Charlie Powell interview
This weeks’ interview is with actress Charlie Powell!
Tell me about yourself
Hi, Thank you so much for these questions! I’m Charlie Powell, I am 21 years old, born and raised in Sydney Australia. I grew up by the coast, so I have always been a water baby loving the beaches, enjoying snorkelling, surfing and have a love for travelling to tropical places. My childhood and teen years were also full of dance, acting classes and modelling jobs which started my love for the entertainment world.
What drew you to start acting?
My dream to come a professional dancer definitely led me to acting. As a dancer, I studied all styles of dance including Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap, Hip hop, Musical Theatre and Jazz. I then auditioned and was accepted into the Newtown High School of the Performing Arts. During my 6 years of studying and training, I was accepted into the Joffery Ballet School when I was sixteen, received a scholarship to Broadway Dance Centre in NYC and received the highest female scholarship to Point Park University upon my completion of high school. In my last two years of high school I began to find interest in acting. I began to take classes at NIDA and Screenwise and that’s when I knew I wanted to study more about the art from and ultimately move to America. I will always have a place in my heart for dance so I still continue to train at the Edge Performing Arts and Playground in Los Angeles.
You’re originally from Australia. What’s the acting scene in Australia like?
Yes, well I didn’t do too much acting work in Australia as I moved quickly to the United States right after High School. The one big difference in the acting worlds is, America has a lot more opportunities and more jobs, as the Industry is so much larger than Australia. Most of Australian actors who want to make a career for themselves end up moving to America at so stage anyway, so I thought I most well have a head start.
You’ve moved from Australia to LA. What drew you to making such a big move?
I have always loved America, starting with family vacations to visiting numerous times for high school that included auditioning for scholarships and colleges. It has always held a special place in my heart. When I was nineteen I was accepted into The American Academy Of Dramatic Arts, in Los Angeles, so I packed up my things and headed out on a new adventure. It truly has been an amazing journey & the best decision for my career and future.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to deal with so far?
The first big challenge for myself was moving countries at the age of nineteen; I basically left everything behind to start a new beginning which was very scary and intimidating. It was especially hard to leave my family and friends behind. I didn’t know what it was going to be like living in Los Angeles nor did I really know if I was going to like studying at the school I was attending. Now looking back it was by far the best decision I have made and don’t regret anything. The next big challenge for myself, and many actors was getting representation; especially not being a citizen it made it even harder. The toughest challenge was to find someone who was going to take a chance on me! Luckily I am now signed with a manager and represented both Commercially and Print.
Where would you like your career to develop?
Right now, i will be happy with anything that comes my way, in the long run I would love to be a part of Hello Sunshine, which is Reece Witherspoon Production Company and work with more female directors. I am also really interested in comedic acting.
Have you thought about doing work behind the camera, such as writing, directing or producing?
Starting out, it wasn’t something I really wanted to do as it seemed so daunting and difficult. However, now, understanding the industry more, and my ever growing passion for the art, I would love to direct or produce in the future. I would be especially interested in producing or directing something that will encourage, inspire and empower young females.
Do you have any advice for people wanting to start out in acting
Yes I do! If it’s been a dream of yours, or you find interest in the craft, I say TAKE THE RISK otherwise you will never know.
Do you have any projects in the work that you can tell us about
I recently did an audition for Disney and NCIS, but unfortunately most projects are on hold during this devastating, sad and uncertain time of Covid-19. I am keeping myself busy learning new scripts, reading books, doing and redoing self tapes and practicing auditions, because there is always room for improvement.
If you could have a single superpower, what would it be and why?
As a kid I loved the show H20 Just Add Water and always wanted to be the mermaid that could freeze anything, but now my superpower has changed to teleporting. I love to travel and has been a big part of my life growing up and I think being able to teleport anywhere would be such an adventure. I could also zap home for some home cooking.
Have you binge watched any shows recently? If so, what have they been?
Recently I binged Schitts Creek on Netflix, I absolutely loved the show, Dan and Eugene Levy created a hilarious plot, with such great writing, great actors and looked like a lot of fun to be a part of the show. Another TV series I am binging is, Little Fires Everywhere, with Reece Witherspoon, she is everything! The show supports so many talented female artists; and I aspire to be a part of a production like that one day.
Are there any actors/directors/writers/etc you think deserve more attention/coverage?
Yvonne Strahovski is an Australian actress now known for her supporting role in the hit TV series, Hand Maid Tale with Elizabeth Moss, one of my favourite actresses. Yvonne is a brilliant actress and I think she deserves more attention on her outstanding performances. Claire McCarthy another brilliant Director that deserved more attention as she just directed an amazing film ‘Ophelia’ starring Naomi Watts, Daisy Ridly and George Mckay.
Where can we find you online (social media etc)?
Thanks again for the questions! So lovely chatting with you, you can find me on my Instagram! – @charlie_powell26