Did you always know that acting was something you wanted to pursue?
Jherad: No, because in a sense I have been performing all my life just making people around me laugh. Making the decision to pursue a career as an actor, though, only came after a long period of not knowing what I really wanted to do with my life. I was fortunate enough to find myself in the company of professional actors when I was cast by Melissa Simmonds for The Gale Theatre of Barbados and London in the 2008 production of Macbeth. Working alongside professional actors from the UK and a director from the UK, as well as professional Barbadians like Alison Sealy-Smith and Patrick Foster, inspired me.
After working with the Gale Theatre and getting the opportunity to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), what made you seek out admission at other drama schools?
Jherad: I loved that summer course at RADA so much. I guess I fell in love with the idea of being able to do that kind of work every day for three years. I met some focused, talented and humble people and I thought to myself, “I wouldn’t mind being surrounded by that for three years.”
Do you find when you’re in character that you lose yourself, almost becoming the character that you’re portraying?
Jherad: To an extent, yes. In my experience, the best mental space for a good stage actor to be in when he hits the stage is a place of being aware of the audience to the extent that you are able to cater to what they require of you, for example, a longer pause, or a louder line, while giving enough focus, energy and commitment to the character you are portraying and what he is trying to get out of the other characters on stage with him.
How has your family responded to your new career path?
Jherad: They have all been incredibly supportive. I think both of my parents are natural performers and, I think, had they perhaps been born in a different time they would have pursued a similar path. I think they see a little bit of themselves in me. My mother teaches chemistry but is also very artistic and writes. She wrote a piece I originally performed at the [National Independence Festival of Creative Arts] (NIFCA), which is where Melissa Simmonds (Gale Theatre) first saw me perform.
Is there a big market in Barbados for young actors like you who are seeking similar opportunities?
Jherad: I think the market exists, but the people who are willing and able to bring together the resources to make it happen are limited. Companies like Gale Theatre of Barbados and London and Laff It Off, and Diasporic Arts are providing some of these opportunities, and are going the extra mile to get undeveloped talent into the room with seasoned professionals. I think these amazing companies are laying the groundwork for what will eventually grow into a bustling industry – hopefully. But they all need to receive support from Government, corporate and private Barbados. With that the potential for an industry is created, as actors can go from company to company and then theatre-going audiences also receive choices, which can never be a bad thing.
What are you currently working on?
Jherad: At the moment I’m working on a piece I have written. A solo piece. In final year, you can either do one of these or a dissertation. There was no way I was writing one thousand words. I love acting so it was the obvious choice for me.
Now that you are on your own, is it difficult getting roles and auditioning, or do you get lots of parts offered to you?
Jherad: I’ve not been going up for any auditions as yet, as I’d like to complete my training before I do, so maybe ask me again in July. I have agents interested in me but I am not rushing to jump at the first one until I finish my course. A month ago I had the privilege of being selected by Guildhall School of Music and Drama to attend a workshop with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Jherad Alleyne will be home this April and will appear with the Gale Theatre of Barbados and London in The Lover, Pinter And The Piano, an evening of theatre and musical entertainment directed by Rob Leyshon and produced by Melissa Simmonds.
