The time has come! Our Tier 1 acting students are putting their new skills to the test with their very first live production - Matt Camerons 'Ruby Moon'!
We caught up with Georgia and Kevin who are busy at work putting the final touches on the production to discuss what lessons they have learnt at AFTT so far and how they are putting it to good use for the production.
How has your time at AFTT been so far?
Georgia: Fantastic!! I feel like every day that I walk into the building I am so encouraged and learn so much. The staff are so friendly and really knowledgable in both their own fields and others. At AFTT there is always a chance to learn, further develop all of your skills and make you a better, overall performer. One of the best parts about AFTT is that there are film makers, actors and live production students all in the same place. These students are all at different levels of experience and from all different backgrounds, which allows you the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from one another.
Kevin: Joining AFTT has been the best decision of my life! A lot of my friends dread going to uni but for me it's a blessing and something I'm excited for each day. There's not a day where I haven't learnt something about myself or acting in general and with everyone being so supportive and hardworking, AFTT has become my second home.
You’re currently working on your first production with AFTT ‘Ruby Moon’, tell us a bit about the production?
Georgia: ‘Ruby Moon’ is a play written by Matt Cameron in 2003. It is a play that uses only two actors but has eight characters written into the play. It is about the impact of a young girl going missing in a suburban street. It is an interesting look at the realities of suburban life and the effects of grief and loss on different types of people. The rehearsals for ‘Ruby Moon’ are so informative and fun. It is really valuable being able to work on text while also learning about acting styles, ways to get into character and script analysis. This allow us to use the skills that we are being taught in a highly practical way and see first hand which techniques work and which ones don't.
Kevin: The production process for Ruby Moon has been so enjoyable! Since the play is meant to have loose ends, it has been very exciting to see how each of the cast interpret the play and link their objectives to their character. All the cast and production crew have worked extremely hard, especially on their days off, to develop character choices and bring them to life and we are very keen to show this to the greater audience!
What have you learnt in the lead up to performing ‘Ruby Moon’?
Georgia: Through rehearsals, reading and analysing the play, I have learnt how much effort goes into creating a performance that seemingly looks effortless to the audience. The amount of development that it takes to play a character is far more than what meets the eye. It has really interested me that in order to be reverent to other characters in a scene, you need to know the world of a character so well that you don't have to think about it, you can just do it.
Kevin: One thing I have learnt is the value of teamwork and how much it contributes to each moment on stage. Everyone needs to be mentally and physically connected with each other and the space around them so our rehearsals always consists with team-building excises. Our class definitely benefit from these exercises on and off the stage.
What excites you the most about this production?
Georgia: I am excited to try out the new techniques and skills that I have learnt so far at AFTT. It also excites me that I get to do a production with a group of really talented actors. I know that it will be amazing and bring us so close together as a group. Being able to perform and show my friends and family what I have been spending most of my week and weekends doing is super exciting.
Kevin: What excites me most about this production is how many of our friends and family will be watching us act for the first time. It will be a great opportunity to show the ones we value most that we are loving what we do and have been working hard to make our passion a reality.
What advice would you have for anyone thinking about studying acting?
Georgia: Go for it! It is so much fun and it allows you to learn so much about yourself and others. I would advise to not be afraid to ask for guidance from acting teachers, drama teachers or anyone else you know in the industry. They might be able to guide you in the correct path or at least give you a little bit more information about your craft. However, the best advice that I have been given is to remember that getting rejected is just as beneficial as succeeding. It forces you to reassess and improve in ways you didn't think you could.
Kevin: In the words of Shia LaBeouf... JUST DO IT! But in all seriousness, if you love it enough, give it a go and forget what others say about you - they're just jealous that they don't enjoy something as much as you do! If you're doing it for the right reasons, you never know how far you can go!
Ruby Moon will be performed in the AFTT Auditorium on the 21st, 23rd and 25th of June.
To find out more about showtimes and ticketing,
click here.