Sylvester Williams

A Bit About Characters The Ideal I wanted to create something that had the feel of a club, but the qualities of any well renowned Drama School, like for instance, Anna Scher's Theatre, was a club, but had the discipline and educational value of a good school. Characters would exclude no one from the age of six years old up to any age. All would be welcome to join our fold, as long as they were interested in the performing arts and felt the need to develop their character, social skills, etc. They would take part in the workshop exercises that are designed to give them mental and emotional challenges, which have proved not only to be good fun, but have also helped to promote a greater self awareness. I wanted to create an environment where the students are regularly taught by professionals who are working in the Arts now, and that even with the students own limited experiences, they would have some form of an outlet for their talents and ambitions.

The Ethos

Characters, is very much centered on, 'the time is now'. Because the past is a memory, the future imaginary, all that truly exists, is right now. So embrace it with your whole self and maximise your efforts. It is also to be Jack of all trades and master of none. We are in the business of selling ourselves, and how better to do it, than to have as many strings to your bow as possible.

Every part you play and every part there is to play, in life, or the land of make believe, is really a part of you.All of the characters that you have been, seen and could be, are simply latent personalities within you, that are woken up and then put back to sleep.

The Vision

The standards would be high enough to be utilised in mediums such as Radio, Television, Theatre and Film, Motivational Speaking and Teaching. The Agency would aim to recruit people directly from the school.

Workshop leaders would be trained and do a lot of out-reach workshops in other areas away from East London and even other cities. This simple idea would support expansion and put us in a position to utilise the ideas of people in a much wider circle. With all of our useful contacts, we have the potential ability to become a Community Production House.

The Reality Characters Management Limited.

(CML), was formed as an official incorporated limited company in March 2001. It was set up as a Drama School and Talent Agency, but is much more than that.

Each workshop is either one and a half hours long or two hours long. The workshops are centred on improvisational work that develops quick thinking and spontaneity. We have professionals coming into the workshops, or using the whole workshop, to do sessions of screen writing, script work, professional presentations, singing, dancing and choreographed stage fighting.

Since it began, Characters, has recruited over 200 students that have come from all over the city apart from East London. We have gained some very loyal and ardent members. At present, there are two junior classes, two secondary classes and one adult class.

The Agency, which is part of the organisation, has been slowly becoming more established. We have found work and experience for our students in the form of auditions, theatre work, commercials, low budget films and big budget feature films. We have over ten people in Spotlight (Directory for Casting Directors who are looking for the 'right' actor), making us an official talent agency. We are continuously receiving letters from people looking for an agent and representation in this area. We do not normally advertise, except by word of mouth and recommendation.

Sylvester Williams

To contact Characters Management Ltd, please e-mail: characters@ebonywoodstudios.com