MEGAN RUTH
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moving to london: the struggles

8/30/2018

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It's been about a month and a half since I've arrived in the UK. There have been some absolute highs, most of which were spent in that first three weeks during my program. It seems moving to a new country is never all highs, however. 

After coming back from Wales I ran into a serious depression. I hardly knew anyone, I had no job, acquiring a bank account did not prove as easy as I thought it was going to be, and I was also trying not to spend money. Furthermore, I was informed that the landlord of the flat I had just moved into had decided to sell the place so I was forced into another flat hunt much sooner than I deemed appropriate. 

I threw myself into the necessities of being a UK resident. I applied for a NIN (National Insurance Number), I tried (and failed) many times to get a bank account, I applied for jobs,  and I watched a lot of netflix. There's something about not needing to be anywhere or do anything that makes a person very lazy. I had zero ambition. Which is saying something because everyone who knows me knows that ambition is in my blood. I breath it. But not then. Then I was waisting away in netflix marathon after netflix marathon. 

There was also the necessities of being a UK based actor. I applied for Spotlight, which is the UK's leading casting website that every professional actor needs. The Canadian equivalent would be Casting Workbook, except the difference is for Spotlight you can't just sign up and pay the fee. You need at least 2 years of professional acting training or 4 professional credits, which only include feature films and television. Not to mention applying for an agent without a Spotlight would be hopeless, as mostly all require one while submitting. I had the two years of acting training, so I assumed I'd be able to acquire one easily. Nope. I was rejected. I emailed them explaining there's no reason I should have been rejected as I did have a diploma from a professional acting school. They finally gave me an account and I've been applying for agents ever since. 

I also signed up for the Actor's Centre which is a membership that allows actors infinite opportunities for classes and workshops. I took a workshop last week which I found very fulfilling. 

Finally, I was successful in my attempts at getting a bank account, and I found a flat that I move into mid September. I also got a job, which I don't start till next week. 

Last week I was sick of laying on my arse doing nothing and I wanted one last adventure before starting my job, so I spontaneously went to Scotland to take in the Edinburgh Fringe as well as explore my Scottish ancestry. It reminded me how close I am to everything in Europe and the rest of the UK, and to really take advantage of it. Despite all the struggles and lows, I'm still really glad I'm here. The fact that I can book a trip to Scotland the day before at such a low price is still amazing to me. I don't think that will ever change.

Picture

Looking out the view from Castle Campbell in Dollar, Scotland

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Three weeks in London: Training, flat hunting, & adulting

8/5/2018

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Its absolutely crazy how time flies by when you're in a full time acting course in a new Country while simultaneously trying to find a place to live for the next two years. It's still hard to believe I'm actually here. The program at Guildhall was incredible. I can now compare training in the UK to that of Canada, and even though there was some overlap, I found in London, (or at Guildhall, at least) there is a huge sense of play which my former training lacked. It was a lot more physical which I found incredibly useful. Furthermore, after studying in a film acting intensive course for two years while also being wrapped up in camera acting since graduation, it was so nice to be able to jump head first into theatre again. I know for sure I made the right choice to move here knowing how viable theatre is in London compared to Toronto.

As for Flat Hunting, I was super lucky. The first flat I saw I took. Its in Newham, so a little far out from the centre, but its a good area with great flatmates (who have dogs!), and decently priced rent. The next things on my checklist are to get a job and an agent, but thankfully I know people who can help in both departments. I'm also prepared to really tackle the networking thing, because as any actor knows, it's all about who you know.

Before I do those things, however, I'm spending the next week in Wales visiting relatives. I can't wait to see more of the UK!
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    Megan Ruth

    Everything you need to know about my move to London.

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  • About
  • Blog
    • LONDON
  • Filmmaker
  • Author
    • Harry and Sally
  • Contact/Socials
  • News