Channel 4 star inspires Broadoak students in the latest ‘Broadoak Talks’ career event

Broadoak Academy, had the fantastic opportunity to have guest speaker Callum Scott Howells, who virtually joined their Year 10 and Year 11 Drama students for talk about his career on stage and screen, including his recent role as Colin in the Russell T Davies smash hit TV drama series, It’s a Sin, broadcast on Channel 4.

Growing up in Tonyrefail in the Rhondda Valleys, acting has always been an area of passion for Callum. Callum is a recent graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and started his professional career in the Children’s Ensemble in the UK Tour of Cameron Mackintosh’s production of the hit musical, “Oliver!” As well as theatre, Callum has been seen on television when he travelled to South-East Asia to film a documentary on CBBC about the contrast in other children’s lives on the other side of the world called ‘Show Me What You’re Made Of? which was later nominated for a Children’s BAFTA Award.

Callum talked about the importance of hard work and teamwork which has led to his success. Whilst Callum excited the students by mentioning the celebrities he has worked with, he also gave the students an insight behind the glamour of the showbiz world, including the long working days and the intensity of the camera when filming. The talk ended with a question and answer session where Callum was asked who has inspired him in his career.

Jamie, Year 11 drama student said “It was really interesting finding out about a personal experience of someone we have seen on TV. We see lots of celebrities telling their story but to hear a first-hand experience from Callum about how he got into acting and also the affect his career has had on him personally was inspiring”

Miss Horwood, Drama teacher who organised the visit said “The Drama Department at Broadoak want to say a massive thank you to Callum for taking the time to speak to our GCSE students. The students were grateful for the opportunity to speak to someone in the industry and ask questions about how Callum arrived at where he is today. Talking all things from Amateur Dramatics to Drama School choices and what it is like to work on a TV set, Callum talked about his personal experiences and career to date which gave the students an insight as to what the arts industry can be like. Thank you Callum!”