Career Profile: Cam Venn

Career Profile: Cam Venn  

Career Profile: Cam Venn

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A vet, a stand up comedian, and a millionaire.

What did you become?
I don’t feel like I’ve grown up yet.

What's your official title?
It changes every time I send an email. Currently ‘Chief Clown.’

What's your background - how did you end up here?
Me and my friend Tarn used to make up ‘circuses’ to perform for the adults when we were about 5. Then I started drama classes when I was about 7. Tarn and I busked when we were 10. I studied Theatre at TAFE. And then worked for an Environmental Theatre Company (Vox Bandicoot). But always wanted to do my own thing too.

How would you describe your work to a complete stranger?
It’s silly. And it’s magical. And it’s fun. I tell stories and make people laugh and sometimes cry (in a good way).

What's the first thing career related you usually do each day?
Check John Johnson’s facebook page

Can you describe an "average" working day for you?
Ha! Very erratic, but breakfast, always breakfast. Lately it has mainly involved driving to the far reaches of Melbourne to be ridiculed by shopkeepers saying things like “What? You want to turn a rubber chicken into a broom?” Plus admin.

Who or what in the arts world most inspires you?
People with patience and dedication to their art, who actually do it and don’t just wish they were. I just saw Slava’s Snow show and that was amazing.

What's the toughest challenge you've dealt with on the job?
Time management. Juggling family (I have a 2 year old), admin, study, performing, creating, fatigue and everything else.

What's the best piece of advice you were ever given for your career?
Know what to say no to.

What are the top three skills you need in your particular role?
Faith. Inspiration. Perseverance.

What's the best thing about your job?
Laughing kids.

And the worst?
The erratic nature of it. And sometimes feeling completely alone and overwhelmed.

And if you had to sum your working life in a word or phrase, what would it be?
Full.

BIO

Cam Venn is an experienced actor and improviser who has recently established Cave Mann Productions Theatre Company. The company’s debut show is Rodney. Missing. an interactive physical comedy for all ages and cultures, and was selected for development as part Explosion – a mentoring project at Western Edge Youth Arts. Cam is a principal performer for Vox Bandicoot Theatre Company, educating and entertaining thousands of children across Australia. He is also a member of the Impro Melbourne Rookie ensemble, creating high quality improvised theatre. As a facilitator he has worked with various groups including weekly classes for children at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and drama workshops for teenagers with special needs at Northern Support Services. He holds a diploma in Small Companies and Community Theatre from NMIT. Rodney. Missing. is on at Northcote Town Hall September 23rd to October 4th as part of the Northcote Kids Fringe Festival.

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