Matthew takes his acting journey to the next level

Growing up in Hanoi, Vietnam, Matthew was surrounded by theatre. His mother had studied acting at university and introduced him to live performance, while his school offered drama classes from Year 4 through to graduation.

“I loved my time in those classes,” Matthew said.

His early memories include helping backstage on school productions, watching his older brothers perform, and, perhaps most memorably, appearing in a school concert dressed as Superman and singing *I Need a Hero*.

It was a Year 4 production of Treasure Island that gave Matthew his first real sense of the magic of performance.

“I was in the ensemble as a pirate called Tattoo Charlie,” he said. “Just being part of the show and making something on stage was awe-inspiring.”

Years later, that childhood passion has developed into a serious career ambition, with Matthew now preparing to graduate from TAFE Queensland’s three-year Bachelor of Creative Industries (Acting and Performance) (ARB401) in partnership with the University of Canberra.

The degree combines intensive practical training with academic study, developing students’ skills across acting, voice, movement, performance making and professional practice.

Students also gain regular opportunities to perform for live audiences in professional-style environments.

For Matthew, studying at TAFE Queensland has transformed his understanding of the craft.

“My theatre knowledge has expanded immensely studying at TAFE Queensland - I feel like I barely knew anything at school, and now I know so much history, techniques, practitioners and plays.”

He credits his teachers – Lisa O’Neil, Anatoly Frusin, Patrick and Brian – with helping him develop both as an actor and creative practitioner.

“Being able to make my own piece at uni has been valuable to me to learn how I work as an actor,” Matthew Said. 

He also credits his teachers: Brian’s guidance, Anatoly's help in understanding texts and developing characters, and Lisa’s intensive physical training, which gave him an understanding of how the body can be used in performance.

Matthew has also built his confidence through performing in TAFE Queensland’s Norman Price Theatre at South Bank.

“It is hard, but rewarding, and the teachers encourage the students to push themselves to create work that the students can be proud of.”

The professional-style performance environment has helped Matthew recognise just how prepared he is becoming for life beyond study.

“Performing in a professional theatre environment has helped build my confidence by showing me how ready I already am for the external professional environment and what I need to work on as a student at TAFE Queensland.”

That preparation was put to the test when Matthew was selected for a two-week scholarship residency at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney.

Through TAFE Queensland’s partnership with NIDA, two exceptional third-year acting students each year can undertake a fully supported two-week study secondment, joining classes and activities at NIDA’s Sydney campus.

Matthew and fellow third-year student Bailey Lowe were this year’s scholarship recipients.

During his residency, Matthew joined classes with NIDA’s first- and second-year acting students and experienced a different training environment and approach to performance.

A major highlight was working with Uncle Matt on Aboriginal dance.

“It’s not something I have seen or experienced before growing up in Vietnam,” Matthew said.

He was also struck by the scale of NIDA’s facilities and the breadth of creative disciplines supporting its acting students.

“The facilities at NIDA are endless. From costumes, set design, directing and stage management, all the students there are very welcoming and friendly.”

The experience also gave Matthew an opportunity to reflect on what makes TAFE Queensland’s acting training distinctive.

“The actor look at NIDA is very clean cut, TAFE Queensland doesn’t make clean-cut actors. I know that my TAFE Queensland learning has prepared me to be a strong actor with my own individuality and being able to create my own work.”

Rather than simply replicating another model of actor training, Matthew said his TAFE Queensland experience has helped him develop his own creative identity - something he believes will be crucial in a competitive industry.

For Matthew, that means creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.

“To stay motivated in the industry is that you need to create your own work. Becoming a part of the Brisbane theatre community is important as well, as making friends with fellow theatre makers help build connections and opportunities to make work,” he said.

After graduation, Matthew plans to focus on independent theatre, with a particular ambition to return to musical theatre and eventually audition for touring companies and major Brisbane theatre companies.

“My heart is in the theatre and I plan on pursuing mostly independent theatre work initially,” he said.

He also hopes to travel through Europe, experience its theatre scene and potentially work internationally in the future.

For now, his focus is on completing his degree and putting everything he has learned into his final performances.

His advice to aspiring actors is simple: commit to the process, stay curious and be willing to create your own opportunities.

“Studying acting will be a major dedication for the next couple years and be open to take on anything that is given to you. Don’t be afraid to suggest your own ideas.”

“Success as an actor is being on stage. You don’t need to be a big part, just something that builds up to a whole. One person seeing your show is successful,” concluded Matthew.