Hayden Coward
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Freelancer
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Studied an MA at drama school in London; built my own home studio to explore voice-over work; signed to NAMGMT Agency and have secured touring work across the UK. I am a freelance audiobook narrator and voice-over talent.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I have the flexibility of working hours, can choose which projects I enjoy and earn money by doing something I love! The career prospects are daunting yet exhilarating and growth is an exciting prospect for the voice-over industry.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I was Ultimate Frisbee Club Captain 2023/2024
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
The lecturers have vested interests in their topics and bring a real joy to many of the practical teaching components. Top highlight was the year studying abroad in Florida – an exceptional opportunity that everyone who can should take advantage of – new people, new friends, new experiences by the bucket-full!
What did you most enjoy about studying here?
Campus university allowed for a smooth transition out of the hometown into the wider world. The city is exceptional for its small size and there were opportunities around every corner.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
Highly ranked for drama in the league tables and offered study abroad schemes to a variety of countries.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Developing my own sense of self during the degree helped exponentially in my Masters and becoming a freelancer. Knowing what does and doesn’t’ work for you is incredibly useful in a creative industry and allows you to prioritise your time by working with methodologies that massively impact your own path. How and when to effectively say no to projects and always bringing a sense of play, fun and ease into a room that is often filled with nervous energy.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Exeter is not an immediate pipeline to fame and the degree is not meant to prepare you for the industry – find elements of the course that can be applied outside of an academic setting and utilise them in your daily life. Exeter as a university experience will be part of your formative years, learn everything you can to develop and get out of the classroom as often as possible. Use your time here to discover new passions, do not expect the next Steven Spielberg to pick you off the streets of the city. Go out and find him yourself.
What are your plans for the future?
Long terms goals include extensive television, film and theatre work alongside developing a wide portfolio of voice-over work. Bigger contracts and fighting for better rights as an artist.
