Geelong has traditionally punched above its weight when it comes to producing acting and musical stars of the future. John Van Klaveren scopes Geelong’s crop of rising stars – the names you’ll see in lights.
Jazz Laker
When she introduces herself, the reaction is often the same: “Cool name.”
The one thing Jazz is happy about is that she doesn’t have to invent a stage name – her real name has plenty of recall for agents and casting directors.
Jazz has wasted no time in getting onto the audition circuit, fronting up for two Melbourne agents on one weekend recently.
“I finished up at GSODA juniors last year, because I turned 17, so I had to ‘retire’,” Jazz smiled.
“I’ve been doing screen acting classes at Moore Grace for about 18 months, so I’m hoping an agent picks me up.”
Georgia Van Etten
Georgia admits she is always looking for an edge to further her musical and acting career.
“The more string you have to your creative bow, the better,” she admits. “One thing can often lead to another.”
Her background in musical theatre through Debbie Fraser’s Music Box and GSODA kids led her at 15 to joining Sweethearts, the all-girls swing and jazz ensemble.
“I got most of my musical theatre training in GSODA and played a few lead roles in adult shows. It was great experience.”
Tayla Johnston
Tayla says she pretty much knew from a young age that she was destined for an acting career.
But that doesn’t mean it has come easily – she has had to dig deep to find reserves of determination to stick with it.
“I recall auditioning straight out of school and being rejected – it was a slap in the face, but I realised I wasn’t ready yet.
“This business is renowned as a world of rejection until you get your big break. Auditions means putting yourself on the line and hoping they like you enough to accept you.
“But I’ve had to learn to take rejection with a grain of salt and not to take it personally. It doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have the skills or talent.”
Jazz, Georgia and Tayla have plenty more words of wisdom (despite their fresh face) for stage performer hopefuls on page 49.
