Nina Nikolic | KidKerrigan

My Routine As A Working Actor: Staying Performance-Ready With Training

Being an accomplished actor is one of the most glamorous and mysterious jobs in the world. There are so many different schools of acting, paths to get into the profession and infinite opinions online as to how to start, or what it “takes” to be an actor.

Many of the best performers have a lifetime of training behind them – drama classes since preschool. Meanwhile, I finally found my ikigai (my passion, purpose, the thing that makes life worth living) in my thirties. I had a lot of catching up to do. I may never reach the level of mastery some of my colleagues command, due to lost time. It’s never too late, though. The joy I have for this work is worth every morning I get my butt out of bed to tackle my rigorous training routine.

My Journey

Since entering the realm of voice over in 2019, I feel like I’ve stepped into another world. One that my childhood self could only dream of. Not only am I now a trained actor, my life has completely transformed. From my daily habits to how I spend my free time, I can’t help but take joy from pursuing a lifestyle that enables me to sustain life as a working actor.

I’ve worked hard to support myself and my family with a full-time income by yapping into a microphone. I wasn’t made for the office – despite adoring my previous jobs and the people at them.

I freaking love my job. Though it can be quite physically and mentally demanding. Admittedly, I didn’t anticipate the amount that my lifestyle would need to change in order to do this job well.

The Reality of Voice Acting

My life is not glitz and glam. On the contrary, I’m often in my comfiest pajamas or activewear, jumping in and out of the recording booth all day.

The majority of my work is in voice over, and most of that from home. However, much of it can come through my inbox hard and fast. I need to be ready at a moment’s notice (preferably during waking hours, when I’m conscious enough to even check my email) to bring my A-game.

Can you hear me in the biggest AAA games, anime franchises or household name cartoons? Not yet. Might be nice… One day.

A director once made a seemingly snide comment. That I’m “one of those actors who likes keeping the client happy, eh?”

That’s right. I’m a hell of a team player.

Training and Maintenance

Happy clients aside, this monumental shift in my lifestyle surprised me with how much I’ve learned about my body. As well as how I’m able to find joy in the ongoing training regime to sustain my performance readiness.

So, what does a typical week look like for a working actor anyway? I can be in my booth one moment, and on a set in another city the next! Here’s an idea of the main things I integrate into my training:

Acting Classes

I started out specifically in voice acting, with screen acting being a new endeavour. I’m a big advocate of diversifying training, because it all culminates into becoming a well-rounded actor across mediums. I currently take weekly acting classes at the Hollywood Actor Lab under the direction of James Huang.

In addition to weekly classes, I participate in occasional workshops in stage, screen and voice over through the MEAA, The Halp Network, The Impulse Company (Meisner technique), Sound on Studio and individual coaching with professional voice artists and dialect coaches.

Voice & Singing Lessons

Weekly singing lessons help me exercise my vocal muscles in a safe space. Tamara Abbott of Vocal Essence is my unmatched Estill Voice trained singing coach. I’ve been working weekly with Tamara on unlocking my singing voice in a range of styles since 2022. She came highly recommended to me by a colleague from a local community theatre production of After Dinner.

Growing up an introverted only child, it’s safe to say these lessons have changed the game for me. I’m now versed in maintaining my vocal health for prolonged and challenging performances. My expert coach helps overcome mental blocks with my connection to my voice.

I also work independently with acting and dialect coaches to understand what creates the most truthful performance across different styles and mediums.

Improvisation

Working with Impro Melbourne in their spontaneity course encouraged me to go with my gut, commit and not be afraid to feel silly. Whenever I’m able to catch one of their courses while I’m in Melbourne, it’s an absolute joy.

Movement

Captivate Action in Melbourne not only provides motion capture (mocap) training, but also a range of stage combat classes and action training. I love taking whatever workshops I can with them! Not to mention their director Lyndall Grant is the loveliest of badasses. Truly.

Mobility, Strengthening and Conditioning

Throughout my journey and exploring my body’s capabilities, I’ve learned that I’m hypermobile… and susceptible to inflammation, infections and extraneous tension. Yuck. Those really are an actor’s worst nightmare, and have put me out of work for weeks in the past. On the plus side, I’ve also learned to manage these issues; through comprehensive mobility training, vigilant hygiene, dietary changes and lots of self-care walks. Preferably while listening to my favourite audiobooks or film scores.

Lucky for me, my best friend since we could barely hold our SEGA controllers is now a certified osteopath doctor lady. And hands down the best physician I’ve seen! One who understands and treats my varied niche ailments holistically. If you’re looking for a game-changing osteo in Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs, check in with Ema at Mobile Osteopathy.

My chronic issues are now kept largely at bay, allowing me to find freedom in my work… ready for “the call.”

Bringing It All Together

Maintaining these practices continue to instill in me the willingness to be open, vulnerable, and fully commit to performances without hesitation. Being able to get into the headspace of a given circumstance takes practice and preparation. This is all part of my preparation to be performance ready anywhere, anytime.

If you’re a casting director or producer looking for someone reliable, responsive and really fun to work with – Hi! 👋 I’m right here. Pajamas, quirks, battle cries and all.

Are you ready to hire an actor who’s always prepared? Get in touch 👇