An Angus actor who was looking forward to a busy 2020 has voiced fears for his future in the industry.
Chris O’Mara, 27, who grew up in Arbroath, made his TV debut in the daytime soap Doctors as “slimy” Harry Sullivan which was a role set to open the door to more parts.
He also performed in Beauty and the Beast at Christmas in Inverness and was looking forward to some “incredible opportunities and auditions” before the industry was shut down.
“It’s a difficult place for everyone in the industry at the moment, with virtually all contracts and job prospects completely halted for the immediate future,” he said.
“So, as far as progressing with my career, it’s going to take a hit.
“We’re now looking to where the next contract is coming from, never mind whether it’s going to be a step up on the career ladder or not.
“Right now, everything has stopped. With the West End going dark it doesn’t look very promising.
“What isn’t bleak, however, is how the whole community is coming together.
“We’re offering seminars, singing lessons, dance classes, casting calls via live stream.
“We’re looking out for each other – financially, as well as mental health, and professional development. It’s a dark time, but we’re staying positive and productive.”
Chris said most actors are self-employed which means “no sick pay, no security and no savings”.
He said “zero income for the immediate future is our reality” and his wedding, after getting engaged this year, has also been put on hold.
Studying musical theatre at Adam Smith College in Kirkcaldy after leaving school, Chris went on to gain a first class honours degree after four years at the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance in Dundee.
He was also running a local musical theatre school in Arbroath.
He worked with local film company IronStar Films from its first short movie, BloodLoss, up until its most recent feature, Tellurian, which will also be released next year.
The highlight of his career so far was Miser’s Dream, a 2018 movie musical about a female magician.
He said: “This is completely unprecedented.
“I don’t think anyone alive has experienced anything like this, especially such a blackout across the entertainment industry.”
Chris’s brother Jonny is a professional tennis player who, with his doubles partner, got to the quarter-final of the Australian Open.
Jonny’s career has also been grounded but Chris said they were both so lucky to have incredibly strong parents supporting them at every stage.
“It’s tough for everyone,” he said.
“But I’m just an actor. In the meantime, we’ve got key workers on the front line doing everything they can to prevent this crisis from getting worse.
“So, it’s hard right now, but we’ll get through this, and be stronger for it.”
