Meet The Actor – Deborah An

Deborah An

Greetings, theatre enthusiasts! Today, we’re delighted to feature a star from the upcoming production of Eureka Day at the Reginald Theatre. Our guest has journeyed through diverse characters on stage and screen, bringing a unique blend of charm and depth to every role. As we gear up for the show’s premiere, let’s dive into the world of our talented actor and discover their passion for the craft.

About Deborah An

Why do you want to be an actor?

From the age of six, I wanted to be everything when I grew up: a ballerina, an astronaut, a teacher, police officer, mermaid, lawyer, veterinarian, painter, pilot. You get the idea. Everything. Around the age of 10, I discovered the reason I wanted to be all these things was because I saw them in movies. It was then that I realised the only profession I could pursue that would allow me to be all of these people was acting. But don’t get me wrong, I still – and on a sometimes regular basis – consider changing careers. The thing is I always come back to acting. And let’s be honest, we can’t all be Jonny Kim (Google him if you need to).

What do you enjoy most about acting?

When you step into a character, you have no choice but to see the world through their perspective. Sometimes your character holds similarities to you as the actor, but when they don’t, it’s a challenge. Even more than a challenge, it’s an opportunity to confront your own ideals, worldview and sometimes fears. No matter who the character is, I always walk away at the end of a production feeling like I’ve evolved as a person, and that’s what I love about acting.

What has been your favourite role so far in your career?

This is such a tricky question! If I had to choose one, it would be Min Jee in Night Bloomers on SBS. It was the first time I spoke Korean on camera and also the first time I died on camera! Don’t worry, it’s an anthology, that wasn’t a huge spoiler. The whole creative team, the writers, directors and most of the actors were all Korean and that was pretty special to me.

What do you think makes a performance most believable?

This is something I struggle with in my day to day life, but I think LISTENING. When you stop just hearing the words someone else is saying because you’re too busy trying to think of what you’re going to say next, and start actively listening, it makes you present and responsive. But to be honest it can actually be quite exhausting. Haha.

How do you maintain your physical and emotional health while working on demanding projects?

Prioritising the basics like eating and sleeping well, I find, goes a loooong way. Outside of pure survival though, if I know I’m going to be flat out for X period, I’ll let my friends know I won’t be seeing them for a few weeks, or in some cases months. I can be quite an introvert, so the last thing I want to do after a long week is socialise on the weekend. My friends know me well enough by now not to take it personally. Bless them. Physically, I like walking my dog to the park or beach, which helps emotionally too. I also love cleaning the house and meal prepping, so that becomes almost a meditative ritual for me. I think it comes down to knowing what you need and scheduling time for that.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Outhouse Theatre Co and Seymour Centre present Jonathan Spector’s ‘Eureka Day’ at the Reginald Theatre from 29th May to 21st June!

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to Eureka Day, please visit https://www.seymourcentre.com/event/eureka-day/.

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us! Break a leg in *Eureka Day*; we can’t wait to see you bring the Reginald Theatre to life. Cheers to an amazing run!

Other interviews can be viewed in our Meet The Performer Series.

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Meet The Actor – Johnny Nasser

Johnny Nasser

Get ready to dive into the captivating world of The Dictionary of Lost Words with our guest today, who brings the endearing character Harry Nicoll to life on stage! This talented actor has a passion for storytelling and a knack for connecting with audiences. We’ll delve into their role, the essence of the show, and what makes the upcoming performances at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre unmissable.

About Johnny Nasser

Why do you want to be an actor?

Because I love stories and storytelling.

What do you enjoy most about acting?

I love getting to play with other actors and creatives, and connecting with audiences.

What has been your favourite role so far in your career?

I had a lovely chicken & salad roll yester……oh…role…yes. Obviously, Harry Nicoll in ‘The Dictionary of Lost Words’. He has a big heart and adores his daughter Esme.

What do you think makes a performance most believable?

I think if there are behaviours and truths that are recognisable, an audience will tend to find a performance convincing.

How do you maintain your physical and emotional health while working on demanding projects?

A bit of exercise. Rest. Good food. Laughter.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Come and see The Dictionary of Lost Words at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre this May and June! It’s a beautiful show.

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to The Dictionary of Lost Words, please visit https://merrigong.com.au/shows/the-dictionary-of-lost-words/.

Thank you so much for sharing your insights and laughter with us! Wishing you all the best for your show at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre this coming May and June – break a leg!

Other interviews can be viewed here in our Meet The Performer Series.

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Meet The Performer – Ellen Hardisty

Ellen Hardistry

Today, we had a Meet The Performer chat with Ellen Hardisty. Ellen will perform in Australian Open, which will come to the PIP Theatre in January courtesy of production company 7th Floor Theatre. The Australian Open, not to be confused with the actual Australian Open tennis tournament, is a fast-paced comedy about tennis and open relationships.

