne Hays, …watching the movie ‘Roots’ triggered the acting bug inside me. I saw how black history was told through film and the educative and entertainment value caught my attention, it triggered my desire to be an actor. I saw how film, a visual medium could be used to depict and teach life and how acting is a depiction of life in its entirety. So, I started acting in 2012, my first few movies were nervous performances from me as at the time I was still finding myself and my voice as an actor, but with the more practice I have had since then I have improved and still improving on my craft. I have since then featured in short films and feature length films and also won the BEFFTA Award (Black Entertainment Film Fashion TV and Arts) for ‘Best Actress 2013’ in the film category.
I won the award for ‘Best Actress’ at the BEFFTA Awards 2013. Thanks to God & you all for your support x pic.twitter.com/BdaegyBmFf
— Yvonne Hays (@YvonneHays) October 27, 2013
Did you study acting
I started acting in 2012 as described above, then I realised in 2013 that if I wanted to make a career out of this, I had to take certain steps in the right direction so I made the personal decision to get formal training at drama school. In 2013, I started formal training at ‘Identity Drama School’ in London. The formal training I can definitely say changed my perception of acting, it gave me the true meaning of what it means to be an ‘actor’. I realised that acting involves a lot of ‘study’ and ‘work’. I strongly recommend refresher courses or workshops during down times in between busy filming schedules.
What acting technique do you use
I use a combination of Stanislavski, Lee Strasberg method and the Sanford Meisner technique. Sometimes, I use my personal experiences or I imagine circumstances and act accordingly. However, I use less of method acting as it can get intense and dangerous.
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
Acting is a craft and a profession and so should be seen as such. It requires some level of discipline in order to attain longevity and that ‘staying power’ in one’s career. I believe ‘versatility’ in the roles one plays is also very important as well as it shows creativity and depth in your craft.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
I believe every actor should go through some form of formal training whether or not you have the natural talent. This is because formal training brushes up any rough edges new actors might have, teaches the fundamental principles and ethics of the craft and also propels one into those circles to enhance the profession. For example, doctors go through medical school to get training and certification in their profession so why shouldn’t any serious minded actor do the same especially during their free time. I had formal training at ‘Identity Drama School’ in London and also attend acting workshops from time to time.
What acting books do you read
Sanford Meisner on Acting
How do you keep fit as an actor
Acting involves a lot of mental and physical work, therefore I keep fit mentally and physically by working out on a regular basis, eating right (challenging but I try lol) and staying away from negative people and situations.
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
I read the script, research my character by watching movies with similar characters to give me a feel of the character and acting tips, interview or visit people/places in those real situations described in the script and I also discuss the character with the director in the form of character break down and script analysis.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
‘Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances’ according to Sanford Meisner. Actors must have some level of creativity and imagination to be able to bring each character to life. Every character in every script is a depiction of a life experience which could be a direct experience or an indirect experience. If i have no direct experience of a character then that’s where my imagination & creativity come into play. So I use both along with my research, character breakdown and script analysis as mentioned in the response to the previous question above.
How do you stay fresh on set
In between cuts and takes, I read my script and also spend some alone time with myself thinking of the character for the next scene or take.
Describe a memorable character you played
I played an overbearing character in a series titled ‘Yemoja: Rise of the Orisha’ directed by Nosa Igbinedion released in 2016. I found my character quite intense and my performance for this role was draining, but rewarding because the director was satisfied after my performance.
What do you want most from a director
Aside from having the right ‘people personality’, I would say ‘strong creativity and imagination’. All these combined have the power to bring imaginary characters from script to screen with huge success.
What actors do you long to work with
I admire and highly respect actors with depth and two of the many actors of such is Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep.
Why
Both actors have a wide range of depth as evidenced in their works.
What advice would you give to actors
Acting is a craft and a profession and so should be seen and handled as such. The glitz and glamour of it should never be given more priority over the craft. Acting involves working with people on a constant basis, so having a ‘people personality’ and ‘humility’ is utterly important at all times.
Briefly write about your career
I have featured in short films ‘Diaries’, ‘Day one in London’, ‘Andrew’, ‘The Collector’. Features such as ‘Bleach’, ‘The Experience – Behind Closed Doors’, ‘Urban Rhythm’, ‘Purity of Heart’, ‘Heartless Carer’, ‘Shameful Deceit’, ‘Battered’. The journey ahead is still a long one and I’m grateful and thankful so far.
28th Spt 2013 unveils ‘BATTERED’ starring Lanre Balogun @fatimajabbe @YvonneHays @theodoraibekwe John Utaka & others pic.twitter.com/6pYH0ekVoE
— Yvonne Hays (@YvonneHays) September 22, 2013
