Aspiring actress ready to shine
USQ theatre student enjoys life on stage
MIKEALA Gordon might be in the early days of her acting career, but the USQ theatre student certainly takes the art of acting seriously.
“Every time I am on stage, I want to put on a performance that evokes emotions and moves the audience,” Miss Gordon said.
“Theatre gives me that chance to connect with people in a deeper way where they can experience emotions they haven’t felt before by living vicariously through my character on-stage.”
Originally from Dalby, Miss Gordon will take the stage at the USQ Arts Theatre tonight for the premiere of the student performance Spring Awakening.
In preparing for her lead female role of the curious yet naïve Wendla Bergmann, the former Dalby State High School student started thinking about her former teachers and USQ alumnus Ari Palani who inspired her to pursue acting.
“I am very fortunate I had some fantastic theatre teachers at my high school, but it was Ari who really helped me come out of my shell,” she said.
“Ari did a lot of workshops at my school with the Empire Theatre and a lot of his training was philosophy-based, which made think differently about acting.
“He has also done a lot of work overseas educating children through theatre, which inspired me greatly.”
Miss Gordon, who is in her second year of a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Theatre) at USQ Toowoomba, said acting allowed her to express her creative side and do something she loved.
“Being on stage is a little nerve-wracking, exhilarating and fun. It is fantastic to live in the moment as your character,” she said.
“The Creative Arts program has really opened my eyes to many new possibilities and helped me learn more about not only acting but the world around us.”
Directed by award-winning guest director Matt Scholten, Spring Awakening premieres tonight and runs until Saturday at the USQ Arts Theatre.
For more information, visit artsworx.usq.edu.au.
To learn more about studying Theatre at USQ, visit www.usq.edu.au /study/degrees/ bachelor-of-creative-arts.