About Ellen Hardisty

What do you enjoy most about acting?

I love discovering different parts of myself and different ways of understanding the world that come from immersing myself in a new character. I love sharing stories and building community and asking the big questions and making people laugh.

What productions have you acted in before?

I have toured theatre around Europe – 6 shows in Rep!

What has been your favourite role so far in your career?

Playing Rosencrantz in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead for the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble.

Do you believe talent or training is more important to an actor?

Acting is a mixture of craft and art. The craft of acting takes practice and training. The art of acting takes imagination and inspiration and bravery.

What do you think can make a role challenging?

I love challenging roles where the character’s experience is very different from my own life experience, and the depth of research that goes into these roles.

What do you think makes a performance most believable?

An actor having a thorough understanding and connection to their character, the story, and the world of the play.

Where can patrons purchase tickets to see your performance?

The Australian Open runs from January 8th to 18th, 2025. There are 7:30 p.m. shows from Wednesday to Saturday and 2 p.m. matinee shows each Saturday.

To book tickets, please visit:- https://piptheatre.org/australian-open/

Other interviews can be viewed in our Meet The Performer Series.

Meet the Actor – A Night With The Villains

A Night With the Villains

This Halloween, Mira Ball Productions, in association with Our Yakka and the Salad Bowl Collective, brings you a sinister night of villainous melodies through their concert A Night With The Villains.

But only for two unforgettable nights – Tuesday 31st Oct and Wednesday 1st Nov. Here we meet one of the concert’s principal performers – Georgia Leigh – whom we chatted to for the insider’s view of A Night With The Villains.

About Georgia Leigh

A Night With the Villains

What do you enjoy most about acting?

I love the way being an actor can transport you to so many different places and be a completely different person to yourself. It’s so fun being able to play different characters. I personally love going out after the show and meeting the audience, hearing what they think and interacting with them as myself.

What productions have you acted in before?

I have worked mainly in Musical Theatre, with most of my professional experience in Children’s Theatre, starring in roles such as Sophie in Mamma Mia and Nancy in Oliver! And Rosalie Mullins in the QLD Amateur Premier of School of Rock. I have performed at the Adelaide Fringe Festival with JALLY Entertainment, performing as Snowy in Snowy and the 7 Cool Dudes by A.J. Bailey and have performed this show in 6 states and territories.

What has been your favourite role so far in your career?

I met my husband playing Sophie in Mamma Mia, so I am probably slightly biased in thinking that’s my favourite role. In terms of the most challenging, I think that would have been Rosalie Mullins from School of Rock, she is very different to who I am, so it was hard being a tight arse, but that’s what made it so enjoyable.

What do you think makes a performance most believable?

I think that a believable performance has heart. I find performances most believable when I can sense the deep connection to the character, and can feel and see myself in those moments.

Are there any particular genres or types of roles that you prefer or feel most comfortable in?

I love working in the Children’s Theatre. Although physically demanding, it brings me joy knowing that I could potentially influence future young actors. I remember watching shows at my school and thinking how amazing it was, and I hope I am bringing that same feeling to others.

About A Night With The Villains

A Night With the Villains

What is this Production about?

A Night With The Villians is the amazing brainchild of Elodie Boal and Trent Sellars, with help from Jennifer B Ashley and Jackie Fredericksen along the way. Imagine having all the best villains in the world returning for just one night (in our case, 2!) and tormenting you with fabulous song and dance. Truly, it is a match made in Halloween heaven, but you can’t just take my word for it!

What character are you playing, and what can you share with us about them?

I am playing the Wicked Witch character. As soon as I was posited with going green for this show, I was all in! Some of the best roles are painted green, so I am actually honoured to be doing it for this one! Everyone in this show has a unique character, and it is so wicked and fun to see them transform at rehearsals.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I spent a year in America in 2019, and the difference between American Halloween and ours cannot be understated! When Elodie approached me about being a part of a Halloween show, you bet I was ready brooms-a-blazing. Being a part of a supportive cast and crew was also a major draw card. These guys have been the BEST to work with.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Everyone who loves a bit of a spook and something quirky will love this show—bringing a little bit of Musical Theatre, Film and Television together in one jam-packed 2-hour thrill. Everyone has their moment to shine and tell their own unique story with iconic songs and amazing dancing.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

How amazing the talent is in Brisbane (though we already knew it!), the cast is so solid in their performances and deliveries I think that people will be amazed.

Georgia can be seen in A Night With The Villains from 31st Oct to 1st November in the Ron Hurley Theatre in the spooky Seven Hills Hub.

Other interviews can be viewed in Our Meet The Actor Series, or check here for the latest Dark Stories Theatre Reviews.