ACTT Q & A

Q & A with 2006 ACTT graduate Jade Alexander

What are you currently up to?
I have teamed up with Director Jane Alexandra Foster and Executive Producer Tori Pearson. My short film Platinum Chisel recently premiered at Festival de Cannes Short Film Corner to great reviews. I am currently living in London and pursuing a career as an actor and producer. My next project is as producer for a short film currently entitled Unify with a budget of £5,000. It’s a 3min short that we are going to enter into Ridley Scott’s Parallel Lines competition.

Why, how and when did you decide to get into acting or performing arts?
I began acting when I was 7 years old and had my first role as a snail in Phillip St Theatre. I’ve always wanted to perform and always loved bringing stories to life. I believe that we are all story tellers who help educate, entertain and open peoples eyes up around the world.

What have been your toughest and highest career points since leaving ACTT?
The toughest was definitely moving to London, its still in recession and the industry is very slow to pick up. Making it very difficult for newcomers.High career points are: Walking the red carpet at the Cannes opening night premiere of Robin Hood right before Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe! Getting the lead in Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, which toured the whole east coast of Australia for 6 months fully funded by Arts on Tour. It was amazing all our hotels, flights, cars, even food was paid for not to mention all the amazing adventures we had on tour. Everything from riding horses into the sea, performing in Mt Isa, wine tasting in the Yarra Valley and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef.

What advice would you give to anyone considering acting for the first time?
Do some classes, let go of your embarrassment and have some fun!

Why did you choose to study at ACTT and what has been your most memorable experience here?
ACTT seemed the most balanced and grounded place for me to study. Most memorable experience is difficult as there were so many over 3 years from our rowdy first year fundraiser where everyone drunk way too much!, to organizing a Melbourne tour for our grad show Top Girls. It was a pretty amazing, scary and exciting, three years.

What would be your key survival tip for students just starting out in the industry?
It takes time and persistence. The industry is made up of people who all know eachother, so get out there and network and meet people. Give yourself 2 years before you expect results, contact casting agents, do student shorts and do unpaid theatre. It all pays off, just slowly.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Knowing that there is work to do! It changes on what Im doing, and Im always doing different things and progressing so at the moment its knowing that I want to be at Cannes in 2 years time selling and financing my films and have my production office on the Croisette, as well as attending the red carpet as an actor in one of the films!

Please describe acting in three words:
1. Exciting
2. Challenging
3. Fun

Visit Jade's website
Find out more about Ridley Scott's Parallel Lines
Find out more about courses at ACTT