Fire performer/ agent
Tim Marston
31
By day, Tim Marston, 31, from Cumbria, is an electrician for a housing association, by night he is a fire juggler
"Take other performers’ jealousy as a compliment "
Hometown
I grew up in Cockermouth in Cumbria, and now live in Kendal
What do you do?
Part time fire performer and artists’ agent (self-employed), and part time electrician for South Lakes Housing
How long have you been at it?
I’ve been an electrician in various firms since I was 16 and I’ve been self-employed as a fire-juggler for two years
What have you done then?
I’ve worked for myself and freelance for performance companies and agencies such as Flame Oz, Full Moon Performers, Fairly Famous Family and Cirque Bijou, including work throughout this country and across Europe.
Have you got qualifications?
An NVQ in sparkying (being an electrician)
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Early on a vet; later on my only ambition was to get high and look cool
What do you do all day?
No such thing as a typical day. My electrical job involves going round council houses fixing faults.
My circus job involves performing at festivals and corporate events etc. I also spend lots of time marketing and dealing with customers/health and safety, and of course training very hard to maintain and improve my skill levels
What’s the best thing about your job?
Lots of things such as:
* I love showing off
* I love going to great events and being part of the backstage environment
* I love being very good at what I do
* I love seeing amazed faces
* Great work mates
* Great money for each gig
* Great challenges to overcome
* Being clapped at the end of a shift
* Personal expression
* Creativity and artistic freedom
And the worst?
Financial insecurity, which is why I’m still an electrician as well
What’s your dream job in theatre?
Full time fire performer and part time circus agent
Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
* Work very hard
* Never ever give up
* Listen to advice from those more experienced than yourself, but never lose track of your own personal goals
* Don’t forget to enjoy each little success
* Good business ethics will go a long way in the long term
* Never give up an opportunity to perform, free or paid
* Accept the fact you will have to make big sacrifices to make big rewards
* Don’t be too hard on yourself
* Don’t be too full of yourself
* Don’t take rejection personally
* Take other performers’ jealousy as a compliment
* Work harder
* Work even harder
* Now do some more work
