Hi Luke, please introduce yourself for the reader
My name is Luke Lane. I am an actor-singer in London and I play Quentin Dentin in The Quentin Dentin Show.
What's a typical day like in your job?
On show days (8 shows a week) it would consist of getting to the theatre an hour before showtime, warming up, getting into costume and performing the show. The day could also include some interviews to promote the Quentin Dentin Show album.
Other than that, trying to stay rested and healthy for the show. On non-show periods it consists of much the same, but switch a day job for the performing.
What’s great about your job?
Getting to perform and show audiences the brilliant work that all the creative team has created.
What are the bits you don’t like or find challenging?
Quentin is a very demanding role so the most challenging part is all the work that goes on outside the theatre. Keeping my voice and body healthy and strong for the show. Lots of silence - not much fun!
What are the highlights of your career to date?
I am absolutely delighted that there is now an album of The Quentin Dentin Show. It’s such a great feeling to know people can listen to it whenever and wherever they like.
How did you get into an arts job? Have you also worked outside the arts?
I have always wanted to work in the arts. I went away to university then moved to London and, like most actors in London, had many day jobs.
Can you describe your biggest challenge so far in your career? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge is getting seen for auditions. When you start out, particularly if you didn’t attend a London-based drama school, you have to find a way to get in for an audition.
Before getting an agent I signed up to casting websites and applied for as many auditions as possible. Eventually, you start to create your own little community within the industry.
Also, the more you perform the more likely you are to be seen.
Do you have any related qualifications? If so, what is it and how do you think it’s helped you?
Yes, I have an MA in Staging Shakespeare and I have my ABRSM grades in music. There are many different ways people approach getting into the arts. The most well defined would be going to drama school. Personally, I went to university and studied law first, which is what I needed to do at 18. I don’t think going straight into drama school would have been right for me at that time and I am delighted with the education I got and the friends I made at university. I do, however, think training is very useful and important.
I also believe it is incredibly important to keep pushing yourself and learning after you graduate/start your career. Find out what skills you need to develop and seek out the best place and method of achieving that.
Have you noticed any changes in the industry? If so, what?
I haven’t been in it long enough to notice any macro changes in the industry, but on a personal level: yes. People always say that it's a small industry, but that is very hard to understand when you are starting out because it feels like you are completely outside of it. What I have noticed, and continue to notice, is that it gets smaller and smaller the more work you do. Once you feel in some way part of it, it is a brilliant group of people.
You’ve been granted the ability to send a message to 16-year-old you. What do you say?
Relax, just try to see the end goal. Enjoy yourself and keep trying new things. It will all be helpful someday
Do you have any advice for young people interested in doing your kind of job?
Work hard, be kind to yourself and others. People will remember those traits more than anything else.
Find out more about The Quentin Dentin Show in our interview with Musical Director Henry Carpenter
Want some more career advice?
Check out Kickstart Your Career for more interviews and top tips for carving your own creative career path.
Are you all set for your next production? Trinity College London can help you stay organised and avoid last-minute stress with their handy checklist.
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