For the past several months I've been thinking about how we, as artists, can pay forward the help, advice and guidance that all of us have no doubt experienced at some point in our training and working years.

The call comes and you have twenty-four hours to get into the audition room with the company or director you have been itching to work with. You've got nothing prepared — not one line, not even a shortlist. You spend the night reading or calling everyone you know for suggestions, and you spend the morning panicking and learning lines, and the afternoon performing something you do not fully understand yet. And then you leave the audition kicking yourself. Sound familiar?

You've heard it before so believe it: An immensely important instrument of the actor is the voice. Having command over it WILL take your acting to the next level both on stage and on screen. A strong, flexible and open voice will lead you to more roles and — better still — a wider range of roles - and this will keep you employed when your hero or heroinne looks fade which, trust me, they will.

Think about the last show you saw that genuinely moved you. Now think about the last show that genuinely dazzled you. Chances are they are not the same show.

On borrowed maps, bastardised methods, and the work itself.