Retraining & Education
“Everyone was so friendly and supportive; I was determined not to let them down!”
Tracy Keating, MA Counselling and Psychotherapy
Tracy Keating graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1992 and enjoyed a successful career in theatre, film and television. Her versatile Irish lilt also kept her in steady demand for voiceovers.
After 10 years in the profession, Tracy decided to pursue a new career as a counsellor and psychotherapist. She graduated with Distinction from the University of East London and today works with Brook, a voluntary sector organisation dedicated to helping young people.
Tracey’s story
“I think as an actor you always have a deep interest in people,” says Tracy. “Your ability to empathise with characters inevitably draws you into areas of psychology in the real world.
“When I decided it was time to explore a new career, I had already had some experience of counselling and psychotherapy. I’d taken a post graduate diploma course, but I felt I wanted a full professional qualification. The problem was finding the money to pay for the course.”
Tracy had heard about Equity Charitable Trust from a friend who had followed a similar path. “I didn’t imagine I would be eligible for any kind of charitable support,” she says, “but Keith Carter was incredibly helpful and supportive.
“The Trust gave me a grant to cover all my fees. It was paid in instalments, which really helped with my cash flow during the course.”
Tracy adds that it was not just the funding that helped her complete the course.
“Keith and his team are so accessible,” she says. “At one point, my bag was stolen and I lost one of my cheques from the Trust. It was replaced immediately.”
“The Trust’s commitment to helping you is really motivating. Even when things got tough on the course, and my enthusiasm was beginning to flag, I couldn’t bear the idea of giving up. Everyone was so friendly and supportive; I was determined not to let them down!”
Tracy still takes occasional voiceover work and, like many of the Trust’s beneficiaries, has not turned her back completely on the acting profession. Still, she finds that her training as an actor is of great help in her new career.
“When you are listening and trying to understand someone’s fears and concerns, you can find yourself almost stepping into their character,” she says. “My work today is every bit as rewarding, and challenging; acting almost seems like a different life. I will always be grateful to Equity Charitable Trust for helping me to find my new path.”