David Monteith
Having a lifelong dream of becoming an actor, David Monteith plucked up the courage to take drama classes at the age of 38 after a “bizarre encounter”, and has since seen his dream become reality. He is now a professional actor and has developed his skills further by successfully taking up directing.
Encouraged by his parents to pursue more traditional subjects, David studied Biology at university. After spending 20 years in a variety of careers, David made the decision to enrol on an introductory drama course to rediscover his passion for acting. He says, “A year of soul-searching in Jamaica and a bizarre encounter with a drunk man in Soho turned me to adult learning.”
After the introductory course, David then went on to enrol on an advanced class and successfully auditioned for City Lit Rep Theatre Company. After performing with them just twice, he was spotted by an agent and began performing professionally. Taking part in several national tours, including the lead in a Benjamin Zephaniah play, David has now developed his acting to the point where he no longer needs a ‘day job’ to pay the bills.
“Learning has given me the chance to live in a way I only dreamed about before,” said David. “It has also equipped me with the skills to manage this new life.”
Not content with just acting, David has branched out into directing. He has also joined the Drama and Speech Faculty at City Lit, where he learnt his skills, and now teaches acting and podcasting. “In many ways I feel I have come full circle,” he said. “Learning gives you the chance to explore your limits, to test the water for new hobbies, a new career or lifestyle. To literally discover a new way of being.”