Scholarship powers Ava to perform

As she grew into adolescence, so did her passion for acting and drama, eventually bringing her to TAFE Queensland.

"During high school, I was doing drama classes after class, which I loved. Performing and learning was fun and beneficial," explained Ava

"Then, in year 12, my real journey started, and I needed to decide which area of drama I wanted to study because there are so many different pathways you can do in performance."

Knowing she wanted to immerse herself in acting, Ava enrolled in the Bachelor of Creative Industries (Drama and Performance) (ARB404) to help her leap from the classroom to the stage.

"Learning how a creative performance can positively impact someone's life and the wider community cemented my passion, and since then, I've never looked back," she continued.

After meeting the teachers and touring the facilities, Ava knew this was where she could become the best version of herself. 

"My gut told me this was the right place for me. The Norman Price theatre is a gorgeous little black box theatre - and it's our classroom."

"Being surrounded by creative teachers and classmates, opposite a sculptor studio, with musical students above us – the South Bank campus provides a beautiful creative culture to learn in."

Ava felt her skills and knowledge to perform and produce creative acts grow with each class – which she credits to TAFE's learning style.

"I decided to study acting because I prefer hands-on learning, and most of this course was spent in a space creating, being free to choose to direct, write or perform. It was a wonderful way to explore drama and performance."

Also helping Ava learn her craft was her like-minded classmates, who created a supportive community that challenged and inspired each other in a flexible learning environment.

"The community here is a safe and creative place to develop yourself as an artist. Combined with the quality of the teachers, TAFE helped me to discover who I would be outside of the classroom, from a performance actor and creative point of view."

Also helping Ava to produce and act in creative projects is her National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) scholarship, awarded to her a successful audition.

"My teacher, Patrick Mitchell, emailed all graduates about the NIDA opportunity. I thought it would level up my film training, so I auditioned, and then, about a week later, I was accepted, which was fantastic. And it also came about because of TAFE Queensland."

Ava's scholarship sees her attend a full day of classes on Saturdays, learning new acting skills while reinforcing the basics of natural actor training.

"I'm also making new contacts and continuing my existing ones from other students and alumni, which is fantastic and important to upkeep that training even after you graduate."

While she spends her Saturdays learning new acting skills, Ava is busy during the week bringing a play to life using the skills she learnt during her TAFE Queensland studies. 

"I'm working with a graduate friend, and we're putting together a play. I'm directing, and he's producing, so I'm organising costumes and sets, scheduling times, and all the fun behind-the-scenes stuff, which I also love."

"So, between that and the requirements of my NIDA scholarship, I'm pretty busy, but the plan going forward is to join an agency to get theatre and film gigs as an actor."

Ava looks forward to exploring her creative future, thanks to studying in an innovative course that gave her the best possible launch pad for success.

"TAFE Queensland elevated my knowledge and skills in acting and performance – it was perfect for me."

"The theatre, the lectures, the quality of work, the collaboration with music, fashion and visual arts students all gave me insights and contacts for when you create your work after graduation."

"I'm so happy I followed doing what I love - and if performance is your thing, go for it. You won't regret it," concluded Ava.Article content goes here.