Interview With Student Madeline Holliday- Star Of Hank Zipzer!

TTW Falmer student Madeline Holliday is no stranger to the spotlight. Not only does she play Hank’s intelligent sister Emily in CBBC hit ‘Hank Zipzer’, she has also had roles in many other TV favourites, including ‘The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm’ with Harry Hill and David Mitchell, ‘Man Down’, ‘Asylum’ and ‘Holby City’ to name a few!

Here she tells us a bit about her experiences…

Hi Maddie, you currently study performing arts at the Theatre Workshop. Can you tell us a little about the school?

At the Theatre Workshop we study Singing, Dancing and Drama. I also attend additional classes for Film and Screen and I am working towards my LAMDA exams, also organised by the TW. The teachers are very supportive and encourage us to work to the best of our abilities. I am always made to feel comfortable in whatever I am doing.

You currently play Emily Zipzer in Hank Zipzer on CBBC. What has been the best/funniest part of filming?

I was so lucky to be able to work with an amazing cast and crew, brilliant directors and producers. Everyone was so kind and friendly. I always felt that there were plenty of people I could turn to if I had worries about lines or any other work related problems. It was always funny if someone got their lines wrong but I think the funniest moment was when I got hiccups during filming, we did a few more takes than usual! I also loved wearing all the costumes and make-up.

Have you appeared in any other professional plays, TV or film?

I have done a few TV adverts such as the Sainsbury’s Summer Campaign and for Suzuki. I have also appeared as a pupil in Greg Davis’s Channel 4 comedy “Man Down”, which was great fun!

How do you think that the Theatre Workshop has helped you?

Mostly, I think it has helped my confidence. Before I joined  TTW I was very shy and nervous. The teachers have taught me to believe in myself. It was through TTW that I was lucky enough to get an agent. I have also been able to meet amazing casting direct such as Jo Hawes and Ben Marks at workshops run by TTW. Now, I feel far more confident to go to auditions and workshops as I know that the more I put myself forward, the more I will get noticed by casting directors, directors and producers.

Would you like to continue acting when you grow up? What else would you like to do?

Yes, I would love to continue to act as it is my favourite thing to do. I know that I will have to work very hard indeed. As well as continuing at the TW, I would like to take GCSE’s such as Drama and Performing Arts so that one day, perhaps I can do Drama at University. I am also very interested in the production side of TV and films. I love to play squash and do yoga, but I do have lots of homework to do too!!

What advice would you give to other aspiring actors?

Firstly, join a good Drama club or Theatre School as you need to learn how to perform and the support of good teachers. Always follow your dream, give yourself a goal, no matter how long it takes, be prepared to work hard and keep on trying!