TV debut for USQ grad
Ex-Toowoomba actor set for hit soap opera spot
TOOWOOMBA-trained actor Hannah Ellis-Ryan grew up watching Coronation Street now she’s going to play a major role in it. The University of Southern Queensland graduate will be watched on millions of screens around the world when her character Hannah McDonald debuts in the long-running soap opera on Friday. It is a surreal opportunity for the experienced theatre actor, who said she had fond memories watching her fictional parents on television. “My mum and I used to watch Coronation Street in Australia all the time!” she told The Chronicle. “I remember watching the McDonalds at home all those years ago and it’s very surreal to now be working with them all. “I’ve lived in Manchester for nearly six years and many young actors including myself are waiting for this kind of opportunity, so I feel very fortunate. “Hannah (originally called Katie when she was written into the show in the 1990s) is a gift of a role - she’s layered, interesting and goes on a really big journey.” Ms Ellis-Ryan, who spent the past six years developing a theatre company in Manchester, said USQ had helped build her into the actor she was today.
‘‘ I REMEMBER WATCHING THE MCDONALDS AT HOME ALL THOSE YEARS AGO AND IT’S VERY SURREAL TO NOW BE WORKING WITH THEM ALL.
HANNAH ELLIS-RYAN
“Honestly I have so much to thank USQ for. An immeasurable amount,” she said.
“When I started my training in 2007, I was a very insecure actor. I had lost myself a bit and completely lost that trust in my instincts, and I also didn’t know where my strengths lay.
“I attribute so much of my confidence and sense of selfworth to Scott Alderdice, our lecturer, who introduced me to comedy and gave me the confidence to really throw myself into something and not apologise.”
Aside from her acting chops, Ms Ellis-Ryan said USQ also gave her a business savvy she put to good use.
“USQ also taught an entire module in arts business practice, which gave me the skills to write funding applications and learn how to manage a business and think about your arts in a sustainable way,” she said. You can watch Coronation Street on UKTV, which is available on Foxtel. Call 131 999 to subscribe.