Ross white is a 24 year old Actor, Writer and Director from East Belfast. Having taken part in youth theatre with the Belvoir Players and Ravara Productions, Ross decided to pursue performance professionally and began auditioning for London drama schools. Ross was fortunate enough to be offered a place at the Guildford School of Acting, where he trained for three years.
What genre / style do you create in?
To date, I have created work across theatre, radio & film. I am passionate about the entire process, I have worked as a writer, performer and director across a range of projects.
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
Writing & performing my one man show ‘Donal The Numb’ at London’s VAULT Festival in 2018. Between audience feedback and critical reception, the show went down better than I ever could’ve hoped.
What would you consider to be the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your industry?
Variety is key. Having ‘strings to your bow’ is such a virtue in the industry today. The ability to be both maker & performer not only creates work for you but also allows you to be in charge of your own career.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
Producing a UK tour of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. As someone who typically sits more on the creative side of things, learning to produce has been a necessary evil across the years, but something I’ve grown to tolerate!
Tell us a little about your personal life, are you married, kids, hobbies etc?
Having lived in London for five years from 2014, I took the plunge to move back to Belfast in 2019. The decision felt like a daunting one, but it has been one of the most positive things I could’ve done for my career. It has given me the space to create the kind of work I want to create.
Tell us about your most recent work?
Recently I wrapped on my debut short film as writer/director. The film hasn’t been announced yet, so I can’t say too much, but I was very fortunate to work closely with a phenomenal, award-winning actor. I can’t wait for the film’s premiere in 2021.
What would you like us to tell people about?
As well as acting/writing/directing, I am extremely fortunate to facilitate for the Belfast School of Performing Arts. Working with young artists is another passion of mine, and I learn as much from them as they do from me. Our new course ‘The Film’ is a really exciting opportunity for young people to get involved in the process of developing an idea for short film whilst honing the skills required to act in front of the camera and direct from behind it!
You can follow Ross on Twitter here >> https://twitter.com/RossJWhite
Find out more about the Belfast School of Performing Arts here >> https://thebspa.co.uk/
If you had to describe your work to someone who has never heard of you what would you say?
Character driven pieces presenting difficult stories with humanity and humour. (Hopefully…)
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had in your business?
Driving an entire theatre set up the M1 in a 3-door Renault Modus after our show van broke down.
What would your advice be to young people hoping to pursue the same industry?
Hone as many skills as you can. Develop resilience. Be patient. Work hard. Don’t forget to have fun along the way.
Who do you look up to and why?
Simon Stephens. Alice Birch. Duncan Macmillan. Greta Gerwig. The Coen Brothers. Innovators and creators in their genres/forms.