Yasmin Steadman in ITV's Coronation Street

ALRA graduates have a growing reputation for gaining acting roles on the famous cobbles of ITV’s Coronation Street.

Other ALRA graduates who made their debuts on Coronation Street in the last couple of years include Ryan Clayton (ALRA North 2015) whose character Josh Tucker recently made a comeback, Corey Weekes (ALRA North 2018) who played Morgan Middleton, Joe Mallalieu (ALRA South 2018) who played Cormac Truman, and Molly McGlynn (ALRA North 2016) who played Leah Buckley. Most recently, 2019 ALRA South graduate Mollie Gallagher was straight out of ALRA and onto the screens, playing the recurring character of goth teenager Nina.

We caught up with another ALRA North 2019 graduate Yasmin Steadman, who recently appeared as a policewoman in Coronation Street, to get the ins and outs of her experience.

 

What’s it like being part of such an iconic programme?

I had such an incredible day filming with Corrie. Everyone was so friendly and I was lucky enough to have a little tour around the cobbles at the end, which was definitely a ‘pinch me’ moment!

 

Can you talk us through the casting process? What did you have to prepare?

There was only one round of auditions because it was a smaller role I went for. I had nothing to prepare and received the script upon arrival. It was quite a relaxed audition and the casting director made me feel very comfortable in the room.

 

Can you pass on any tips for someone going to work on a set for the first time?  

I’d just say to listen and take direction as much as you can. The crew have so many other factors to worry about, for example the lighting, the background, hair, make up, costume… the list goes on. It just makes their lives a bit easier if you’re focused and open to change at any moment.

 

What particular skills did you draw on from your ALRA training?

I utilised a lot of the skills I learnt from my training at ALRA; mostly the work I did on the text beforehand and breaking down the scene. Having filmed a showreel at ALRA, it really prepared me for what life would be like on set.

 

What are your favourite memories of training at ALRA?

I have so many memories from ALRA. My favourite memory would probably be the trip to London to perform our showcase or being in Alice in Wonderland at Christmas, which was loads of fun!

 

Any other advice to students looking to audition for drama school?

Just be yourself at the audition, really. Choose pieces that show you to the best of your ability and remember sometimes it takes a few tries to get in. It can be competitive! Keep motivated and don’t give up.

 

If you are alumni and would like to share your story or current projects with us, please get in touch at info@alra.co.uk.

Keep up to date with what our graduates have been up to by visiting our news page or following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.