What special skills should actors have?

Just a short one today. This is a list of special skills that have got actors that I know work.

This is obviously over and above their acting abilities.

ONE: Horse Riding

Many actors have ridden but being a competent horse rider is something else. However, I know two actors that got work from their ability to ride a horse.

TWO: Motorcycle Riding

Recently casting director Kahleen Crawford was looking for an actor in Scotland that could ride a motorbike, and she really struggled!

THREE: Van Driving

The staple of the small theatre company is cheap touring and if you can drive a van, you are at an advantage when going for that type of work.

FOUR: Languages

While they may well be willing to train you (my friend Atta Yaqub from Ae Fond Kiss, was taught German for his role in Fernes Land) but you are much more castable if you already speak the language.

FIVE: Sports/Exercise

Of course general fitness is important for all actors. But specific skills such as football, gymnastics or martial arts are required.

There are plenty more too, tumbling, yoga, juggling, fire eating, ice skating, diving, you name it…

Get learning, get cast!