Ten Questions with...Dominic Sands

Dominic is an actor and theatre maker from Norfolk. He studied Drama and Performance Studies at Paston Sixth Form College. Recently, Dominic went on a gap year and traveled around Europe, seeing theatre in every country he went to.

He is the founder of Orbital Productions. They look at ways to create exciting theatre and film projects using new writing and lesser known plays in order to give upcoming practitioners an opportunity to be seen. Their goal is collaboration with like minded companies to make Norfolk a massive landmark for theatre and film.

I have met Dominic a number of times at Red Duck's popular new writing evenings at the Maddermarket Theatre. He's a lovely chap with a keen head for performance.

1. Hi Dominic, what have you just done?

I've just finished a run of Sunset Boulevard with the Norwich and Norfolk Operatic Society at the Theatre Royal!

2. You are an actor and you also run a theatre company: which one is more rewarding?

I'd say that they are both more rewarding in different ways. As an actor it's very self rewarding to do the thing that I love the most and to receive compliments about my work, and as a theatre company it's rewarding to contribute to this industry, to put on shows that move audiences and create exciting pieces of theatre that wouldn't of been able to happen without everyone working together to create something great.

3. There is a big debate about pay vs. no pay, passion vs. payment; what is your opinion on being paid for your art?

 I strongly believe that all people within the arts should be paid properly, we give a service like any other profession and the arts industry is a vital part of our culture. Therefore we should be paid for our services/vast amounts of work and time that we put into our industry.

4. What is the most important attribute for a theatre professional in the 21st Century?

Ambition. The ambition to keep you going and to strive for better and higher standards, and to keep pushing the bar higher for others to follow. If you haven't got the drive to keep going, even if you get knocked down time and time again, then you won't make it. Or at least be happy with where you are.

5: Who is your favourite artist and why?

Personally, Robin Williams is a great inspiration. Someone who cared so much for all people despite going through severe depression. Not only did he make people laugh and cry but he used his work to help other. For example,. In his rider for some of his films, he would make the company hire a certain amount of homeless/underprivileged  people as paid extra's whilst also sheltering them and feeding them during filming.

6: Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Hopefully being able to be self sufficient and have a sustainable income from acting/theatre related projects.

7: What is your favourite place in Norfolk?

The Garage across from the Theatre Royal, many years of happy memories and the main reason why I am so passionate about theatre. And the coach and horses pub behind it, cause.... you know.

8: How do you relax of an evening after a hard day?

Playing computer games and watching Anime.

9: Dog or cat?

Dog! (She's a puppy.... *Dies from cuteness*)

10: And finally, what is next for you?

Put on my first theatre production at the end of the year. Which will be...................(Drum roll)........................ Ordinary Days by Adam Gwon.