VOCATION, VOCATION, VOCATION

PROGRAMME 2: CHRISTOPHER

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

00.00 – 01.10

General introduction to the series.

01.11 – 03.14

We meet Christopher, who would love to work as an actor but is also considering accountancy as a safer option. He loves acting and has been in lots of local shows. He gets a huge buzz from the feeling he gets before going on stage and from the audience reaction. He has no real idea of what accountants do, but likes the idea of wearing a suit!

03.28 – 04.46

Christopher talks to life coach David McQueen and careers specialist Ann Duffy about his childhood dream of becoming an actor. They discuss the lack of job security and the fact that it is a risky career choice.

04.47 – 09.18

For his first challenge, Christopher has to go for an audition at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where he has to perform a song and an excerpt from a play in front of the tutors. He does well, but finds out that it is extremely competitive to get into this college.

09.19 – 10.33

Christopher meets Ann to discuss his interest in accountancy and his motivation for wanting to consider this option. Ann discovers that he has no real idea of what the job involves.

10.34 – 14.10

For the second challenge, Christopher spends the day with an accountant as he visits a client. He sees what an accountant does and that it is not just about numbers. Christopher has to interview the client about their business, to find out how they could help the business grow and improve. He finds this difficult and quite boring.

14.11 – 14.41

Anne and David meet to discuss Christopher's experience so far and what to do next to help him.

14.42 – 18.48

To experience the reality of life for most actors, Christopher joins an acting company that is working in a hotel in Aberdeen to put on a murder mystery night. He has to dress up, take on a role and interact with the guests.

18.49 – 22.05

David shows Christopher his favourite car and takes him to a luxury apartment to show him the lifestyle he could have as an accountant. They then visit a shared student flat for Christopher to see the type of accommodation he might have as an actor.

22.06 – 22.33

A summary of the programme and everything Christopher has experienced.

22.33 – 23.46

It's three months later and Christopher has realised that he does want to be an actor, and that he will have to accept the risks involved and the lifestyle this might entail.