AFTT graduating acting student Suriya Ticehurst recently performed her final piece at Belvoir St Theatre this month, ‘Trojan Barbie’.
We sat down with her to find out how she felt about her time during her Acting Course, her post-graduation plans, and her time performing at Belvoir!
Hey Suriya! So, how did it feel performing at Belvoir?
it was surreal honestly. I still remember seeing the previous tier 4's performing their graduation shows and thinking about how I cannot wait to be where they are especially considering how talented they are. I feel so lucky to of had the chance to perform in one of most wonderful theatres in Sydney. When the time finally came, it was overwhelming and I couldn't believe it. However, in saying that, it felt right and I felt ready and excited to be telling stories and communicating them to the audience.
So how do you think your final graduate performance went?
It was such an amazing experience and journey. It was so much fun putting on a play at Belvoir, it seemed so surreal and as close to performing professionally as we could be. It taught me how to stay open minded and made me realise how much of an ensemble you need to be to put on a show. Since joining the course, we’ve all been able to develop a sense of professionalism that we can take into the industry, that we didn't really have before when we first started. We discovered how important it was and also finding a balance between being professional and having fun.
What were your favourite things about studying at AFTT?
I know it might sound like a cop out but honestly everything was wonderful and magical and such an amazing journey to go on. I loved every single moment. If I had to pick though, my absolute favourite thing that I studied at AFTT was by far Shakespeare. I grew to love Shakespeare more and more during my time here. I learnt so much about humanity through studying Shakespeare and the human condition which in my opinion is the most important as an actor. I’ve really taken from this course the need to find out what a character's motive is and why they do what they do. I've learnt to stay hungry and fight for the characters.
Because of this course, I feel ready to go out in the world and comfortable now that I have a tool bag full of wonderful things that are there for me to use.
It was also such an amazing experience to work with such likeminded people and it gave me a chance to just be myself and develop my acting craft in a comfortable environment. We all looked out for each other and took care of one another and it was wonderful. I felt safe to explore and learn. Choosing to train at AFTT has been the best decision I've ever made.
What opportunities have you had from AFTT that you believe have helped you?
AFTT has given me lots of opportunities to collaborate and allowed me to bring out some of my potential. Working with the film students at AFTT was very useful and beneficial throughout the whole experience. It was an amazing journey collaborating with so many creative minds and learning and growing together. It has helped me strengthen the way I talk with others and helped me develop a level of professionalism whilst having fun. I think it's important to find a balance and I believe that I've learnt so much in that regard, with working with the film students and outside individuals in the industry.
What are your plans post-graduation?
My plans are to get a job and save up money to go travel and see more of what the world has to offer me. I need my experience in life to help me grow as a person and at the same time, a great actor. I will also look for opportunities to audition for roles whether it's film or theatre, and become part of a collaboration. I would love to take part in a Shakespeare play.
Finally, what advice would you give to new acting students?
I would say just be yourself and that we are all here to learn, grow and discover. Be hungry, be curious and commit whole heartedly. Never let anyone tell you that you don't deserve to be here. Be open to every opportunity that presents itself to unlock your full potential. And lastly, have fun.
Find out more about studying Acting at AFTT.