Q&A with Head2Head Sensory Theatre’s ambassador Georgia de Gidlow

Georgia de Gidlow is an autistic actress, who is best known for her role as Keedie in the CBBC’S ‘A Kind of Spark’. April is World Autism Month so we got Head2Head followers in our instagram to ask her some questions about autism, acting, and everything in between! Here are Georgia’s answers:

How do I calm down after a meltdown?

Personally, if I can, I decompress in my room, and if I am with any of my “comfort people” I like physical affection, so I’ll get a hug from them. But I think for me what helps the most is taking myself out of my brain. I do this by trying to focus instead on what I can see, smell, hear and feel. When I’m feeling more relaxed, I focus on self-reassurance, that things aren’t as bad as they feel, and that meltdowns are normal and okay; although they happen as a result of feeling perhaps unsafe or as if everything’s going wrong, that is not usually the reality, it is just my body’s response to being very overwhelmed.

What are your favourite ways to decompress?

cook a nice meal, stretching or yoga, watch a film, read a book, or have see a friend for a catch up- sometimes I feel I don’t have the energy to do any of these things, but I usually always feel better and more relaxed afterwards

Is it okay to self-diagnose?

I think so! Getting a diagnosis can be difficult, and if you feel like you relate to ASD more than anything, then most likely the coping mechanisms recommended to deal with difficulties that can come from being ASD will help you the most. Also, if you find telling the people around you that you are ASD, and communicating the way you feel that impacts you, then it could make your life easier.

How do I cope with being perceived?

What an interesting question! When the show came out, I felt very overwhelmed, but I know that it was all worth it when people reacted saying AKOS helped them! In my general life, I try to remind myself that the people who I want in my life will perceive me for who I am, and that’s exactly why they will like me!

What was the audition process like and how did it feel getting the part of Keedie?

It was a whirlwind! I originally auditioned for Addie, so I was not expecting to get the role because she was very young and I was 21 at the time, but then I got a call back for Keedie. That’s when I read the book for the first time and had never related to a character so much in my life! My third audition- a chemistry read with Lola- is a day I will never forget, instantly there was an amazing connection. I was overjoyed when I got the part, it was such an honour to be cast as a character that I felt was so important to share with the world on-screen!

What was your favourite episode to film?

I liked episode 5, the party, because I like a challenge. I also find the hardest scenes to film the most cathartic. I have always found acting the best way to express the emotions I am often not able to!

Do you find acting easier or harder as an autistic person?

I find acting comes more easily to me being autistic, not only am I used to masking, but I think I understand emotions in a unique way that can often bring colour to my characters!

What are the hardest and most rewarding things about acting?

The hardest thing was dealing with the pressure, not just to ensure I conveyed the work of the writers, directors, producers, crew etc. in the best way possible, but also to make sure I didn’t let the audience down- especially with Keedie, a character that meant so much to so many. Most rewarding thing was feeling like I did a good job after!

What are the things you find difficult about being an autistic actor?

The lights are bright, the noises on set are LOUD, and often breaks are limited. But I always try to advocate for myself where I can, by taking five minutes if I need to and requesting that the set atmosphere is more relaxed for harder scenes. Oh, and I ALWAYS bring headphones!

What was it like acting with other autistic actors?

An absolute blessing. Not only was I working alongside people who intrinsically understood all my peculiarities, but I came to accept myself through being around them. They were reassuring, empathetic, and wise. And in sharing our stories together I felt less alone than I ever had.

How did you get into acting?

I always loved acting as a kid, and I was lucky to have the most amazing drama teacher in primary school who eventually started up an agency that I joined and that’s how I got the role of Keedie!

What is your advice for other autistic people trying to get into the industry?

1) Know that your work does not define you. You have so much to give, from your personality to your interests to your other talents and your relationships with friends and family. Being in the industry is very hard and often comes with disappointment, so knowing that what’s for you won’t go by you helps and understanding that the only projects you want to get are the ones where those employing you see your value!

2) Create your own work! Write scripts and create them, on your own or with friends. You don’t need to be employed to do what you love and be creative!

Join Georgia’s exclusive drama workshops and get to ask her more questions about acting! Find out more

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