JOB: Freelance Actor

QUALIFICATION: Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Acting for Screen and Theatre) 

"I became really interested in acting during high school – especially character work and storytelling. I wasn’t quite sure of the path I wanted to take, but I had heard lots of good things about Unitec. My training helped me discover it was what I wanted to do – I met some wonderful people and learned a lot about performance, style and theatre language. Learning from the lecturers was the best part. They work in the industry, so they have the experience as well as the knowledge and training."

"The programme is so different to anything else – it’s challenging and confronting and you have to give it everything. During my last year I founded LAB Theatre Company with two other actors, guided by Theatre Director Pedro Ilgenfritz, one of my tutors. We focus on mask work and clowning, and we’ve produced several shows that were performed in new Zealand and overseas. Working as an actor is full of surprises. When you’re devising a production you’re always discovering new characters and storylines."

"Performing is the most fun part - it’s when all the work you’ve put in comes together. Last year I was working in a theatre adaptation of Hairy Maclary, when we gave a royal performance for Prince Charles and Camilla during their tour of New Zealand! Now I’m working on an acrobatics show, and starting to develop ideas for my next production."