Meet Your Acting Coach: Victoria Chen

Who is Victoria Chen?

Victoria Chen is a West End actor who's currently starring as Mei in the Royal Shakespeare Company's My Neighbour Totoro at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Vic has built an international career across Singapore, Iceland, America, and the UK. Vic is now partnering with Speaking Voices to offer bespoke acting coaching.

How did your journey into acting begin?

I was four years old and saw a touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I was so tiny they had to put me in a booster seat by the aisle. At some point in the show, a bunch of children ran down the aisle onto the stage. They were singing and having fun. I loved it!

My mum saw my reaction, turned to me and asked, "Did you like that?" I said, "Yeah!"

She asked, "Would you like to do that?" I said, "Yeah!"

"Well,” she said, “Maybe someday you will."

But my mum wasn’t serious. She wanted me to be a lawyer, a doctor, a pilot, something with a stable income and lots of money.

Do you ever think of being a lawyer, doctor or pilot?

All the time! But that’s why I love acting; I may not become an actual lawyer, doctor or pilot, but I could play all three! Acting allows you to step into so many different lives.

I’ve also met actors who used to be lawyers and doctors, and it is amazing to see how their previous professions have given them unique qualities to stand out when they pivot into acting.

Have you always been an actor?

I would say that’s my main specialisation, but I have also directed, written, created my own work, and taught drama to people of all ages, from toddlers in nursery to middle-aged and late career professionals.

What made you decide to be an acting coach?

I suppose it comes naturally to me. I’m the one friends go to for advice when they have any concerns about their artistic goals or creative blocks. And they keep telling me to start a business.

But I don’t want to run a business! I just want to focus on the craft of acting, whether it’s my own or to bring the best performance out of someone else. That’s why this partnership with Speaking Voices is the perfect opportunity.

Any advice for actors out there?

Stay curious. Keep learning and sharpening your skillset. Have fun while doing that, and above all, be kind to others and yourself.

Book Acting Classes with Victoria Chen

Victoria Chen is now offering acting classes through Speaking Voices. If you would like to work privately 1:1 with Vic, pick her brains on how she nails her auditions or you want advice on where to go with your acting career, she is available now to be your acting coach! Just head to the link below! To find out more and book your Vic, visit: https://www.speakingvoices.com/acting-enquiry