Please introduce yourself to the readers:
I'm an Australian film and theater actress, who loves to travel and is falling in love with the industry in Los Angeles
How and when did you first get into performing?
When I was young I was actually quite shy and absorbed my time in books, films and playing make believe in the cubby house in the back yard. I dreamed of becoming a detective or a mystery writer (largely due to my obsession with Nancy Drew). It wasn’t until I was introduced to drama in primary school that I finally found my outlet. I suddenly transformed into this loud, crazy, confident girl, although I always knew I was inside! I started to do school plays and musicals and immersed myself in every acting, dancing and singing class I could. My higher school studies were all arts based and I finished school knowing I would attend a college for acting in Film and Theater. I packed up my whole life and moved to the big smoke only to realize after six months of full-time training that I couldn’t possibly bring to life the type of character’s I wanted to play without experiencing life on my own. This is where my goals turned universal. Through my investigations I came across the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios, Los Angeles. They offered a four-week intensive course with some of the industries finest instructors on the backlot of Universal Studios itself. So at age 19, I came to LA all by myself to see what the industry was really about. What I found was a different approach to acting and a buzzing industry that was competitive, fast-paced and oh so exhilarating.
I was in absolute awe actually acting on the backlot of Universal Studios where so many extraordinary actresses had performed before me. It was a sunny, warm July afternoon one of the last days I spent on the backlot, when a bird from out of nowhere defecated its feces on my head. Most would think this was an unfortunate incident, but alas, I knew, being the superstitious Scorpio that I am, that this was a sign of good luck; not only good luck but also a specific luck as it occurred at Universal Studios. At that time, I thought LA was a land of aspirations to which I couldn’t imagine living in, but hoped one day I’d be back; it was that afternoon that I knew, it would be fate!
What was it like growing up in Australia, did you always dream of coming to the US?
I grew up in a fairly small country town, Wagga Wagga nestled aside the Murrimbidge river, that had a big Army base and University and not much else. I loved going on family trips to the beach and the city (Melbourne and Sydney). I was the youngest of 3 kids and we were often left to our own devices for entertainment as there were not as many activities in a country town of this size for a youngster. I feel like my sense for adventure and love of the outdoors stems from being brought up in such a peaceful country town and most certainly this is where my imagination evolved from. Up until 19 I couldn’t exactly picture what it would be like to live in the United States, other than influences from film and television, but I knew when I was growing up, that I was destined to travel.
Who were some of your biggest inspirations?
As a small girl I was a massive fan of Goldie Hawn, I remember watching films like “Death Becomes Her” and “Private Benjamin” and thinking she was the funniest, most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. I also had a big place in my heart for Bette Midler. “Hocus Pocus” is still to this day one of my favorite films, and her performance in “Beaches” is absolutely unforgettable and enforced my dream of becoming an amazing actress like Bette. My primary inspiration since I’ve grown older has been Abby Cornish, a fellow Australian whose vulnerability on screen is absolutely enchanting. I was first introduced to Abbie through her Australian films “Somersault” and ‘Candy’ and then watched as her career boomed in the US. I admire Abbie because she encompasses each character to the fullest and is completely emotionally invested that you feel that with her. I would love to emulate her career as she has had so much variety in characters and genre. I also admire Naomi Watts who struggled for so many years in Hollywood before she got her breakthrough role in Mullholland Drive; she is an absolutely outstanding actress who has stayed true to herself throughout her massive success and is proof that if you just keep going and believe in yourself you will achieve your dreams.
What kind has training have you done?
My training began in high school through our amazing theater program at school and I was also involved in community drama classes. When I moved to Sydney I attended the Australian Academy of Dramatic Art but left after a semester to travel to the US for the New York Film Academy’s Acting for Film Intensive. After traveling through Europe I returned to Sydney and studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, then I moved on to the Actors Center Australia completing all modules of the part-time course. From there I moved to LA in 2011 and attended the New York Film Academy’s Diploma in Acting for film. Upon graduating, I wanted to keep harnessing my skills in scene study and studied under the prestigious Ivanna Chubbuck technique. I also delved into comedy and improv by studying at the training ground for Saturday Night Live performers, The Groundlings. Currently I am apart of an all girl comedy troupe under the coaching of Improviser extraordinaire Nathan Caywood. So you could say I value the importance of training as an actor; throughout my seven years of actively pursuing this career. I have studied acting for film and theater, singing, television presenting, American drama, Technique, Meisner, Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, dancing, stage combat, fencing, Shakespeare, voice and much more!
What has been your favorite role to play so far?
I’d have to admit I am a big fan of action and adventure and was able to live out one of my dream roles in the short film Quarry. I played a young Bounty Hunter Dakota Meyers trying to survive in a crazy post-apocalyptic world. I learned how to use fire arms, utilized my training in stage combat and was able to exercise my hyper-active imagination during the characterization process and filming.
What projects do you have coming up?
I am awaiting the completion of post production on Quarry and will be promoting the release of that in the next couple of months. I just finished filming a web-series “My Roommate the Gleek” in which I played a parody of the head cheerleader from Glee which was incredibly fun to shoot, so I’ll definitely be working with the team from “My Roommate The” in the future. I also perform live improv twice a month at the NeonVenus Theater. I have a couple of indie feature film opportunities lined up for 2013 which as of now cannot be disclosed, but it looks like it’s going be a busy, creative year!
Who would be your ideal co-star and why?
Leonardo Di Caprio. I don’t think there really needs to be anymore explanation other than he is absolutely brilliant. His energy is intoxicating and I have held him on a pedestal for many years. It would be a dream come true to work with him and I believe I would definitely learn a lot on the craft of acting.
What are your plans for the future?
I will continue to work in the US and Australia on creative, inspiring roles. I am currently in the works of creating my own web-series which will be a light, comedic commentary on the state of our environment loosely based on my adventures here in the US and back home. I’d also like to open a non-profit performing arts school for children and teenagers in Sydney.
What is your advice to other aspiring artists?
If you are passionate about your craft and dedicated, it will happen. They say it takes ten years for any individual to perfect their chosen craft. I think if it’s a labor of love and you are truly in this industry for the right reasons, you won’t have a time limit and you will find a way to pursue your dreams no matter what. My advice would be to give it your all and you will get back what you put in. Also,create, create, create! There is always room for exploration on the human condition and we all have different perspectives, so get out there and start creating your own career!
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