Approaching Business with Verve
Job security is a very low priority in the performing arts, with most actors experiencing long periods of unemployment between engagements. But Darren Natale has found a way to make his passion for acting and singing into a secure business proposition. With training through NEIS, the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, Darren now owns and runs a very successful performing arts school, 'Verve Studios'.
Verve Studios provides quality performing arts training by some of Melbourne's most sought after teachers and directors. It supports and produces new theatrical works while encouraging and sustaining a community of like-minded people.
Darren Natale didn't originally plan on working full time in acting. Choosing to pursue a more grounded profession, he found himself, as a 3rd year university law student, having to re-evaluate his priorities and career ambitions.
"I was already involved in acting and singing whenever the opportunity arose, so I made the very conscious choice to leave law school and pursue an acting career.
"Unfortunately, I was soon confronted with the fact that being an actor can be isolating and it's difficult to achieve a steady income as work is irregular. I also realised I needed more training, if I was going to be serious," Darren said.
With a degree in Acting from the Victorian College of the Arts behind him, Darren began acting and teaching with other studios, but work was still irregular.
Having been told about the NEIS program at GRAMETS, Kangan Batman TAFE by friends, Darren Natale embarked on an ambitious program for a small business which would assist actors with professional development training and support to help them stay in touch with their skills and the profession.
The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) is a Commonwealth Government program to help people into self-employment. The program includes training in small business management, help with developing a business plan and mentor support, along with one year of income support while setting up the new business.
"The business plan I had to develop through NEIS provided a considered approach to starting the business, and a clear set of goals to aim for," said Darren. "I recognised that it was important to get the support of people in the wider industry, including television, not just people who wanted to learn more about acting."
Since it started, Verve Studios has doubled in size every year and indications for the future are just as positive. As well as a range of short courses, Verve now offers three different 12 month courses aimed at producing actors of quality and work of creative greatness.
"These courses are designed for actors looking to train intensively and develop their craft and are now recognised as some of the best actor training in Melbourne," said Darren.
NEIS showed Darren Natale that regular and constant promotion, market research and networking were important to the ongoing success of any small business.
"We've established a website www.vervestudios.com.au, which is proving very a valuable resource for us and prospective students and we advertise our courses in daily newspapers and through brochures, flyers and posters.
"Another factor is networking - we put a lot into staying in-touch and offering quality training that is relevant to both non-actors interested in starting up and working professionals who are looking to improve their skills and interact with their peers.
"We offer legitimate recognised courses that enable many of our students to be selected to study at the top three schools - the Victorian College of the Arts, National Institute of Dramatic Art and the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts - which is very gratifying," said Darren.
"NEIS has also provided access to expert advice and mentoring for Verve Studios, which I found very helpful and the business plan has proved an integral tool to successfully run my own business," Darren said.
