Sydney embraces vulnerability, tradition, and truth through acting

From that moment, she fell in love with discovering and bringing characters to life, which began a personal and professional journey that would carry her from TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus to the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

While acting always held a special place in her heart, it wasn’t until she joined a local theatre group called White Rabbit that Sydney truly began to see it as a career path.

Under the mentorship of two passionate teachers, Lisa and Ainsley, she found the inspiration and support she needed to pursue acting seriously.

Born in a large musical family and the second youngest of eight siblings, Sydney was raised in a creative environment where everyone learned an instrument.

Playing the cello and piano, she credits her incredibly supportive parents and siblings with giving her the courage to follow her dreams.

“I always knew that no matter what, I had this big, loving family to fall back on. That gave me the confidence to take risks,” Sydney explained.

After struggling to feel engaged in her high school environment, Sydney first connected with TAFE Queensland through the TAFE at School program.

Thanks to what she jokingly calls “some highly investigative work from Mum,” she enrolled in the Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events (CUA30220) and has never looked back.

“I didn’t originally want to go to university, and I’m thankful every day that I chose this path. The way the teachers make the most of what they have and how much they care is unlike anything I’ve experienced,” she said.

Her training began with TAFE Queensland’s Drama and Performance qualification and progressed to the Bachelor of Creative Industries (Acting and Performance) (ARB401) in partnership with the University of Canberra.

Throughout her TAFE Queensland studies, Sydney has grown into a confident, emotionally intelligent performer who deeply values the role actors play in society.

“I’ve come to understand how sacred this work is. We’re part of something that’s been around for hundreds of thousands of years. Storytelling is the oldest tradition in the world, and I get to be part of that,” Sydney said.

This respect for the craft was reinforced during her time at the NIDA, where she was selected for a highly competitive two-week immersion program through a scholarship.

Though she wasn’t sure she’d be considered, coming from a drama background rather than acting, she was thrilled when she was chosen.

“I was over the moon. The whole experience was unforgettable. Masking, improv, acrobatics, fencing - there was so much to absorb. Gillian and her team were so welcoming. It was inspiring to see how collaborative and supportive the NIDA environment was,” she said.

Training at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus, particularly in the Norman Price Theatre, also left a lasting impression on Sydney. Though different in scale and style to NIDA, she found the environment deeply personal and powerful.

“The small cohorts and the incredible acting department here create such a unique atmosphere. It’s intimate and intense in the best way. That closeness helped me grow - not just as an actor, but as a person,” she said.

That personal growth came partly through learning to embrace vulnerability, something Sydney admits was the most challenging part of her training.

“Letting go and fully submerging into a character was hard, but with the support of my teachers, I found true beauty and joy in those moments. That’s where the real magic is.”

Sydney is deeply grateful to her high school music teachers who helped her stay connected to the arts, her piano teacher who nurtured her maturity, and the dedicated faculty at TAFE Queensland.

“There’s Patrick, who helped me believe my dreams could be real. Anatoly, who pushed me to become a better actor. Lisa helped me understand the power of my body and voice.”

“Roslind, who helped me find clarity and confidence in my speech and Brian, who taught me so much about who I am and what it means to be vulnerable as an actor. Each of them helped shape who I am today,” continued Sydney.

Looking ahead, Sydney is open to whatever comes her way - film, theatre, or further study.

“If I could be on stage for the rest of my life, I’d be happy. But really, I want to keep learning, growing, and discovering. There’s a whole world out there full of skills to acquire,” she said.

Her advice for aspiring actors is practical and poetic while grounded in reality.

“It’s hard. It’s tiring. And sometimes it’s not fun at all. But if you know it’s what you want to do, go for it with everything you’ve got. This tradition is ancient and beautiful. Everyone should have the chance to be part of it.”

Success, for Sydney, isn’t measured in fame or awards, but in truth.

“If I can walk away from a performance knowing I allowed that character to be seen, honestly and fully, and gave everything I had to my fellow actors, the story, and the audience - then I’ve succeeded,” concluded Sydney.