Interviews

THE ENCHANTING AND TALENTED AUSSIE ACTRESS, ROBYN DUSE

We recently caught up with one of Australia’s most popular actresses, Robyn Duse, who has all the A-listers in Hollywood talking. She was happy to share some tips with the readers and also, her inspirations growing up down under. Here is what she had to say:

Robyn Duse
Robyn Duse

Please introduce yourself to the readers and how you you first got into performing:

I’m Robyn Duse, an actress based in Melbourne and Los Angeles. My love for acting, singing and dancing ignited at a young age when I performed with the ‘Johnny Young Talent Team’ and Danni Minogue (sister of Kylie) on stage, which was an amazing experience and from then on, I wanted to perform. This led to my first screen debut on the Puffing Billy Commercial at 5 years of age and I still remember that commercial until this day (laughs). From then on, my passion for acting, singing and dancing flourished and has never left me. I think that once it’s in your blood, it’s very hard to leave.

What inspired you to get into this industry?

My inspiration came from being involved in a local theatre company when I was growing up. I loved being  part of some amazing plays where everyone united, had fun and enjoyed the thrill of being on stage with fellow actors. It was such a special time in my life as we all formed such amazing friendships and it felt like a big family. The spark of being in front of an audience whether on stage or the screen doing what I love has never left me and inspired me to keep performing. I love that acting allows you to be free with your emotions and also allows a sense of freedom where you can be raw and authentic.

What is your background and training in performing?

I began training in Melbourne at many different schools over the years before deciding to venture off to Los Angeles with an acting group where I did some intense acting boot camp training at the world renowned prestigious Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre located in Hollywood. My dream was always to go to the US for acting and it was such an exhilarating experience and since then, I have been back 5 times.

I attended further study at Stella Adler Los Angeles, Meisner Studios Los Angeles with Anthony Montes, Margie Haber Studios Los Angeles, Beverly Hills Playhouse and many other reputable schools in Los Angeles. I have also trained with many talented well respected individual actors such as: Andy McPhee who has been an amazing mentor/coach/friend over the years and an American dialect coach Bob Corff which further enhanced my knowledge and passion for acting.

What has been your favorite role to play so far?

I love roles that are layered and dramatic with depth as I find those roles the most compelling. I also enjoy playing any role that resonates with my own life because it comes from a special place. The role I played on the popular Aussie TV show ‘Neighbours’ as a police woman was always fun taking on that life and going into makeup and wardrobe prior to being on set as a police officer.

What would you say has been one of the biggest achievements of your career so far?

I recently returned from LA where I auditioned for many casting directors from film and TV shows such as: Two and a Half Men, Criminal Minds, The Big Bang Theory, Grey’s Anatomy, Wedding Crashers, Scream, Terminator and much more. This was an amazing experience not only to be in front of these casting directors, but to receive some remarkable feedback which was definitely a huge accomplishment for me. It was what I have always dreamed of since I was a little girl.

What projects do you have coming up?

I have some productions that are filming this year and some exciting feature films that are to be shot in LA in 2017 that I am really looking forward to.These roles are very interesting and layered characters, which I can’t wait to delve into, as well as some other projects currently in discussion which I have auditioned for. There is also a feature film in the UK which I have been shortlisted for, which I am really excited about, so fingers crossed. There are lots of exciting projects on the horizon and I can’t wait to talk more about these upcoming projects soon- some of which I unfortunately, cannot disclose at present.

Who would you most like to work with?

There are so many talented actors that I would love to work with whom are very talented gifted actors like: Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Daniel Day Lewis and Leonardo Di Caprio. They are all phenomenal actors with so much experience and I know I could learn so much from being on set with them.

What are your plans for the future?

To continue working in TV and film in the US and Australia and working in between the two countries, predominately America. The US has always been my ultimate dream with the most amazing influential actors and has a very special place in my heart where I feel a strong sense of belonging with industry people I connect with. It is a whole different vibe in comparison to Australia, that I just can’t get enough of. I am also in the process of writing a feature film that strongly resonates with me as the topic is very close to my heart and I feel this story needs to be heard.

What is your advice to aspiring performers?

Where do I start?
My advice is to never ever give up. Believe in yourself as there is only one of you and we as individuals are all unique in our own way. I feel many actors and artists need to believe in themselves more and trust that they are enough, that each one of them individually can bring their own amazing qualities to roles and this industry. Also, just to be yourself, this industry can be tough and definitely not an easy industry to get into. However, hard work, perseverance, belief and trust in yourself, and being 100% dedicated, you will reap the rewards.

This industry is like a rollercoaster ride, just how life is. The reality is, there are many “no’s” and rejections that can sometimes be quite sabotaging to actors and their careers in the industry. Just believe in yourself and don’t allow anyone to tell you that you are not good enough or that you are wasting your time and you should give up. Many people will try and drag you down and not want you to succeed, however, keep on reaching for the stars, believing in yourself, being true to yourself no matter what obstacles come your way. This is your journey and keep being inspiring and amazing creators.  Last, but not least, never give up!