Name: Ben Steele
From: Dover
Lives: Dover
What is your connection with CCCU?
I was a student from 2011-2014 studying Drama.
What does it feel like to being an Alum?
As much as I miss the student life, it’s great to work in something I love. It doesn’t feel like work at all. The most acting roles I get are comedy based, so I just get to muck about, improvise and do what I love most, which is to make people laugh. At least I think I make them laugh. They probably just laugh so I can leave them alone and let them finish eating their sandwich…in fact, that’s happened a lot come to think of it. Oh god…what have I done…I can’t finish this interview I’m sorry. I need to reconsider my career path (Walks out the room).
What’s the biggest difference now you have graduated?
(Enters back in the room) I’ve definitely learnt a lot over the 3 years I’ve been at uni and it’s shaped me to be who I am. I’ve learnt about all the different areas of Drama, I’ve managed to perfect my comedy and find new passions for writing and directing shows. Uni has given me the opportunities and facilities to do all this, which has lead me on to a creative future that I don’t want to stop.
Do you still work closely with the university?
Yes! I’m using a few people from the university in some of my future projects.
Are you still performing?
Why yes! I’m performing in the Christmas show ‘The Sparkle Thief’ at Anselm studio in December. I’m also helping out with some Drama Students and Performing Arts Students Directing and D&D shows. Outside of university, I’m looking into places to perform my stand up and impressions while also getting acting jobs for TV shows and Film roles, so it’s all looking good!
What inspired you to perform as a child?
Many different reasons. When I was a child, I loved imagining a whole ton of things and making my own characters and stories. I didn’t realise till about 2005, where I acted in my first show ‘Hood’, that this was something I really enjoyed. It may have been a small part in a show performed in a small town, but I knew that there were so many other plays to try, so many characters to play or even make myself. However, there was one actor who is my idol and inspired me to get into acting, and indeed comedy. Simon Pegg. Simon god damn Pegg. When I was acting, I didn’t know what sort of style I enjoyed the most.
However when I saw him in Shaun of the dead on DVD in 2006 (A 13 year old seeing a film intended for 15 year olds? Sue me.), I knew I wanted to have a career in comedy and make people laugh. I would always do stupid things like do silly voices or make a few jokes here and there. But in 2009, the voices I’d been mucking around with for years, let me perfect the hundreds of impressions (and growing) I can do today (Fun Fact: It all started with a Stewie Griffin impression.) So many different reasons inspired me to perform, but it boils down to me just wanting to make people laugh by either doing impressions, making jokes with my own Ben logic or simply being an idiot (which I love to do).
Are you working on any projects at the minuet?
As I said before I’m working on ‘The Sparkle Thief’, which is coming out December. However, I am very excited to put on my upcoming play in the middle of 2015. It’s written by myself and will be directed by me, Sophie Claringbold and Steph Bullock. It’s using actors from all over Kent and is including many talented actors/actresses/stage managers/musicians that have graduated or are still working at the University. I’m not revealing the title just yet (because what’s life without a little mystery, eh?), but I can tell you the play is an upbeat, slightly surreal comedy about a man who’s come across an island off the coast off Britain. This man has made a documentary about the island and the people who live on it. This mockumentary uses filmed footage and live action, to make a show full of audience interaction, different and entertaining characters, satirical looks on Britain and, most importantly, a good heart and message. It’s all very exciting and we can’t wait to show it to all you lovely people. We’re almost ready to start advertising and letting people know where and when the play is. So keep a look out! (Or not. It might not be your thing. If not, hope to see you around sometime.)
Do you have any advice for other students and first years?
I’m not really the kinda guy to give good advice, but I can say this with certainty, enjoy your time at Uni. Have fun. Do stupid stuff. Learn from the mistakes. Enjoy yourself! But I can tell you this from first hand experience guys…it’ll go by freaking fast. See you around dudes.
Thankyou Ben! Tell us your campus celeb ideas @HerCampusCCCU.