'Outlander' star Sam Heughan: It began on a stage; Actor teases ‘challenge’ on set

Before his massive success as Jamie in Starz TV series “Outlander,” Sam Heughan was busy lighting up the stage with his performance as a student. In a new interview, the actor looked back at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). He still has a certain fondness for theatre and the people associated with it.

“It was a terrific experience,” Heughan said about his time as a student, in the interview posted on the YouTube page of Royal Conservatoire. What are most memorable for the actor from this time are the friendships he made. He said that there are a core group of friends that still keep in touch with, no matter where they are in the world.

Heughan said that there seems to be a large contingent of actors from Scotland in London, and also across the world. He said that it is always nice to see an actor he has worked with before.

Being on stage for that interview reminded the “Outlander” star about where it all began for him. His time at RCS helped him and his fellow students build relationships with people in not only theatre companies, but also people in the film and television industry. The connections with directors to casting agents helped the actors grow in their respective careers.

The time Heughan spent at the academy taught him that as an actor he is always learning. The actor teased that he was “challenged” on the set of a show he is currently working on. Bu, the tools he got as a student helped him take on this challenge.

While Heughan is enjoying the fruits of his labour at the moment, it has not been an easy journey. He had to audition twice before getting into RCS. In his first try, the actor missed the audition process, but they still gave him a last minute chance. Needless to say it didn’t go according to plan, but this only made him more determined to apply the next year.

Heughan had some advice for aspiring actors as well. The actor said that it is important to get as much experience as possible. Those who are considering going to drama school, the actor suggested visiting as many as possible before taking the plunge. Learn as much as possible about the industry, and then give it a try, the actor said.

For the “Outlander” star, he felt a sense of belonging in the acting community. The seniors at RCS, who were running things during the audition, certainly helped with their encouraging attitude, to make the aspiring students feel at ease and give their best.